Forensic Structural Engineer

Charles Francis Cooper; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A structural engineering firm is seeking a Forensic Structural Engineer to conduct forensic investigations across various UK locations, primarily in London. This role involves site visits, evidence collection, and providing expert testimony in court. Ideal candidates will have a degree in civil/structural engineering, several years of experience, and strong problem-solving and communication skills. The position offers a highly competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

Five weeks holiday

Pension scheme

Medical insurance

Life assurance

Permanent health insurance

Company car

Relocation package if appropriate

Qualifications

• Several years of postgraduate experience in an industrial engineering environment.
• Experience conducting component failure investigations with scene inspections.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to laypersons.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site-based investigations to gather physical evidence.
• Prepare reports for court proceedings and provide expert witness testimony.
• Consult relevant standards and regulations.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication of technical concepts

Self-motivation

Education

Civil / structural engineering undergraduate degree

MSc in structural engineering or related area

Job description

Forensic Structural Engineer

Locations – London preferred, but could be based in Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, Basingstoke, Kenilworth, Leeds and Stevenage with travel to London.

What we need

We presently have vacancies for Forensic Structural Engineer to undertake forensic investigations on a wide range of incidents and accidents.

These investigations will usually be undertaken for insurance related purposes, including international insurers, loss adjusters, solicitors, marine Protection and Indemnity clubs and insurance brokers.

They require clear and accurate technical advice regarding the cause of the incident or accident and assistance with determining liability, sometimes at very short notice.

The Role

One attraction of this role is that you will typically be responsible for seeing a technical investigation through from beginning to end, from initially collecting the evidence on site to preparing the final technical report and ultimately giving expert evidence in Court.

Your work will often require you to visit the location of an incident, to record and gather evidence. The work will often require you to examine and analyse physical evidence of buildings, bridges, and other types of structures.

Overview of the various aspects of the job

• Conducting site-based investigations to record and gather the available physical evidence.
• Obtaining details regarding the background and circumstances surrounding the incident by interviewing individuals associated with the incident.
• Consulting relevant standards, regulations, and other published guidance.
• Undertaking technical literature reviews.
• Providing the client with timely preliminary verbal and/or written advice in a form that can be readily understood by a layperson and ultimately a Judge.
• Preparing reports that may be in the form of a brief letter style report or in the form of a detailed, illustrated report for Court proceedings.
• Attending client meetings to discuss your investigation.
• Meetings with experts appointed by the other involved parties as part of the litigation process.
• Providing expert witness evidence in Court, which will involve being questioned in depth by a Barrister, who will be briefed by a technical expert.

Their Requirements

• Civil / structural engineering undergraduate degree.
• MSc structural engineering or directly related area preferred.
• Have gained several years of postgraduate experience, preferably in an industrial engineering environment.
• Have an aptitude and enthusiasm for problem solving.
• Be self-motivated and be able to work effectively under pressure.
• Have experience of undertaking component failure investigations, which will have included conducting scene inspections.
• Have a practical engineering ability in addition to a strong academic record.
• Have the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing, to others less informed than yourself.
• Be prepared to provide expert witness evidence in Court when required.

Package

• Highly competitive starting salary.
• Unparalleled prospects.
• Five weeks holiday.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• Medical insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Permanent health insurance.
• Company car.
• Where appropriate a relocation package is available.
• London Office appointment have London weighting.

Charles Francis Cooper celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.