Civil/Structural Forensic Engineer

What You’ll Do

You’ll perform forensic civil engineering investigations for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, supporting claim resolution and legal needs. Assignments are completed within the scope of work and budget agreed upon in advance by the client.

• Investigate and analyze structural failures and construction defects to determine cause and origin.
• Gather photographic evidence, document on-site conditions, oversee field testing, and review historical documentation.
• Use engineering tools and methods that may include chemical testing applications, drafting and design software, electrical testing devices and equipment, and land surveying techniques.
• Study land use laws and regulations as part of case and investigation work.
• Prepare oral and written reports documenting causes of failure, extent of loss, repair scope, and recommended remediation, including opinions and expert testimony when required.
• Manage multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support to deliver client reports on time.
• Follow procedures and verify safety features during project completion.
• Develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
• May supervise and/or evaluate associate team members.

Skills and Qualifications

• Analytical strength with a consistent focus on detail, including the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Client communication capability across internal and external stakeholders, including presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Strong technical document literacy, including the ability to read and interpret scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Technical writing ability to create scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
• Experience requirements: 2-10+ years.
• B.S. in Civil Engineering (required) or higher.
• P.E. required.
• Knowledge of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Project management and/or field investigation experience is preferred.
• Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.

Tools You’ll Use

• Microsoft Office Applications
• Computer-assisted engineering and design software
• Chemical testing applications
• Drafting and design software
• Electrical testing devices and equipment
• Land surveying techniques

Compensation and Benefits

Pay: $104,000.00 - $156,000.00 per year.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Relocation assistance

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Notes

• Physical demands: Work occurs in an office setting and at outside locations (client offices, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). The role may require climbing ladders, walking on roofs, and working in space-limited areas. You may need to wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations and may be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture and other household or commercial items, and operate lifts as needed. Lifting and/or moving up to 50 (as listed) may be required.
• Overtime: Regular hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. Overtime may be required to meet position demands.
• Travel: Requires up to 50% field work. 0-5% out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

Relocation: Des Moines, IA relocation with an employer-provided relocation package is listed as preferred. Commute: Des Moines, IA (required).