From the President
Welcome to Jacobson Forensic Engineering. This company was started in 1997 with the goal of providing legal, industrial, and insurance clients with engineering services that are timely, cost-effective, and of uncompromising quality. We strive to provide thorough, independent and unbiased engineering analyses to assist non-technical individuals in understanding the technical issues involved in a case. While the company has grown and our range of services has expanded, that original goal remains unchanged.
We have performed hundreds of analyses and reconstructions for cases involving anything from motor vehicles to consumer products and mining equipment.
Please feel free to call one of our engineers to informally discuss a potential case. We can provide information to help you decide whether or not engineering analysis will be useful in your case.
Allen Molitoris, P.E.
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Education:
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado, Boulder, 2003.
Registration:
Mr. Molitoris is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado.
Experience:
Principal Engineer, Jacobson Forensic Engineering, Inc.
Littleton, Colorado, 2009 to Present
Mechanical Engineer II, Zolo Technologies Inc.
Boulder, Colorado, 2008 to 2009
Mechanical Systems Design Engineer
Aviation Technology Group Inc.
Englewood, Colorado, 2004 to 2007:
- Environmental Control System Designer, 2007
- Hydraulic System Integration Engineer, 2006 to 2007
- Production Aircraft CAD Designer, 2005 to 2007
- Prototype Aircraft CAD Designer, 2004 to 2005
Forensic Engineering:
Mr. Molitoris conducts investigations of motor vehicle accidents involving passenger cars, trucks, tractor trailers, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. He performs engineering analyses of vehicle mechanical components including brakes, suspensions, transmissions and restraint systems.
As a Forensic Engineer, his automotive investigations include the evaluation of vehicle dynamics, collision related damage, occupant motion and driver reactions. Mr. Molitoris performs accident site surveys for vehicle collisions, vehicle inspections, and creates exhibits for courtroom testimony. His background in aircraft mechanical system design and failure mode mitigation allows him to provide analysis of a wide variety of mechanical failures including manufacturing equipment, consumer products, safety and guarding and industrial accidents.
Engineering Background:
Mr. Molitoris’ academic training is enhanced by his experience with the design of a variety of mechanical devices.
Mr. Molitoris has served as a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer for new aircraft development. He has a strong understanding of the critical parameters for a variety of mechanical systems. At Aviation Technology Group, he served as the primary engineer responsible for hydraulic system integration and a design engineer for environmental control systems. He has also been involved with the design of a flight demonstrator prototype aircraft ground steering system. He is experienced with the investigation of potential failure scenarios in order to ensure safe aircraft operation.
Mr. Molitoris contributed to the patent-pending design of an apparatus for monitoring industrial coal-fired furnace operations including designing mounts, enclosures, and interface upgrades for existing optical transmission assemblies. Mr. Molitoris has designed optical alignment tooling assemblies required to support robust, precision alignment of fiber optics and lenses. He has investigated the premature failure of an existing furnace port clearing system, resulting in a redesign of critical components, and performed life cycle testing of mechanical linkage and related components to extend service life.
Professional Affiliations:
Mr. Molitoris is a member of the following technical and professional societies:
- SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers
- NSPE – National Society of Professional Engineers
- PEC – Professional Engineers of Colorado
- ARC Network – Accident Reconstruction Network
Olof H. Jacobson, M.S., P.E.
Education:
M.S. Applied Mechanics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, 1991.
Fields of Study: dynamics, stress analysis and mechanics of materials. B.S. Mechanical Engineering.
University of Colorado, Boulder, 1977.
Registration:
Mr. Jacobson is a Registered Professional Engineer in Colorado, Wyoming, Florida and Montana.
Experience:
Jacobson Forensic Engineering
1997 to 2017
Senior Engineer, Knott Laboratory, Denver, Colorado
1991 to 1997
Assistant Adjunct Professor, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado
1991 to 1994
Site Manager, Colorado Power Partners, Brush, Colorado
1989 to 1990
Manager of Maintenance, Facilities and Tooling, Samsonite Corporation, Denver, Colorado
1980 to 1988
Mechanical Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
1977 to 1980.
Forensic Engineering:
Mr. Jacobson conducts investigations of vehicular accidents involving automobiles, tractor-trailers, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. He analyzes seat belts, airbags and vehicle occupant motion. His analyses routinely include recovery and interpretation of data stored in vehicle event data recorders.
Mr. Jacobson analyzes the performance of brakes and suspension systems and the failure of mechanical components such as engines and transmissions. His background in designing and maintaining manufacturing, building and utility systems enables him to provide analysis of a wide variety of mechanical failures including manufacturing equipment, consumer products, safety and guarding. Mr. Jacobson also investigates skier collisions and ski lift accidents.
Engineering and Design:
Mr. Jacobson lectures and authors publications on various aspects of vehicle accident reconstruction and occupant motion, including the analysis of seat belt performance and occupant dynamics, as well as machine design and mechanical product failure analysis.
At the Colorado School of Mines Mr. Jacobson taught machine design, engineering mechanics and finite element analysis.
