Credentials
Thomas E. Johnson, P.E.
Mr. Johnson holds a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Tom is a licensed professional engineer. In addition, he is a certified accident reconstructionist (ACTAR # 1517).
In 1997, Tom Johnson founded the engineering consulting practice of Railroad & Metallurgical Engineering, Inc. Over 50 years of experience as an expert witness, metallurgical engineer and engineering department manager in the following industries: 40 years in railroad, 3 years in trucking, 3 years in auto and 5 years in steel making.
Mr. Johnson is a member and leader in numerous professional technical associations. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate level classes, Tom also speaks at professional conferences.
Education
B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering, University of Minnesota
Graduate level Metallurgical Engineering courses at University of Minnesota
Graduate Level Mechanical Engineering Courses at University of Michigan
Graduate level MBA courses at Gannon University
Certification
Certified Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR #1517), 2004-present
Licensed Professional Engineer, 1984-present
Depositions & Court Testimony
Almost 300 legal cases | Over 50 depositions | 12 trial testimonies
Previous Employment
Horton Industries, Inc. – Vice President, Engineering
GE Transportation Systems – Component Design & Product Engineering Mgr.
The Bendix Corporation – Senior Metallurgist
Chrysler Corporation – Materials Development Engineer
North Star Steel – Project Metallurgist
Professional Associations
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), 1997-present
Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE). 1997-present
American Foundry Society (AFS), 1997-present
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 1984-present
American Society for Metals (ASM), 1978-present
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 2007-present
Teaching
Adjunct Faculty, Freight Railroads: Best Operating Practices, University of WI (Madison), 2008-present
Adjunct Faculty, Mechanical Engineering Dept. Gannon University, 1985-1993 , Introduction to Material Science class
Instructor, Metallurgy Class – St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute, 1976 – 1978
Lectures & Publications
“Locomotive Event Recorder Downloads”, presented at the 2020 EDR Summit Houston, TX, March 9-11,
2020.
“Railroad Forensics Seminar”, presented to the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MnSPE),
St. Paul, MN, March 16, 2016
“Derailment Investigation & Failure Analysis”, presented at the Annual Meeting, National Association of
Railway Safety Consultants and Investigators, Indianapolis, IN, October 4-5, 2013.
“MRRA Locomotive Retrofits”, Midwest Regional Railroad Association, Alexandria, MN, July 22, 2013
“Locomotive Developments in Fuel Consumption, Emissions, & Hybrid Designs,” National Association of
Railway Safety Consultants and Investigators, Chicago, IL, Sept. 20-21, 2012.
“Locomotive & Equipment Investigations,” National Association of Railway Safety Consultants and Investigators, Minneapolis, MN, September 15-17, 2011.
“Evidence Preservation Techniques”, presented at the National Association of Railway Safety Consultants and Investigators, Atlanta, GA, May 7, 2010.
“Characteristics and Applications of Motive Power,” presented at Freight Railroads: Best Operating Practices, 3 Days at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Sept 28 – 30, 2009.