Forensic engineer, fire and explosion

Intact; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 88,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a Forensic Engineer for its Claims Department in Vancouver. This role involves investigating the causes of fire and explosion incidents, producing detailed reports, and may require court testimonies. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and at least five years of experience. The company offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee stock purchase plan

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in forensic engineering or relevant field.
• Ability to apply scientific methods for investigation.
• Experience with expert testimony is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate cause and origin of losses related to fire and explosion.
• Document findings and produce detailed reports.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of buildings and construction methods

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or relevant applied sciences

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Forensic Engineer, Fire and Explosion - for our Claims Department to play a key role in supporting our growth. To better control claims management and improve the claims experience for policyholders, Intact is building a first-rate in-house team for technical investigation of the cause and origin of losses. Through a process of investigation and research, you will understand and determine the cause of the damage, recreate the sequence of events that led to the loss, and validate these steps with up-to-date scientific knowledge. You will produce abridged and detailed reports for more serious damages and may be called to testify in court to share your expert opinion.

Responsibilities

• Complete assignments for internal and external adjusters and file handlers, and work with building appraisers.
• Meet with policyholders to understand the circumstances surrounding their claim and investigate loss sites to determine the cause and circumstances of fires; check for explosion, equipment electrical failure, malpractice, etc.
• Document the scene, express and support your opinion as to the probable cause of the damage, and contribute technical expertise to help resolve disputes during claims.
• Participate in joint analysis of specimens related to the cause of claims.
• Record and manage storage of specimens related to your files.
• Carry out any other related tasks.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of buildings, construction methods, heat transfer and the laws governing fire propagation.
• Ability to identify the root cause of damage and rule out other possible causes; recreate the sequence of events and validate steps with up-to-date scientific knowledge.
• Apply the scientific method to identify the cause of losses by validating assumptions and testing scenarios.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or relevant applied sciences with at least five years of experience.
• Licensure with a provincial Engineering Association, or eligibility for licensure.

Desired Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills to explain the cause and origin of losses; ability to provide short and detailed reports as required.
• Willingness to testify in court to present expert opinion; experience in insurance and as an expert before courts is a major asset.

Certification

• Candidate must hold or be able to obtain CFI, CFEI, CFVI or WETT certification.

Salary and Location

Salary generally ranges from $88,400 to $132,600, depending on experience, skills, alignment with the role, internal equity, autonomy and performance, and location. Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

What we offer

• Hybrid work model balancing remote work and in-person collaboration.
• Comprehensive benefits package recognizing your success.
• Employee stock purchase plan with company matching up to 50% of net shares purchased.
• Flexible retirement and benefits, virtual health care, and flexible work arrangements.
• Flexible work arrangements and the option to purchase up to five additional vacation days per year.
• Well-being accounts and programs to stay healthy physically and mentally, embrace change, and connect with colleagues.
• Dynamic learning ecosystem with learning programs and interactive online content.
• Inclusive employee-led networks and leadership support for your development.
• Community involvement programs and opportunities to give back.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Intact values respect and diversity and is committed to providing an accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, included and encouraged to share their perspective. We welcome applicants from equity-seeking groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, Black Canadians and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. We acknowledge working on lands historically inhabited by First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. We have policies to ensure equal access and participation for people with disabilities, including accommodations in the workplace. A copy of these policies is available on request. If recruitment needs are not accessible, please let us know so we can accommodate you.

If you work for Intact or belairdirect, please apply to this position on our internal career site.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Insurance