Forensic Engineer - Civil/Structural

Engineering Design & Testing Corp.

The Role

Overview

Lead forensic engineer investigating building damages and providing expert reports.

Key Responsibilities

  • site investigation
  • damage assessment
  • structural analysis
  • cost estimate
  • report preparation
  • client liaison

Tasks

Serves as the Engineer-In-Charge (“EIC”) managing and conducting investigations involving residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, structures, and structural components including roofing, fenestration, foundations and building envelopes. Performs structural analysis, hazard and damage assessments, lab and field testing of construction materials, design and construction defect evaluations, and premise liability evaluations. Must be a licensed professional engineer with a thorough understanding of fundamental engineering principles along with a firm understanding of applicable local, state, and federal building codes and standards, including but not limited to, the American Concrete Institute (“ACI”), American Institute of Steel Construction (“AISC”), American Society of Civil Engineers (“ASCE”), and the International Building Code (“IBC”). Provides expert judgement and forms objective, fact based, technically sound opinions and unbiased conclusions on case assignments from insurance adjusters, independent adjusters, attorneys, and other non-legal, non-insurance clients. Must be willing to travel and physically able to climb, stand, walk and kneel for extended periods of time. Is able to work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors, and access work on roofs, scaffolds, lifts, and other elevated surfaces and enclosed spaces with the appropriate personal protective equipment and training. Is self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in a group environment with a dedication to ethics, quality, and customer service. -Engaging other disciplines to address areas of assignments outside of your experience or expertise / discipline, where necessary; -Preparation of forensic reports clearly detailing the observations made, documentation and data collected, testing results, applicable research conducted, and the associated conclusions, with a goal to issue reports within ten (10) business days following the completion of the site exam unless otherwise agreed-to by client; -Participating in conference calls and / or in-person meetings with clients regarding investigation status and results; -Secure and maintain professional licensure (at Company’s expense) in all states where conducting investigations, including remaining current on any continuing education requirements, as necessary. -Preparation of repair and / or replacement cost estimates, as necessary; -Collaborating with clients, colleagues, attorneys and other industry professionals, as necessary; -Managing resources for assigned cases, including both in-house and third-party sub-contractors where applicable, to meet established deadlines; -Maintaining weekly updates to case status reports and working with the Regional Engineering Manager and Chief Engineer to address any issues with clients or your assigned cases; -Assisting with the development and ongoing updates to the scopes of work associated with assigned cases, as necessary; -Reviewing and interpreting relevant building codes as necessary for issues pertaining to the established scope of work; -Conducting onsite investigations, testing, and gathering applicable field data on residential, commercial and industrial properties to assess damage and gather evidence of loss; -Participating in EDT’s mentorship program and supporting the training and development of new engineers in conjunction with the Chief Engineer and assigned Training Coordinator; -Serving as the primary point of contact with clients including development and coordination of case budgets, work orders, site visits, cost estimates, and associated deliverables. Maintaining contact with clients on active cases to provide status updates, including case spend and budget status, and address questions, needs, or concerns at least every other week, or as otherwise agreed upon; -Providing technical support and testifying as an expert witness in depositions and court proceedings, as necessary; -Making independent decisions for assigned cases, including the selection of applicable analysis and testing methodologies and identification and selection of resources relevant to execution of the established scope of work; -Conducting research and keeping current with industry best practices and emerging technologies; -Developing technical topics for publication, industry presentations, and both internal and external training and continuing education development; -Working independently, while ensuring the timely and cost-effective execution of assigned cases; -Supporting EDT’s marketing and business development resources including occasionally participating in client-relations meetings, attending industry conferences, preparing marketing and technical presentations, assisting with the development of marketing materials, preparing industry blogs and white papers, and engaging with other industry professionals;

Requirements

  • p.e. license
  • civil engineering
  • structural engineering
  • bluebeam
  • ms office
  • 7+ years

What You Bring

This is a Hybrid role. The successful candidate must reside in the general Cincinnati, OH area. -Excellent oral and written communication skills; -Have strong PC, Tablet and software skills, including: -Valid driver’s license required; -B.S. or M.S. Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering required; -A high degree of integrity, honesty and moral values adhering to the Professional Engineer Code of Ethics; -Adobe Acrobat DC®, Bluebeam Revu®, or comparable PDF software; -MS Office® - Word, Excel, PowerPoint required; -Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities; -Experience in storm damage and building envelope evaluation or forensic engineering preferred, but not required; -P.E. License with NCEES registration required; -A collaborative demeanor with the ability to work through conflict, differing perspectives and opinions, and communicate across differing backgrounds and education levels; -Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as within a team environment; -Ability to travel out-of-town, with periodic overnight travel required; -Strong interpersonal skills; -7+ years’ experience in civil / structural engineering, preferably with residential or commercial properties;

The Company

About Engineering Design & Testing Corp.

-The firm works with clients across various sectors, ensuring designs meet high standards of safety and efficiency. -The company offers services ranging from structural analysis to forensic engineering, often assessing failures in complex systems. -Its portfolio spans industries including residential, commercial, industrial, energy, and infrastructure, focusing on high-stakes challenges. -The firm has handled projects such as fire investigations, product failures, accident reconstruction, and structural evaluations. -Known for expertise in root-cause analysis, it provides detailed reports and recommendations to improve design and safety protocols. -The company continues to expand its capabilities with cutting-edge technology, maintaining a strong market presence.

Sector Specialisms

Product Manufacturing

Corrosion Engineering

Water/Wastewater Facilities

Oil/Gas Facilities

Infrastructure

Industrial

Marine

Transportation

Energy

Government