Andrew Mason
Forensic Expert
Long Beach, CA
As a Forensic Expert with Aperture LLC, I specialize in the scientific investigation, analysis, and reconstruction of passenger and commercial vehicle collisions. My work combines mechanical engineering principles, vehicle dynamics, and advanced forensic technologies to provide objective, evidence-based analyses for litigation and insurance matters. I conduct comprehensive scene and vehicle inspections utilizing 3D laser scanning, drone-based aerial documentation, and event data recorder (EDR) imaging for both passenger and heavy vehicles. I also perform collision reconstruction analyses through the development of scene diagrams, 3D laser scan models, and physics-based modeling and simulations to evaluate vehicle behavior, impact dynamics, and contributing factors.
My background includes nearly a decade of engineering experience supporting complex aerospace systems at organizations including Pratt & Whitney, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, and Raytheon Technologies. Throughout my engineering career, I specialized in systems engineering, physics-based modeling, controls, thermal management, fuel systems, and data analysis for commercial and military aerospace applications. This experience provides a rigorous technical foundation for forensic investigations involving complex mechanical systems and collision dynamics. I hold a Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and continue to advance my expertise through specialized training in accident reconstruction, EDR analysis, heavy vehicle inspections, photogrammetry, and forensic engineering methods. I maintain active memberships in the California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the Southwestern Association of Technical Accident Investigators (SATAI), reflecting my commitment to technical excellence and continued professional development in the field of accident reconstruction.
o Master of Engineering – Mechanical; Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
o Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical; Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
o Aperture LLC – Long Beach, CA; Forensic Expert; July 2024 – Present
- Perform accident reconstruction for passenger and commercial vehicles through the creation and use of scene diagrams, photogrammetry, 3D-laser scan models, HVE, physics-based simulations, and event data recorder (EDR) imaging.
- Conduct scene and vehicle inspections utilizing photography, 3D laser scanning, drone aerials, structured light scanning, and airbag control module (ACM) imaging.
o Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (contractor through Bentley Global Staffing); Principal Systems Engineer; May 2023 – April 2024
- Design and analysis of environmental control systems (ECS) and control logic through supplier management, model-based engineering, and hardware testing.
- Consulting on minor loop control design for pump and actuation systems.
o Pratt & Whitney (Raytheon Technologies Corporation); Senior Computer/Software Engineer; Nov. 2021 – May 2023
- Conducted Simulink/MATLAB model integration, validation, and wet bench hardware comparisons for fuel and actuator systems on commercial engine applications.
- Developed physics-based, thermal management system models used to detect and analyze in-flight anomalies.
o Northrop Grumman; Principal Engineer, System Architect; Sept. 2019 – Oct. 2021
- Subsystem responsible engineer providing fuel and environmental control system (ECS) expertise in the production and sustainment of Triton and Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
- Conducted Simulink/MATLAB model integration, validation, and wet bench hardware comparisons for fuel and actuator systems on commercial engine applications.
- Designed and implemented fuel and ECS change requests to improve component robustness and prolong the service life of military UAVs.
- Performed Fuel Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) on production air vehicles prior to DD250 delivery.
- Served as Supplier Management Team (SMT) lead, facilitating subcontractor component purchase orders and delivery
- Fuel system responsible engineer assigned to monitor flight critical systems during UAV flight testing.
o Pratt & Whitney (United Technologies Corporation); Power & Thermal Management Engineer; Oct. 2018 – Sept. 2019
- Conducted trade studies in the concept design/initialization phase of engine air cycle systems.
- Modeled the fuel and lubrication thermal management system in Dymola for advanced military engines.
- Spearheaded engine/airframe integration efforts in the development of interface control documents.
o Pratt & Whitney (United Technologies Corporation); Computer/Software Engineer; Aug. 2016 – Oct. 2018
- Contributed to the design of engine fuel metering and fueldraulic actuation minor loop control.
- Utilized Simulink and Modelica in the development of detailed, physics-based fuel system models critical to minor loop control design, failure mode assessment, and hardware sizing and architecture.
o California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS)
o Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
o Southwestern Association of Technical Accident Investigators (SATAI)
o Incident scene inspections
o Vehicle inspections
o Passenger car event data recorder (EDR) imaging
o Heavy vehicle EDR imaging
o Photogrammetry
o Drone photography/videography
o Physics-based simulations and analysis
o SolidWorks
o ProE/Creo
o AutoCAD
o Matlab