Randy graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Missouri – Rolla in 1996 and is a licensed professional engineer in several states. Upon obtaining his engineering degree, Randy designed, tested and manufactured electrical circuit protection devices and then moved into the development and manufacturing of automotive and aerospace components for 7 years for two St. Louis-based manufacturing companies.

Since joining Schaefer Engineering in 2004, Randy has been involved in carbon monoxide exposure investigations, vehicle and agricultural equipment fire and accident evaluation, product failure analysis, and the determination of fire and explosion causation on commercial and residential gas-fired equipment and vehicular fire losses.

Randy is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).

Other mechanical engineering fields in which Randy has expertise include industrial material handling and manufacturing equipment, electronic and CNC control systems, and automotive and marine restoration and repair. Randy’s background in automotive and marine systems originated from his hands-on training and experience within his family’s heavy truck and marine service businesses.

Randy and Diane Bicknese became owners of Schaefer Engineering, Inc. in February 2017. They are actively involved in project work and client development on a daily basis.