A headshot image of Rich Vicars

Rich Vicars

CFEI

Director, Forensic Services

Areas of Expertise

Product Liability
Battery Failure Analysis + Consulting
Micro-Electronics
Commercial + Residential Appliances/Electrical Systems + Industrial Equipment
Electrical Systems
Electrical/Electronic/PCB Failure Analysis
Fire + Explosion Origin + Cause Investigation
Manufacturing Consulting
Lithium-Ion Battery + Energy Storage Systems
Appliance Fire + Failure Investigation
Premises Liability Investigations + Personal Injury

IN

Richard Vicars has spent the majority of his career developing world-class failure analysis capabilities for Fortune 100 companies such as ITT Defense and United Technologies. He was also instrumental in the successful start-up, growth and M&A of a tier-one medical device manufacturer, Paragon Medical, Inc. Mr. Vicars is an Electrical Engineer with extensive Product Design and Operations background. He has comprehensive experience in laboratory failure analysis techniques deployed to identify the root cause of product failures, and has provided expert witness testimony in both State and Federal Court regarding root cause. He has specific expertise in printed circuit board failures across a wide variety of industries and products lines, including significant experience in the design, manufacture, testing, and fielding of printed circuit board electronic assemblies. Mr. Vicars has extensive technical knowledge in vehicles, utilities, agricultural and farm equipment; consumer, commercial and industrial products; and medical devices to include orthopedic implants, instruments and delivery systems. Mr. Vicars is experienced in the use of laboratory analyses, test equipment and metrology to develop effective corrective actions for clients experiencing product problems. He has utilized extensive design, development, manufacturing (lean), logistics, supply chain management, and quality experience to develop Level 3 mistake-proof corrective actions via the scientific method and 8D/4D problem solving processes. Client companies net a significant impact to their EBITDA line when they work with Mr. Vicars.

Education / Certifications
  • MS, Business Administration, Ball State University
  • BS, Electrical Engineering, Purdue University
  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, NAFI
  • Certified, Six Sigma Black Belt (VBSS)
  • Lead Auditor, ISO 13485, 14001, 9001