Forensic Civil Structural Engineer

Aviva Canada; Oakville; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 154,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings

Competitive vacation package

Wellness programs

Job summary

A major insurance and engineering firm in Ontario seeks an experienced engineer to investigate structural failures for various building types. The role involves conducting site inspections, supporting claims assessments, and ensuring compliance with building standards. Desired qualifications include a degree in civil/structural engineering, a P. Eng. designation, and at least 8 years of relevant experience. The position offers a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in failure and damage analysis.
• Experience with commercial buildings and insurance process preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple investigations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct building and structural failure investigations.
• Support claims by assessing damage to various structures.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports.

Skills

Structural design principles

Failure analysis

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or post-graduate degree in civil/structural engineering

P. Eng. designation

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Experience Aviva

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Our Values are Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence. At Aviva Canada, we put people first—our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.

The opportunity

Are you a passionate engineer eager to make a meaningful impact on a bigger scale? Aviva is thrilled to announce a new innovative role that offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of engineering services for our customers and claims team. This is an exciting chance to build key strategies and initiatives as part of a growing team. This role will be hybrid—benefiting both remote and on-site collaboration.

In this role, you will serve as an internal technical resource for Aviva, providing expert evaluation and guidance on matters related to structural integrity, design, and failure analysis on commercial and residential buildings. You will support claims by assessing damage to buildings, bridges, and other structures, determining root causes of structural failures, and advising on repair feasibility and compliance with building codes and industry standards. You will collaborate with claims professionals, underwriters, and risk management teams to deliver accurate assessments that inform claim decisions, loss mitigation strategies, and underwriting guidelines. You will also conduct site inspections, review engineering reports, and prepare technical documentation to support claim resolution, subrogation efforts, and litigation processes.

What you’ll do

What You’ll Do

• Perform building and structural failure investigations and determine the root cause of failures and damage to commercial and residential buildings, foundations, structures, and building envelope mechanisms.
• Support claims professionals, independent adjusters and customers by investigating losses to determine origin and cause of failures, damages, or defects within residential, commercial and industrial sites as well as product, equipment and material failures.
• Investigate losses through on-site inspection and forensic evaluation to support claims handling, coverage determination and recovery efforts.
• Analyze failures of building systems, determine causes, and evaluate construction quality or design/maintenance procedures.
• Assess physical damage to building components, systems and materials, determining extent of damage and required remediation; apply engineering judgment to distinguish between loss-related damage and pre-existing damage to guide repair versus replacement decisions.
• Research failure modes and code requirements and prepare recommendations for repair and/or remediation as appropriate.
• Conduct field investigations of structural failures, document work and collect evidence (data, photographs, videos, interview relevant parties) and securely preserve evidence for analysis and presentation.
• Perform Provincial Code and Standards compliance analysis and reviews.
• Provide engineering opinions and technical guidance to Claims Professionals, leadership and other stakeholders; prepare clear reports and letters for non-technical audiences.
• Guide the technical direction of investigations, determine when external expertise is required, and review external forensic opinions (including peer reviews).
• Interacting with customers to explain the investigation process, gather information, coordinate site access, and communicate findings clearly and professionally without making coverage decisions.
• Use your expertise to decide the most plausible reason for a failure, determine if design/installation/maintenance met standards or codes, and assess whether the loss was due to design error, manufacturing defect, improper maintenance, or external factors.
• Contribute to engineering expertise in multidisciplinary initiatives or emerging risk areas as required.
• Collaborate with other groups on multidisciplinary projects to provide solutions on complex losses and failures.
• Provide guidance to internal and external partners on operationalizing engineering service strategies.

What You’ll Bring

• At least a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in civil/structural engineering and P. Eng. designation.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in failure and damage analysis, design, construction, maintenance of structures and building envelope mechanisms for commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial buildings and infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of structural design principles, load analysis, material properties, and failure mechanisms.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate complex technical conclusions clearly to non-technical stakeholders in verbal and written reports.
• Experience reviewing external forensic or specialty opinions for technical accuracy.
• Experience with commercial buildings is preferred.
• Familiarity with property and casualty insurance, claims processes, and risk assessment methodologies is preferred.
• Experience applying relevant legislation and documents such as the Health and Safety Act and Building Code.
• Strong understanding of structural materials (steel, concrete, wood, masonry) and relevant design codes.
• Valid Canadian driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Experience testifying in court and prior qualification as an expert is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple investigations with strict timelines; able to work in inclement weather and various environments.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) with data management/analysis skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to present results clearly to claims professionals and stakeholders.
• Critical thinking and strong analytical/problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Experience analyzing trends to support operational performance.
• Field experience and ability to travel throughout Ontario on short notice.

What You’ll Get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $105,000 to $154,400. Individual salary is determined by knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.
• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• Excellent career development opportunities and support for professional development.
• Competitive vacation package with option to purchase 5 extra days per year.
• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support physical and mental health.

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy posted internally and externally. Aviva Canada may use AI tools to assist in the recruitment process. Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and provides accommodations for persons with disabilities during all stages of the hiring process; please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner to arrange accommodations.