Full-Time
Manager – Engineering Sciences-Materials
Secretariat
1,001-5,000 employees
Independent arbitration and litigation consulting experts
No salary listed
London, UK
In Person
PhD
 Consulting (1) |
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- PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Corrosion, Electrochemistry
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- 5+ years of prior experience in engineering consulting
- Specialized knowledge of materials characterization techniques like SEM, EDS, XPS, Auger, SIMS, FTIR, X-ray
- Strong expert report writing skills to complement analytics
- Able to quickly assimilate relevant information in unfamiliar situations and develop creative approaches and solutions necessary to resolve complex problems
- The ability to manage and prioritize your time and your team’s time, potentially against a backdrop of competing deadlines
- Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
- Excellent listening, verbal, written, technical, and presentation skills
- The desire to lead, auxiliary tasks associated with a growing practice within a rapidly growing firm
- Exceptional analytical skills, problem solving, communication skills, and creativity are the foundation for successful professionals at Secretariat.
- Conducting hands-on failure analysis investigations
- Planning and executing laboratory tests
- Conducting field inspections
- Communicate with clients, and counsel
- Assist with the preparation of critique reports examining the conclusions of other experts
- Assist with the preparation of technical reports
- Develop positive relationships with colleagues, peers and clients
- Prepare for and attend hearings, trials and mediations
- Manage the day-to-day requirements of multiple engagements
Secretariat provides independent expert services and litigation consulting worldwide, focusing on international arbitration, litigation, large construction disputes (delay and quantum analysis), forensic accounting, economic damages, and government contracting. Its work combines data-driven analysis and clear written reports plus testimony: teams collect project data, perform delay and quantum calculations, assess damages, and prepare expert reports and testimony to support clients in disputes. What sets Secretariat apart is its deep, hands-on experience and stable, client-focused relationships—clients feel trusted, especially under pressure—which comes from experienced professionals and an independent, objective stance. The goal is to help clients win disputes and reduce risk by delivering precise analyses and credible expert testimony when it matters most.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Atlanta, Georgia
Founded
2008
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See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- The February 2026 Auris Health case delivered an $811 million Delaware judgment.
- Lockheed Martin won over $131 million in August 2026 with Secretariat testimony.
- New 2026 managing directors expand addressable work in PFAS, eDiscovery, and arbitration.
What critics are saying
- FTI Consulting, Kroll, and CRA win scaled litigation work with technology-heavy delivery.
- Secretariat depends on star experts; departures would weaken premium pricing within 2027.
- No diversified software or recurring-revenue engine exists if dispute demand slows after 2026.
What makes Secretariat unique
- Secretariat ranked No. 1 in GAR Expert Witness Firms’ Power Index 2026.
- Its July-September 2026 hires added electrical, contamination, biomechanics, and survey-statistics depth.
- The Naperville lab gives in-house failure analysis and root-cause testing for complex disputes.
