Forensic Structural Engineer

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Forensic Structural Engineer based in the United States.** As a Forensic Structural Engineer, you will investigate structural damage and failures to determine their causes, assess their extent, and recommend appropriate repair solutions. You will work on a diverse range of cases involving severe weather, fires, flooding, construction defects, plumbing leaks, and accidents. Through on-site inspections, technical analysis, and detailed reporting, you will provide reliable engineering assessments that help clients make informed decisions. You will manage investigations from initial inspection through final recommendations, serving as the engineer of record for assigned projects. The role also offers opportunities to contribute expert testimony in legal proceedings when required. This full-time opportunity is suited to an experienced, licensed professional who thrives in an independent working environment and can adapt to changing project demands, including increased workloads following major storm events. ### Accountabilities: As a Forensic Structural Engineer, you will lead investigations into damage affecting buildings and other structures, applying your technical expertise to establish facts, evaluate risks, and recommend effective solutions. Your responsibilities will include: - Conduct on-site inspections of damaged buildings and structures to document conditions, identify defects, and assess the extent of damage. - Interview building owners, contractors, and other relevant parties to gather information about incidents, construction practices, and the history of the affected structures. - Investigate the causes of structural damage and failures resulting from weather events, including wind, storms, hail, earthquakes, and flooding, as well as fires, plumbing leaks, construction defects, and accidents. - Evaluate the scope of necessary repairs and compare potential repair options based on technical findings. - Prepare comprehensive written engineering reports documenting observations, analytical methods, conclusions, and recommended corrective actions. - Serve as the engineer of record for assigned forensic investigations, maintaining accountability for the technical quality and accuracy of findings. - Provide technical support during legal proceedings when necessary, including deposition and trial testimony as an expert witness. - Manage multiple projects independently, organize workloads efficiently, and ensure investigations and reports meet established deadlines. - Travel as needed to conduct inspections and support projects in different locations. - Accommodate additional working hours following significant storm events, with production bonuses provided accordingly. **Requirements:** The ideal candidate is an experienced structural engineering professional with strong investigative capabilities, excellent technical writing skills, and the ability to manage complex assignments independently. The following qualifications and competencies are required: - A Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited university. - At least five years of professional engineering experience. - An active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license. - Ability to obtain professional engineering licenses in additional states as project requirements dictate. - An NCEES record is advantageous; candidates must apply for one within six months of hire. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with particular emphasis on producing clear, accurate, and well-supported technical reports. - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to investigate structural failures, evaluate damage, and develop defensible engineering conclusions. - Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, handle multiple concurrent projects, and consistently meet deadlines. - Willingness and ability to travel both within and outside the state to support project requirements. - Intermediate computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel; basic knowledge of AutoCAD is highly desirable. - Willingness to work additional hours following major storm events, with compensation opportunities through production bonuses. - Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available. - Must have no history of disciplinary action by an engineering board or licensing authority and must never have been disqualified as an expert witness. **Benefits:** - **Full-time employment:** A full-time opportunity to develop your expertise in forensic structural engineering and building damage investigations. - **Production bonuses:** Additional bonus compensation for increased production following storm events, in recognition of the additional workload. - **Technical variety:** Exposure to a broad range of structural investigations involving weather-related damage, fires, construction defects, accidents, and other building failures. - **Professional responsibility:** Opportunities to lead investigations, serve as the engineer of record, and contribute expert testimony in legal proceedings. - **Professional development:** Potential to expand professional engineering licensure across multiple states and strengthen specialized forensic engineering expertise. - **Remote work:** The position is advertised as remote, with travel required to inspect damaged properties and support projects as needed.