Forensic Fire Engineer – Electrical

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus eligibility

Retirement savings

Health benefits

Flexible work model

Professional development support

Competitive vacation package

Job summary

A leading insurance firm in Ontario seeks an experienced forensic engineer to investigate fire and explosion losses. You'll support claims professionals by determining origins and causes, conducting field investigations, and providing expert opinions. With a requisite Bachelor's degree and 8-10 years of experience in forensic engineering, this role offers a salary ranging from $105,000 to $154,400 and a hybrid work model. Competitive benefits include annual bonuses, retirement savings, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of forensic engineering experience in the insurance field required.
• Experience testifying in court and previous qualification as an expert is preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple investigations simultaneously while prioritizing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of losses to determine the origin and cause of fires.
• Analyze and identify the root cause of losses using scientific methods.
• Provide engineering opinions and technical assistance to Claims Professionals.

Skills

Forensic engineering

Structural investigation

Fire dynamics knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in relevant engineering fields

Professional Engineer licensed in Ontario

Certification as a Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)

Tools

MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Support our claims professionals, independent adjusters and customers by investigating losses to determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions as well as product, equipment and material failures. You will investigate losses through on-site inspection and forensic evaluation to determine origin and cause, where required to support claims handling, coverage determination and recovery efforts against third parties.
• Conduct field investigations of structure fires and explosions, including vehicle fires or equipment failures, documenting your work and collecting all necessary evidence including witness interviews, fire service interviews, media reports, security videos, product recalls etc.
• Analyze and identify the root cause of losses applying established fire investigation methodology and the scientific method detailing the steps and assumptions in your investigation that led you to your conclusion.
• You will use your expertise to make decisions on (1) the most plausible reason for a failure based on data; (2) whether the design, installation or maintenance met industry standards or, if appropriate, building codes; (3) whether the loss was due to design error, manufacturing defect, improper maintenance or external factors.
• Interact with customers to explain the investigation process, gather relevant information, coordinate site access, and communicate findings clearly and professionally without making coverage decisions.
• Provide engineering opinions and technical assistance to Claims Professionals, leadership and other key stakeholders to support decision‑making. This includes preparing reports and letters outlining your opinions in a clear, precise manner adapting to a non‑technical audience.
• Guide the technical direction of investigations, including determining when external specialty expertise is required or reviewing external forensic opinions, including conducting peer reviews of external investigations and opinions.
• Contribute to engineering expertise including multi‑disciplinary initiatives or emerging risk areas, as required.
• Collaborate with other groups on multi‑disciplinary projects to provide solutions on complex losses and failures.
• Provide recommendations based on your expertise in the field of engineering to internal and external partners on operationalizing strategies for engineering services.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Fire Protection, Electrical Engineering, Applied Sciences or a related field.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario. Licensing in other provinces is an asset.
• At least 8 to 10 years of professional experience in forensic engineering, structural investigation, fire/explosion investigation or failure analysis in the insurance field.
• Knowledge of fire dynamics, chemistry of fire/combustion and scientific and technical principles (such as flashpoints, vapor density, ignition temperatures) to analyse post‑fire indicators and evidence to support conclusions.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical conclusions clearly to non‑technical stakeholders through verbal explanation and written technical reports.
• Experience reviewing and assessing external forensic or specialty expert opinions for technical accuracy.
• Experience applying relevant legislation and related documents such as the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Fire Code, Health and Safety Act, and Building Code.
• Certification as a Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI).
• Valid Canadian driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Experience testifying in court and previous qualification as an expert is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and data management/analysis skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clearly, concisely and simply the results of their investigations and assessments to the Claims Professional or other stakeholders.
• Critical thinking skills with strong analytic and problem‑solving skills with the ability to analyse and interpret complex technical data.
• Experience analysing trends to support operational performance.
• Experience working in the field.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and various environmental conditions.
• Ability to handle multiple investigations simultaneously while prioritizing along strict timelines.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the province of Ontario on short notice.

What You’ll Get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $105,000 to $154,400. Please note that individual salary is determined by factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as 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.
• Outstanding career development opportunities.
• We’ll support your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee‑driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.

Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.