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Benefits
Professional Development Budget
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 25%1 year growth
↑ 25%2 year growth
↑ 24%Dr. Justin Bishop, leading electrical engineering expert, joins Secretariat as Managing Director. September 7, 2026 Chicago-based appointment deepens the firm's electrical engineering, product safety, fire investigation, and laboratory capabilities. Secretariat is pleased to welcome Dr. Justin Bishop, an industry-leading electrical engineering expert, as Managing Director. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Bishop brings extensive expertise in investigating electrical systems and equipment across industrial systems, consumer products, residential and commercial properties, and marine incidents. Dr. Bishop's work includes alleged design defects, electrical equipment and control-system failures, fires and explosions, electrical work practices, and shock, electrocution, and arc-flash incidents. He has analyzed power-generation and process equipment, industrial control systems, electrical installations, and operator interactions with automated systems. Dr. Bishop also advises consumer product companies on pre-market product evaluations and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall investigations. His experience includes product testing, failure analysis of field-returned units, product risk assessments, review of safety compliance programs and production techniques, and technical evaluation of corrective action plans. Dr. Bishop will conduct investigations and testing at Secretariat's new laboratory in Naperville, Illinois. The Naperville laboratory supports targeted testing, failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and other forensic engineering evaluations - offering a dedicated, state-of-the-art environment for Secretariat's multidisciplinary Engineering Sciences experts working across electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, thermal sciences, human factors, and other specializations. These in-house capabilities complement Dr. Bishop's work and further expand the technical resources available to clients. "Justin brings an invaluable combination of rigor, technical depth, and investigative experience to our Engineering Sciences practice," says Eric Guyer, Managing Director. "His arrival, together with our investment in the Naperville lab, reflects Secretariat's continued commitment to providing clients with the technical resources, testing capabilities, and multidisciplinary expertise needed to address increasingly complex engineering challenges." Dr. Bishop is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association and the National Association of Fire Investigators. He is also a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and a principal member of the National Fire Protection Association Technical Committee on Electrical Inspection Practices. Dr. Bishop holds a PhD and a Master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Utah, and a Bachelor's degree in computational physics from Illinois State University. Latest insights. Article | september 4, 2026. Recent project failures and litigation trends have brought increased scrutiny to artificial turf systems, including allegations that they present multi-dimensional risk related to design, construction, product performance, environmental and health exposure, and potential injury. News | august 28, 2026. Eight Secretariat experts are named in the Lexology Index 2026 Energy report. This guide highlights the world's leading practitioners working in the field of energy across all major jurisdictions. News | august 25, 2026. Five Secretariat experts have earned recognition in the Lexology Index 2026 Competition report for their work on complex antitrust and competition engagements.
Survey and statistical analysis expert Dr. Samantha Iyengar joins Secretariat as Managing Director. August 18, 2026 With deep expertise in survey research, sampling, and statistical analysis, Dr. Iyengar expands Secretariat's capabilities in high-stakes intellectual property, class action, and commercial disputes. Secretariat is pleased to announce that Dr. Samantha Iyengar has joined as a Managing Director in the firm's San Francisco office. A highly respected expert bringing more than 15 years of experience in survey research, statistical sampling, and consumer behavior analysis, Dr. Iyengar is engaged by clients and counsel to address complex questions in intellectual property, product liability, class action, mass tort, and commercial disputes. Dr. Iyengar has extensive experience designing and conducting surveys related to trademarks, trade dress, patents, false advertising, and consumer claims. She is particularly regarded for her expertise in conjoint surveys and analysis, which have been used to evaluate allegations of patent infringement, false advertising, and product liability claims, including Lanham Act and consumer class action matters, product defect, and mislabeling. Her analyses have been incorporated into damages models that address critical issues such as price premiums, reasonable royalties, and lost profits. Beyond survey research, Dr. Iyengar has designed and evaluated statistical sampling plans used to analyze large populations of documents and records in contract, payment, and commercial disputes. A seasoned testifying expert, she has testified at trial and in deposition on the application of surveys, sampling methodologies, and statistical analysis across a wide range of litigation matters. Prior to joining Secretariat, Dr. Iyengar served as an Assistant Professor at both the University of Michigan-Flint and the University of Idaho, where she taught courses in social research methods. She holds a PhD and MA in Sociology from the University of Iowa, as well as an MA in Sociology and a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Montana. Dr. Iyengar is also a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the American Statistical Association (ASA). Latest insights. News | august 18, 2026. Tanner Weil provided an expert report and testimony on behalf of Air Liquide, a multinational supplier of industrial gases and related services, in a construction dispute arbitration surrounding the development and construction of an anaerobic digester biogas facility in Pennsylvania. The unanimous arbitration panel awarded more than $25.4 million, an amount determined directly from Mr. Weil's analysis and testimony. News | august 14, 2026. During Peru's 2026 presidential election, Secretariat's Arnold Y. Castillo was retained by a major political party to conduct an independent assessment of identified anomalies and determine whether the available evidence justified further technical scrutiny. News | july 30, 2026. Legionnaires' disease and the detection of Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, are once again making headlines. For building owners and operators, it is critical to understand where risks exist, how to maintain effective monitoring practices, and how to respond if and when detections occur.
