Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer - Des Moines, IA

Overview

Forensic civil/structural engineer assesses failures, provides reports & expert testimony.

Key Responsibilities

• report writing
• failure investigation
• field inspection
• forensic analysis
• project coordination
• safety compliance

Tasks

-Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure and/or damage, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation is essential, as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters. -Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to resolve claims and legal matters. -Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support as needed to produce client reports promptly. -Performs forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work. -Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures and/or damage, and building envelope failures and/or damage, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. This includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting on-site investigations to document conditions, conducting in-person and/or telephone interviews, overseeing field testing, reviewing construction and/or design drawings, contracts, and/or specifications, and reviewing historical documentation. -Ensures that the procedure is followed and performs safety and due diligence of the project when it is being completed.

Requirements

• project management
• microsoft office
• civil engineering
• 5+ years
• analytical

What You Bring

-Must have strong organizational and time management skills. -Project Management and/or Field Investigation preferred. -Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external). -Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standard scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents. -Must know a variety of computer software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software. -Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors. -5+ years of experience. -NCEE record preferred. -Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships. -S. Civil or Structural Engineering degree or higher. -E. required in the state of employment or the ability to obtain it quickly. -Must have strong verbal and written communication skills. -Ability to write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents. -Must have a high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

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About Rimkus

-Began as a home-based forensic engineering consultancy by chemical engineer Robert E. Rimkus. -Over four decades, expanded into a global network. -Financially backed by private equity partner HGGC since 2024. -Typical projects include double-deck tunnel assessments, run-of-river hydro plants, and other engineering challenges. -Core specialisms include forensic analysis of failures, built-environment consulting, expert witness services, and laboratory testing. -Standout capabilities include human performance labs, materials failure labs, forensic meteorology tools, and product safety testing. -Strategic acquisitions—like CCi in 2021—broadened its reach into building consulting and claims support. -Noteworthy for its in-house WeatherPath™ app, wildfire preparedness guidance, and forensic fire & explosion investigation teams. -Work bridges technical consulting, legal dispute resolution, construction oversight, and scientific testing, serving insurers, law firms, governments, and corporates.

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