As Site Manager for Colorado Power Partners, he was responsible for construction of a cogeneration power plant, including the installation of power generation equipment as well as refurbishment of steam and gas turbines.
While Manager of Maintenance, Facilities and Tooling at Samsonite, he was in charge of designing modifications and maintenance programs for manufacturing equipment such as plastic molding machines and stamping presses, and utility equipment including HVAC components, boilers, pumps, waste-water treatment and fire protection sprinklers. He analyzed machine failures and designed corrective modifications. He developed and implemented facility construction projects for improved utility and compliance with government regulations, including safety and guarding requirements.
As an Engineer with Public Service Company, his duties included all phases of engineering from design through installation of power plant equipment including turbine generators, conveyors, pumps, fans, piping and fire protection.
Mr. Jacobson represents various parties in the analysis and correction of failed building systems, and is experienced in negotiating settlements with contractors, insurance companies and government agencies.
Expert Testimony:
As a result of his investigations, Mr. Jacobson is asked to provide expert testimony in court and often participates in arbitrations. He has testified for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Professional Affiliations:
Mr. Jacobson is a member of the Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honorary Societies and is past president of the Centennial Chapter of Toastmasters International.
Mr. Jacobson is currently a member of the following technical and professional societies:
- SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers
- NSPE – National Society of Professional Engineers
- ISSS – International Society for Skiing Safety
- ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials
- PEC – Professional Engineers of Colorado
- NAFE – National Academy of Forensic Engineers
- ARC Network – Accident Reconstruction Network
Guy Barbera, P.E.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, 1993, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Fields of study: mechanical design, dynamics and strength of materials.
Registration:
Mr. Barbera is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado and Wyoming.
Experience:
President, Jacobson Forensic Engineering
2017-Present
Senior Engineer, Jacobson Forensic Engineering
2005-2017
Senior Quality Engineer & Manager of Supplier Quality Engineering, Quantum Corporation, Colorado Springs, CO
2000-2005
Senior Engineer & Production Manager, Imation Corp./3M Company, Camarillo, CA, 1993-2000
Engineer Intern, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA
Summer 1991 & Summer 1992
Automotive Machinist, Carter’s Brake and Transmission Service, Livermore, CA, 1987-1990
Apprentice Machinist, Accurate Machine and Engineering, Livermore, CA
1985-1988
Forensic Engineering:
Mr. Barbera conducts motor vehicle accident investigations involving passenger cars, trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. He applies his automotive repair and mechanical design experience to analyze the performance and failure of vehicle components including brakes, suspensions, transmissions, and restraint systems.
As a Forensic Engineer, his automotive investigations have included the evaluation of vehicle dynamics and damage, occupant dynamics, and driver reactions. Mr. Barbera has also performed time/space analyses and accident site surveys for vehicle collisions. Other forensic engineering investigations have included consumer product evaluations, plumbing system failure analysis and industrial accidents.
Mr. Barbera’s background in product development and manufacturing engineering enables him to provide analyses for a wide variety of mechanical failures including manufacturing equipment, machine guarding and safety devices, and consumer products. He also has a working knowledge of workplace accident investigation and corrective action implementation.
Engineering Background:
Mr. Barbera’s academic and technical training are enhanced by his background in general automobile repair as well as his experience rebuilding braking, steering, drivetrain and engine components. He is also experienced with automotive machining, precision metalworking, and a variety of welding and bonding processes.
While with Quantum Corporation, Mr. Barbera validated product mechanical designs through component and subassembly life testing, and developed component tooling such as plastic injection molds and sheet metal stamping dies. He has also qualified a variety of manufacturing processes including resistance welding and adhesive bonding.
As a Mechanical Engineer with 3M/Imation, Mr. Barbera’s duties included all phases of design, installation and maintenance of industrial and manufacturing equipment. His responsibilities included implementing safety devices and guarding for automated machinery, conveying systems and roll goods processing equipment. As a Production Manager, he performed workplace accident investigations and participated in numerous safety reviews and occupational safety training exercises.
Expert Testimony:
As a result of his investigations, Mr. Barbera has provided expert testimony in court. He has provided engineering analysis in both plaintiff and defendant cases.
Professional Affiliations:
Mr. Barbera is affiliated with the following professional and technical organizations:
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
- National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)
- Pi Tau Sigma (International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society)
Rapid Response Request
Our engineers are available on short notice to document and preserve valuable, time-sensitive physical evidence. We can be on site in a matter of hours—depending on the accident location.
In a motor vehicle collision, roadway evidence such as skid marks, gouges and debris can provide important information about the incident. In the case of a mechanical product failure or an industrial accident, preserving the scene and the evidence can make the difference in ultimately determining the cause of the failure. We document accident scenes utilizing the latest technology, including laser measurement systems and black box download equipment, to collect and process this data.
Contact our office directly by phone at 303-948-9515. After normal business hours use this phone number for direct contact or fill in this Rapid Response Inspection Form.