Dr. Sarahann Rackl, a leading chemical and microbial contamination expert, joins Secretariat as Managing Director. July 16, 2026 As organizations face increasingly complex environmental challenges involving PFAS, microplastics, water quality, and product liability, Dr. Rackl brings more than two decades of experience helping clients investigate these issues, identify root causes, and navigate evolving regulatory requirements. Secretariat is pleased to welcome Dr. Sarahann Rackl, an industry-leading expert in chemical and microbial contamination, as a Managing Director to its growing Engineering Sciences practice. Dr. Rackl brings more than two decades of experience in applying her civil and environmental engineering expertise to help clients navigate complex environmental issues including per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, microbial contamination, product liability, and product stewardship. Dr. Rackl frequently leads complex, multidisciplinary investigations to conduct root cause analyses and identify the sources of microbial and chemical contamination in engineered systems and environments. Often, her analyses involve examinations into the source of PFAS, other chemicals of concern, or Legionella and other waterborne pathogens, helping organizations understand root causes of contamination, assess risks, and develop practical, sustainable solutions. For nearly a decade, a significant portion of Dr. Rackl's work has focused on PFAS. She has supported clients in understanding and responding to evolving federal and state regulations regarding PFAS, microplastics, 1,4-dioxane, bisphenols, metals, and other chemicals of concern. Her experience includes PFAS source assessment, manufacturing root-cause analysis, water and industrial wastewater treatment, assessment of analytical chemistry data, and evaluation of potential PFAS releases following industrial fires and explosions. In addition to her work involving PFAS and chemical contamination, Dr. Rackl has extensive experience investigating complex microbial contamination matters involving critical emerging opportunistic microbial pathogens such as Legionella, Mycobacterium (Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her work spans drinking water distribution and storage infrastructure, large building plumbing systems, and manufacturing operations. Her microbial contamination expertise focuses on helping clients assess contamination risks, identify root causes, evaluate remediation strategies, and address operational and regulatory concerns. Dr. Rackl also extends her contamination expertise to product liability, product stewardship, and compliance matters. As organizations navigate an increasingly complex landscape of federal and state chemicals-of-concern regulations beyond California's Proposition 65, Dr. Rackl helps clients address the challenges of these nuanced regulations and stay ahead of the rapidly changing environment by developing sustainable product stewardship programs and evaluating contamination risks across product lines, manufacturing operations, and supply chains. Her experience includes supporting matters involving PFAS-related false advertising claims, Proposition 65 claims, and other product-related matters that often require critical evaluation of analytical chemistry data. "Our clients are facing growing challenges around PFAS, microbial contamination, and product liability," said Managing Director Eric Guyer. "Sarahann has a remarkable ability to get to the root cause of these issues and help clients make sense of complex scientific and regulatory issues. We're thrilled to welcome her to the team." Before joining Secretariat, Dr. Rackl served as a Principal Engineer at a multinational engineering and scientific consulting firm, where she advised clients across a broad range of environmental, water quality, product stewardship, and regulatory matters. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for helping organizations solve complex scientific and engineering challenges while effectively communicating technical issues to regulators, legal counsel, business leaders, and other stakeholders. Dr. Rackl earned her PhD and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and her BS in Biology from the College of William & Mary. She is a licensed Professional Engineer and an active member of the American Water Works Association. Latest insights. Article | july 15, 2026. eDiscovery is entering a new era, where AI-powered review and chat-based communications are challenging assumptions about data completeness and requiring organisations to focus on governance, explainability, and defensible decision-making. News | july 8, 2026. The continued growth of e-bike adoption has been accompanied by risks related to lithium-ion batteries, including fires and explosions. Recent developments in incident data, standards, and litigation trends suggest several important considerations for manufacturers, distributors, insurers, and counsel. Article | june 30, 2026. FCPA enforcement trends analyzed by geography. Discover where bribery risk is concentrated and how it impacts global compliance, investigations and risk management.
