Rich Vicars, CFEI

Director, Forensic Services


North America - Indiana
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Richard is a Forensic Electrical Engineer with over three decades of experience. He formerly was the Vice President and General Manager of Kodiak Enterprises, Inc., in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He spent most of his career developing world-class failure analysis capabilities for Fortune 100 companies like ITT Defense and United Technologies. In addition, Richard was instrumental in the successful startup and growth of a tier-one medical device manufacturer, Paragon Medical, Inc.

While at United Technologies, Yuzuru Ito (UTC's Corporate Vice President of quality) recognized Richard for developing the "most effective failure analysis and root cause capability" within the corporation. Furthermore, he was recognized by the U.S. Army (CECOM) for his outstanding contribution to the development, manufacturing, and deployment of the SINCGARS battlefield communication system while with ITT.

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
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

Services