Forensic Engineer - Civil/Structural

Description

Serves as the Engineer-In-Charge (“EIC”) managing and conducting investigations involving residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, structures, and structural components including roofing, 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.

• 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.
• Collaborating with clients, colleagues, attorneys and other industry professionals, 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;
• Managing resources for assigned cases, including both in-house and third-party sub-contractors where applicable, to meet established deadlines;
• Developing technical topics for publication, industry presentations, and both internal and external training and continuing education development;
• Engaging other disciplines to address areas of assignments outside of your experience or expertise / discipline, where necessary;
• Preparation of repair and / or replacement cost estimates, as necessary;
• Conducting research and keeping current with industry best practices and emerging technologies;
• Providing technical support and testifying as an expert witness in depositions and court proceedings, as 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;
• Reviewing and interpreting relevant building codes as necessary for issues pertaining to the established scope of work;
• 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;
• 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;
• Working independently, while ensuring the timely and cost-effective execution of assigned cases;
• Participating in conference calls and / or in-person meetings with clients regarding investigation status and results;
• 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;
• 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;
• Conducting onsite investigations, testing, and gathering applicable field data on residential, commercial and industrial properties to assess damage and gather evidence of loss;
• Assisting with the development and ongoing updates to the scopes of work associated with assigned cases, as necessary;

Requirements

This is a Hybrid role. The successful candidate must reside in the general Chicago, IL area.

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

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance