Civil/Structural Engineer / Failure Analysis

Engineering Design & Testing Corp. (EDT); Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

Professional development

Work-life balance

Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

Job summary

Engineering Design & Testing Corp. (EDT) in Columbia, SC seeks a licensed Professional Engineer to lead field investigations into why buildings and structural components underperform.

You will document findings and recommend remediation, working with clients across insurance, government, and industry sectors. Responsibilities include coordinating site visits, analyzing weather, fire, and soil-related issues, preparing clear reports, and providing expert testimony when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience in structural design, construction, and/or construction management.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Ability to carry equipment to job sites.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations, interviews, and structural analysis.
• Assess damage, building-code compliance, and repair scope.
• Coordinate laboratory and field testing of materials.
• Manage multiple projects in different phases.
• Prepare reports documenting causes of failure and remediation.
• Provide expert testimony and support in depositions or trials.
• Travel primarily regional field work near the office.

Skills

PE license

Strong written and verbalCommunication

Independent work

Prioritize effectively

Sound judgment

Troubleshooting/root-cause analysis

Carry equipment

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

MathCAD

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position requires a current, valid PE license and residence in South Carolina. We are unable to consider applications that do not meet both requirements.

About EDT

Engineering Design & Testing Corp. is a nationwide firm of engineers dedicated to the study, interpretation, and resolution of loss. Our work includes root-cause analysis involving people, property, and manufactured products, as well as assessment of damage and value of loss. Clients include insurance firms, law firms, government agencies, private industry and private individuals.

What we value

Technical competence, clear communication, integrity, professionalism, and the ability to work well with colleagues and clients. Successful engineers here are self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable with varied, challenging assignments.

The role

You will investigate why buildings and structural components did not perform as expected and offer repair recommendations. Typical work includes weather-, fire-, and water-damaged structures; soil movement, drainage, and foundation issues; structures impacted by vehicles, trees, etc.; and defective design or construction.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting and managing field investigations, interviews, and structural analysis
• Assessing damage, building-code compliance, and repair scope
• Coordinating laboratory and field testing of materials
• Managing multiple distinct projects in varying phases of progress/completion.
• Prepare oral and written reports in common terms to clients and non-technical audiences that document causes of failure, extent of loss, and recommended remediation
• Provide expert testimony and support conclusions in depositions or trials
• Travel is primarily regional field work near the assigned office. Additional travel may be required depending on the scope of the work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience in structural design, construction, and/or construction management
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively and exercise sound judgment
• Trouble-shooting skills and a sense of curiosity needed in root cause analysis
• Ability to carry various equipment, including a ladder, to and from jobsites.
• Preferred: advanced degree; proficiency with tools such as MathCAD, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.

Compensation and benefits

EDT offers a competitive compensation plan designed to support strong long-term financial growth, along with:

• EDT is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company. EDT gives its employees an ownership stake in the business at no out-of-pocket cost to the employees
• Training and professional development
• A culture that supports balance between work and family life
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a company funded HSA plan available
• Company paid long-term and short-term disability coverage