Forensic engineer, fire and explosion

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Forensic Engineer to join their Claims Department. This role involves investigating the causes of fire and explosion claims, applying scientific methods to determine the origin of losses, and producing detailed reports. You will collaborate with adjusters and policyholders, document findings, and may testify in court. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing in-house team focused on improving claims management and enhancing the experience for policyholders. If you are passionate about forensic engineering and eager to make a difference, this role is for you.

Benefits

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Flexible work arrangements

Annual wellness account

Access to virtual healthcare

Possibility to purchase extra days off

Dynamic workplace learning ecosystem

Inclusive employee-led networks

Community Impact program

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in forensic engineering or related fields.
• Thorough knowledge of fire propagation and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Investigate loss sites to determine causes of fires and explosions.
• Document findings and provide expert opinions in reports and court.

Skills

Oral Communication Skills

Written Communication Skills

Investigative Skills

Scientific Method Application

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Licensure with a Provincial Engineering Association

Tools

CFI Certification

CFEI Certification

CFVI Certification

WETT Certification

Job description

Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we help people, businesses, and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times.

Our employee promise represents Intact’s commitment to you in exchange for living our Values, striving to do your best work, being open to change and investing in your career. In return, we promise to provide support, opportunities and performance-led financial rewards at a workplace where you can shape the future, win as a team and grow with us.

About the role

We are seeking a Forensic Engineer, Fire and Explosion for our Claims Department to play a key role in supporting our growth.

In an ongoing effort 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 have to understand and determine the cause of the damage while eliminating other possible causes. You will have to recreate the sequence of events that led to the loss and validate these steps with up-to-date scientific knowledge. By validating the hypotheses and testing the scenarios to be studied, you will have to apply the scientific method to the identification of the causes of losses. In addition, you will have to produce abridged and detailed reports in the event of more serious damages. You will also be called to testify in court to share your expert opinion.

As an engineer or specialist, you will be called upon daily to:

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

What you bring to the table:

Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of buildings, construction methods, heat transfer and the laws governing fire propagation.
• Through a process of investigation and research, you will need to understand and identify the root cause of the damage and rule out other possible causes.
• You will need to recreate the sequence of events that led to the loss and validate these steps with up-to-date scientific knowledge.
• By validating assumptions and testing scenarios as required, you will apply the scientific method to identify the cause of losses.
• A bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or relevant applied sciences with at least five years of experience is required.
• Licensure with a provincial Engineering Association, or eligibility for licensure, is required.

Desired skills:

• In addition to the technical knowledge and physical skills required for the position, you will need to demonstrate good oral and written communication skills to explain the cause and origin of losses.
• You will be required to provide short but detailed reports or detailed ones for more significant losses.
• You will also be called upon to testify in court to present your expert opinion.
• As such, experience in insurance and as an expert before the courts would be a major asset.

Certification:

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

Salary: The salary of the successful candidate will typically be positioned between the following range, taking into consideration a number of factors including prior experience, qualifications, anticipated contribution to role, location and internal equity: $88,400.00 - $132,600.00

What we offer:

Our hybrid work model provides the balance between working from home and enjoying meaningful in-person interactions.

Working here means you'll be empowered to be and do your best every day. Here is some of what you can expect as a permanent member of our team:

• A financial rewards program that recognizes your success
• An industry leading Employee Share Purchase Plan; we match 50% of net shares purchased
• An extensive flex pension and benefits package, with access to virtual healthcare
• Flexible work arrangements
• Possibility to purchase up to 5 extra days off per year
• An annual wellness account that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle
• Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health, embracing change and connecting with colleagues
• A dynamic workplace learning ecosystem complete with learning journeys, interactive online content, and inspiring programs
• Inclusive employee-led networks to educate, inspire, amplify voices, build relationships and provide development opportunities
• Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow
• A Community Impact program, because what you care about is a part of what makes you different. And how you contribute to your community should be just as unique.

We are an equal opportunity employer

At Intact, our Value of respect is founded on seeing diversity as a strength. We strive to create an accessible workplace where employees feel valued, included and encouraged to share their unique perspectives.

We encourage applications from individuals who are members of equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, Black people, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

As part of Intact’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that we work, meet and travel across the land currently called Canada, originally inhabited by First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. This history extends through many centuries and continues to evolve today.

We have policies to ensure equal access and participation for people with disabilities, including providing workplace adjustments (accommodations). A copy of applicable policies is available on request.

If we can provide a specific adjustment to make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity. We’ll work with you to meet your needs.

Learn more about our recruitment process and your candidate journey here.

If you are an employee of Intact or belairdirect, please apply for this role on Internal Career Site.