Civil/Structural Forensic Engineer

Keystoneforensics; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 41,328 - 96,432; Part time

Job summary

A leading forensic engineering firm is seeking licensed Civil and Structural Engineers to conduct forensic investigations regarding various site issues. This remote part-time role requires expertise in accident and disaster investigation, along with the ability to evaluate damages from natural disasters. Qualified candidates will hold an active Professional Engineering license and possess a degree in civil or structural engineering. Strong communication skills and a detail-oriented approach are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineering license(s) required.
• Well-versed in building materials, codes, and construction methods.
• Ability to adhere to tight deadlines and perform site inspections promptly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of accidents or disasters to determine causes.
• Evaluate structural or water damage caused by natural disasters.
• Prepare and submit findings for insurance claims or litigation matters.

Skills

Forensic investigations

Structural analysis

Problem-solving ability

Outstanding communication skills

Education

Degree in civil or structural engineering

Tools

Various software platforms

Job description

When answers matter most, Keystone Experts & Engineers deliver. Keystone specializes in forensic engineering and investigative services for commercial and residential structures, vehicles, and products. Our multi-disciplinary team includes highly experienced engineers, architects, fire investigators, contractors, and industry experts strategically located across the country to serve a national client base.

Keystone provides streamlined, fact-based forensic consulting services designed to meet our clients’ needs with clarity, accuracy, and timeliness. Our reports are tailored to client specifications and backed by expert analysis, ensuring clear, defensible conclusions and industry-leading turnaround times.

The Keystone Way

is more than a process: it’s our commitment to excellence, innovation, integrity, honesty, accuracy, timeliness, and accountability. These values guide every project we undertake. By combining top-tier expertise, open communication, and dependable service, we go beyond industry standards to deliver results our clients can trust.

About the role

We are seeking licensed (PE) Civil and Structural Engineers with experience completing forensic investigations to determine the cause and origin of various site issues; including design and construction defects, and weather-related damage to residential, commercial and industrial properties.

This is a fully remote, part-time, 1099 contracted position.

The ideal candidate will have experience...

• performing site evaluations, field analysis, and assessments of structural and architectural systems, low/steep-slope roofing systems, and foundation systems.
• providing evaluations for failures as a result of hail damage, wind damage, moisture intrusion, flooding, building envelope failures, and general construction failures.
• providing general recommendations for remediation and repair, and performing structural failure analysis, and evaluation of damage from hurricanes, tornados, ice/wind/snow, fires, explosions, blasting, construction vibrations, and differential foundation movement.

What you'll do

• Conduct investigations of accidents or disasters to determine causes and contributing factors
• Evaluate structural or water damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wind events, hail storms or floods
• Ensure proper maintenance & construction of affected building components & systems
• Safely access roofs, attics & crawl spaces to photo document areas of interest
• Identify and interview witnesses and/or other key parties involved
• Prepare & submit findings and recommendations that can be used to resolve insurance claims or litigation matters

Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineering license(s) required
• Degree in civil or structural engineering or similar field
• Well-versed in building materials, codes, construction methods & common modes of failure
• Ability to access roof, attic and crawl space areas
• Ability to adhere to tight deadlines
• Availability to readily accept assignments and perform site inspection within 5-7 days
• Tech-savvy across multiple software platforms, tools / equipment & investigative techniques
• Outstanding written & verbal communications skills
• An analytical mind and strong problem-solving ability