World-Renowned Biomechanics and wearable technology expert Dr. Scott McLean joins Secretariat as Managing Director. May 13, 2026 Dr. McLean brings industry-leading biomechanics and wearable technology expertise to Secretariat, strengthening the firm's ability to address complex, technology-driven disputes. Secretariat is pleased to welcome Dr. Scott McLean as a Managing Director to its growing Engineering Sciences practice. A leading global expert in biomechanics and wearable technology, Dr. McLean brings more than two decades of experience in applying these unique skills to advise and support high-profile large-scale clients in developing, integrating, and applying various technology solutions to better understand and enhance human health, wellness, and performance. Dr. McLean regularly provides expert testimony and advisory support across product liability, sports and fitness equipment, and wearable technology intellectual property disputes, primarily involving patents and trade secrets. In his work, Dr. McLean draws on deep industry expertise spanning 3-D motion capture, wearable sensors, medical imaging, cadaveric and mechanical testing, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI), enabling him to conduct rigorous evaluations of user-product interactions under both laboratory and real-world conditions. A recognized leader in his field, Dr. McLean has developed innovative biomechanical techniques that integrate sensing and AI technologies to help clients assess product performance, analyze user behaviors, and evaluate risk in real-world use-case settings. Beyond litigation, Dr. McLean advises clients in the military, pharmaceutical, and digital health sectors on the development, validation, and deployment of wearable technologies to monitor and predict personalized health, wellness, and performance outcomes for these unique populations. He also advises technology development and technology integration clients on how to best navigate growing data accuracy and reliability, legal, and regulatory challenges as wearable technologies transition from consumer products to more targeted medical monitoring devices. "I've known Scott for many years, and the impact of his work in the biomechanics and wearable technology industries has been truly exceptional," said Eric Guyer, Managing Director. "He brings a tremendous depth of expertise, intellectual rigor, and a thoughtful approach to all he does. I'm genuinely excited to welcome him to Secretariat and for our clients to benefit from his leadership." Before joining Secretariat, Dr. McLean served as a Principal at a multinational engineering and scientific consulting firm. He was previously Director of Innovation Research at Fitbit, where he played a key role in bringing multiple wearable products to market globally, and a Professor at the University of Michigan working extensively with high-profile sports and military sectors. Earlier in his career, he held research and leadership roles at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. McLean earned his PhD in Orthopedic Biomechanics from the University of Queensland in Australia, and obtained his MSc in Biomechanics from the same university. He holds a distinguished research record that includes more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, more than 100 conference presentations, and more than $7 million in federal and private funding to support his research. He also brings exceptional academic and industry credibility, having held senior leadership roles within the American College of Sports Medicine, the International Society of Biomechanics, and the Consumer Technology Association - where he helped shape actionable standards for the development and evaluation of wearable health technologies. Latest insights. Article | may 21, 2026. Nicolas Suarez, an economist at Secretariat, together with Pascaline Dupas and Zhongyi Tang, present "A New Perspective on Spatial Heterogeneity in African Development", which addresses the long standing debate on the effect of national institutions on development outcomes. Article | may 19, 2026. In a recent Law360 article, Amran Nawaz and Ralph Stobwasser examine how MAE provisions are being tested amid ongoing regional disruption and the financial analysis needed to support or challenge them. Article | may 14, 2026. Ralph Stowasser and Tarek Bleik contributed a chapter to the GIR Europe, Middle East and Africa Investigations Review 2026, "The Convergence of Anti-corruption, Counter-fraud and Financial Integrity in the GCC: What it Means for Investigations", examining how financial crime enforcement and investigative expectations are evolving across the region.
Secretariat has strengthened its capabilities in dispute resolution through the purchase of Lsquare Consulting, a boutique consultancy with three offices in the EMEA region.