Jacek joined Hawkins in February 2025 and is based at our Leeds office, specialising in forensic materials engineering. He has previously investigated over 150 incidents involving materials and mechanical failures, corrosion, escapes of water and oil, and personal injury cases across both domestic and industrial settings.
Graduating with a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Jacek also gained a European certificate in TIG and MAG welding of low carbon steels. During his studies, he completed an internship at JFE Steel in Japan, where he worked on high-strength, micro-alloyed steels for the automotive industry. His early career included engineering roles with international corporations, where he supported product design, developed manufacturing processes, and coordinated EU-funded research projects.
In 2016, Jacek moved to the UK to join Honeywell Aerospace in Yeovil as a Materials Engineering Manager. He later transitioned to forensic engineering, bringing with him a depth of experience in metallurgy, failure analysis, and industrial processes.
We took some time to explore Jacek’s background and discover what inspired his journey into a career as a Forensic Materials Engineer at Hawkins.
Tell us a bit about your background and your role at Hawkins
I am a Forensic Materials Engineer, which means I use my knowledge of materials and general engineering to determine the cause of failures. Many of these incidents involve escapes of water or oil, but I also investigate personal injuries and machinery breakdowns – such as wind turbines. Overall, I see myself as an engineering detective, which I think is the coolest job in the world.
How did you get into Materials Engineering and become a forensic investigator?
My journey into Materials Engineering – and eventually forensic investigation- was quite unplanned. After finishing high school, I took a summer job bartending and ended up working 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was so caught up in the job that I missed the application deadlines for most universities. Fortunately, I managed to secure a place on the Materials Engineering course at AGH University. At the time, I had no idea what Materials Engineering was – it just seemed like the least odd option on the list! But once I started, it was love at first sight. I spent five amazing years studying in Kraków, my favourite place in the world, and never looked back.
I first discovered forensic materials engineering in 2015 through a job posting I came across by chance. Although I didn’t get the job, the interview process opened my eyes to how fascinating the field is. I knew then that I wanted to retire from this profession one day, so I began reading forensic literature to prepare myself. In 2020, I finally became a forensic investigator, and in 2025, I joined Hawkins. What drew me to Hawkins was its modern work environment, excellent training and development opportunities, and most importantly, the chance to work as a truly independent expert.
“Overall, I see myself as an engineering detective, which I think is the coolest job in the world”
What attributes do you consider important for a successful forensic investigation career?
Solid education, persistence, attention to detail and sound logic.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to uncover the truth and ultimately, assisting the Courts in their pursuit of justice. No matter how lofty it may sound, I believe that is my mission.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
One of the most challenging aspects of my role is responding to reports from opposing experts who may lack the correct technical knowledge for the given case, yet still produce lengthy documents filled with arguments contesting the case. Addressing these reports can be particularly challenging, as the reasoning is often difficult to follow, but every point must still be addressed thoroughly. It can be a truly mentally exhausting exercise at times.
“What drew me to Hawkins was its modern work environment, excellent training and development opportunities, and most importantly, the chance to work as a truly independent expert.”
Who do you admire most and why?
I admire people who are self-critical and recognise their limitations or mistakes. When someone has the courage and integrity to openly admit a mistake, and then take steps to fix it, it doesn’t get much better than that.
What is the most unusual or unexpected thing that you have unearthed during an investigation?
A video showing what seemed to be a stream of water emanating from the body of a bathroom tap. The intriguing thing was that it appeared to be motionless and suspended in mid-air. Unfortunately, the person who took the video was focussing on some other features in the bathroom and did not notice this one, so I never did find out what it was!
“Uncover the truth and ultimately assisting the Courts in their pursuit of justice… that is my mission.“
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Archery! I enjoy shooting the Olympic-style recurve bow and try to practice regularly, unless I’m injured, or life gets in the way.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list and why?
New Zealand! Great weather, fantastic nature and lots of organic food.
What trend do you hope makes a comeback?
Manufacturing goods to last, ideally for centuries, not just a few years.
What’s the most unusual fact you know?
Did you know that rubber, despite being easily deformed elastically, actually fractures in a brittle manner?
This is because, upon fracture, there is no permanent large-scale deformation, but who would have thought of rubber being a brittle material?
If you would like Jacek or another Hawkins expert from any other discipline to investigate a case or present to your organisation, please contact us.
