Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Mechanical Engineering & Failure Analysis Services
Berkeley Engineering & Research (BEAR) has been a leader in mechanical engineering and failure analysis since 1986. Our team of highly skilled engineers and scientists operates a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art laboratory, providing comprehensive design, testing, and investigative services for diverse industries. With over 85 years of combined experience, our experts have consulted on high-profile projects including the Alaskan Pipeline, Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit, and BP Horizon oil spill. We specialize in failure analysis, accident reconstruction, product development, and expert witness testimony, combining rigorous scientific methods with clear communication for litigation support.Our engineers hold advanced degrees and professional certifications, with extensive experience in mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering. We serve law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, and corporations globally, offering site inspections, laboratory testing, and courtroom visualization tools. Our patented methodologies and multi-disciplinary approach enable us to solve complex engineering challenges while maintaining strict adherence to scientific integrity and client confidentiality.
Services
Failure Analysis
Expert Witness Testimony
Product Development
Accident Reconstruction
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Testing
3D Scanning
Stress Analysis
Patent Analysis
Litigation Support
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in mechanical engineering and failure analysis
- Our 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art laboratory supports advanced testing and research
- Our engineers have testified in hundreds of legal cases with multi-state trial experience
- We combine mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering expertise in one team
- We received the 2007 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from ASCE
Associations and certifications
- NSPE
- ASME
- Vibration Institute
- NACE
- ASM International
- SFPE
Services
Failure Analysis
Our failure analysis service identifies root causes of mechanical, electrical, and material failures using advanced diagnostic techniques. We employ fractography, stress analysis, and metallurgical testing to determine whether failures resulted from design defects, manufacturing flaws, or improper use. Our engineers provide comprehensive reports with preventative recommendations for industrial equipment, consumer products, and infrastructure systems.
Expert Witness Testimony
We provide expert witness services with engineers qualified in mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering disciplines. Our experts have extensive trial experience offering clear, scientifically-supported testimony for complex cases involving product liability, patent disputes, and industrial accidents. We prepare courtroom visuals and technical explanations that make complex engineering concepts accessible to juries and legal professionals.
Accident Reconstruction
Our accident reconstruction service uses computer modeling, 3D scanning, and physical testing to recreate vehicle collisions and industrial accidents. We analyze automotive systems, construction equipment failures, and transportation incidents using data acquisition systems and finite element analysis. Our findings help determine liability and improve safety measures for future operations.
Product Development
We offer complete product development services from concept to prototype, specializing in medical devices, industrial equipment, and safety systems. Our engineers use CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and rapid prototyping to create innovative solutions that meet regulatory standards. We provide testing and validation services to ensure product reliability and performance.
Metallurgical Testing
Our metallurgical testing service examines material properties and failure mechanisms using advanced laboratory equipment. We perform microstructural analysis, hardness testing, and chemical composition analysis to evaluate material performance. This service supports failure investigations, quality control, and material selection for industrial applications requiring precise engineering specifications.
People
Glen Stevick
Principal Engineer + CEO
PhD Mechanical Engineering with 30+ years of experience in failure analysis and expert testimony. Specializes in mechanical systems, product liability, and forensic engineering. Led investigations on major infrastructure projects including the Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit.
David Rondinone
Principal Engineer + CTO
PhD Mechanical Engineering with expertise in stress analysis and finite element modeling. Conducts failure investigations for industrial equipment and transportation systems. Has extensive experience in patent litigation and product development testing.
Philip Alei
Co-founder
PhD Mechanical Engineering with specialization in materials science and fracture mechanics. Provides expert analysis for metallurgical failures and industrial accidents. Has testified in numerous high-profile cases involving structural and mechanical failures.
Derek King
Electrical/Mechanical Engineer
MS Mechanical Engineering with focus on electrical systems analysis and product testing. Expertise in automotive electronics, control systems, and failure mode analysis. Supports litigation cases involving electrical equipment and industrial machinery failures.
Mingxi Zheng
Materials Engineer/Metallurgist
MS Materials Engineering with specialization in metallurgical testing and material failure analysis. Conducts laboratory examinations of failed components using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Provides expert opinions on material selection and performance issues.
Questions
What types of cases do you typically handle?
We handle mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering failures including product liability cases, industrial accidents, transportation incidents, and infrastructure failures. Our expertise also covers patent litigation and product development testing.
How do you support litigation cases?
We provide expert witness testimony, courtroom animations, physical models, and technical reports that explain complex engineering concepts in clear, understandable terms for legal proceedings and jury presentations.
What makes your failure analysis different?
Our approach combines multi-disciplinary engineering expertise with advanced laboratory testing and computer modeling to provide comprehensive failure investigations with scientifically-supported conclusions and preventative recommendations.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we work with law firms, insurance companies, and corporations globally, providing engineering analysis, site inspections, and litigation support across multiple jurisdictions and industry sectors.
Can you handle complex technical cases?
Our engineers have handled some of the most complex engineering failures including the BP Horizon oil spill investigation, San Bruno pipeline failure analysis, and Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit project.
