A forensic engineer is an engineer who applies his or her engineering experience to forensic topics. Forensic engineers typically work with civil cases involving products which have failed to perform as expected, but they can also be involved in criminal cases, and they may be called upon to investigate patent disputes and other legal issues which require the input of an experienced engineer. A typical forensic engineer holds at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, and he or she may have a graduate degree or two as well.