Area Director – Forensic Structural Engineering

Halliwell; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Company holidays

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Remote work flexibility

Employee recognition

Job summary

Halliwell is seeking an experienced Area Director to lead our Engineering Services practice in the Midwest. This leadership role targets a licensed Structural Engineer with extensive forensics, investigations, and client relationship management experience.

You will oversee complex projects, mentor staff, and drive growth in the region. The successful candidate will have a strong background in structural failure analysis, evaluations of damaged structures, and building condition assessments, with

Qualifications

• Licensed Structural Engineer (S.E.) in the State of Illinois.
• ≥10 years of experience in structural analysis and design of buildings, bridges, and/or building envelope systems.
• Experience in forensic engineering, structural failure investigations, damaged structure evaluations, and building condition assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for forensic investigations across the Midwest.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff; lead projects and teams.
• Strengthen client relationships and support business development in the forensic engineering field.
• Oversee complex forensic investigations and deliver detailed reports with conclusions and repair recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Forensic engineering

Structural analysis

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture or Architectural Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Structural analysis software

Drafting software

Job description

Halliwell is seeking an experienced Area Director to lead our growing Engineering Services practice in the Midwest.

This leadership role is ideal for a licensed Structural Engineer (S.E.) with extensive experience in forensic engineering, structural investigations, and client relationship management. As Area Director, you will combine technical expertise with leadership responsibilities-overseeing complex forensic investigations, mentoring engineering staff, strengthening client partnerships, and supporting the continued growth of our regional business.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in structural failure analysis, evaluations of damaged structures, and building condition assessments, together with a passion for developing people and delivering exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership

• Assess and evaluate the condition and potential causes of distress to a wide range of commercial, institutional, and industrial structures.
• Perform field investigations and structural analyses.
• Prepare detailed forensic engineering reports, including findings, conclusions, and conceptual repair recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise on complex structural investigations throughout the Midwest.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, manage, and mentor engineering staff.
• Provide ongoing technical guidance and professional development to engineers across the region.
• Foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and construction consultants.
• Support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the engineering practice.

Client & Business Development

• Develop and strengthen long-term client relationships throughout the region.
• Support business development initiatives and expand Halliwell's presence within the forensic engineering industry.
• Bring new and existing clients to the business through professional relationships and industry engagement.
• Represent Halliwell with professionalism while delivering exceptional client service.

Qualifications:

Required

• Licensed Structural Engineer (S.E.) in the State of Illinois.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in structural analysis and design of:
• buildings
• bridges
• and/or building envelope systems.
• Demonstrated experience in forensic engineering, structural failure investigations, damaged structure evaluations, and building condition assessments.
• Previous experience mentoring engineers and managing client relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Architecture.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Architecture.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience using structural analysis software.
• Experience with drafting software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to perform field investigations, including climbing ladders, carrying inspection equipment, stooping, kneeling, and working in varying site conditions.
• Approximately 20% regional travel.

Why Halliwell

At Halliwell, you will have the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects, collaborate with nationally recognized experts, and help build a growing regional practice backed by the resources, reputation, and stability of a firm with more than 70 years of consulting excellence.

Halliwell offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative, flexible work environment, including:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Remote work flexibility
• Employee appreciation and recognition programs