Ben graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2007 and is a licensed Professional Engineer in several states. Upon obtaining his engineering degree, Ben filled numerous roles spanning process engineering, mechanical and electrical equipment design, research and development, and product failure evaluation while working for over a decade in the heavy electrical manufacturing industry at various companies.

Since joining Schaefer Engineering in 2017, Ben has worked with equipment failures, building & vehicular fires, explosion cases, as well as automotive investigations and crash reconstruction.

Ben is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (NAFI-CVFI).  In addition, he is a FAA Licensed Part 107 Drone Pilot (FAA Airman Certificate, Remote Pilot, Small Unmanned Aircraft System). Ben is also a member of SAE, ASME, NAFI, IAAI, and is a Missouri registered safety engineer.

Other engineering areas in which Ben has expertise include solar system design and installation, having operated a solar installation company for many years, a background in automotive racing through Formula SAE, as well as decades of automotive restoration, repair, and rebuilding experience.