Claims Associate I

J2 Building Consultants, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

8 paid holidays

HSA, FSA, Costco & Gym reimbursements

Monthly cell phone reimbursement

Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability

Job summary

J2 Building Consultants, Inc. seeks a Claims Associate I to apply deep knowledge of building performance to real claims, disputes, and litigation matters.

You will support investigations into envelope failures, construction defects, and performance issues, and help attorneys, carriers, and clients understand what happened and why. This role offers growth toward independent expert‑level work, mentorship from senior staff, and opportunities to contribute to technical reporting, depositions, and

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of general experience in building consulting, engineering, architecture, or construction.
• Experience testifying or supporting technical reports or claims analysis in 5 to 10 matters.
• Strong working knowledge of building science, construction methods, and failure analysis.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to perform investigations and develop conclusions under senior review.
• Growing strategic thinking and independent decision‑making.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Architecture, Building Science, or related field (equivalent experience considered)

Responsibilities

• Support Technical Investigations: conduct building, construction defect, and performance related investigations.
• Contribute to Claims & Litigation Support: prepare technical reports; support depositions; may testify on less complex matters.
• Build Toward Subject Matter Expertise: receive guidance from senior staff while contributing to QC reviews and standards.
• Support Client Relationships: present findings clearly to clients and maintain responsiveness.
• Contribute to Business Growth: assist in proposals and identify new claims and opportunities.

Skills

Building science knowledge

Investigations

Technical writing

Claims analysis

Communication skills

Testimony support

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Building Science or related field

Job description

Claims Associate I (CA1)

You Know Buildings Inside and Out. Now Bring That Expertise to Claims and Litigation Support.

J2 Building Consultants is looking for a Claims Associate I who can bring strong technical knowledge of building performance and construction to real claims, disputes, and litigation matters. This role is ideal for someone with 5 to 10 years of hands‑on experience in building consulting, engineering, architecture, or construction, who's ready to apply that expertise to investigations, technical reporting, and claims support, while building toward independent expert‑level work. You'll support investigations into building envelope failures, construction defects, and performance issues, and help attorneys, carriers, and clients understand what happened and why.

What You'll Do

• Support Technical Investigations
  Conduct building, construction defect, and performance related investigations, typically on less complex matters or under senior technical review.
• Contribute to Claims & Litigation Support
  Prepare technical reports and documentation; support depositions; may testify on less complex matters.
• Build Toward Subject Matter Expertise
  Receive technical guidance and mentorship from senior technical staff and Principals while contributing to QC reviews and technical standards.
• Support Client Relationships
  Present technical findings clearly and maintain responsiveness throughout client engagements, working alongside senior staff.
• Contribute to Business Growth
  Support proposal development and help identify new claims and consulting opportunities.

What We're Looking For:

• 5-10 years of general experience in building consulting, engineering, architecture, or construction related fields
• Experience testifying or supporting technical reports or claims analysis in 5 to 10 matters
• Strong working knowledge of building science, construction methods, and failure analysis
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Ability to perform investigations and develop conclusions under senior review
• Growing strategic thinking and independent decision‑making
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Architecture, Building Science, or related field (equivalent experience considered)

Bonus points for:

• Experience supporting litigation, claims, or expert witness services
• Deposition or expert testimony experience
• Specialized certifications related to building science, construction, engineering, investigation, or forensic analysis

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Produce accurate, well-supported findings, even under senior review
• Communicate technical information clearly to clients and attorneys
• Are building toward independent technical judgment
• Take feedback and mentorship seriously
• Want to grow into a senior technical or expert witness role over time

This role is a strong fit for someone coming from:

• Construction or building envelope consulting
• Forensic or investigative engineering
• Insurance-related claims or restoration work
• Architecture or engineering with a technical, detail-driven bent

Working Conditions

This role combines office work and field or site visits. You should be comfortable:

• Traveling to project sites and client locations across WA, OR, and UT (more frequently in WA and OR)
• Visiting job sites and construction environments
• Preparing technical documentation and reports
• Lifting up to 40 lbs (e.g., ladders and related field equipment)

What You'll Get:

• $85,000–$105,000 annually, based on experience
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and sick time, plus 8 paid holidays
• HSA, FSA, Costco & Gym membership reimbursements
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• EAP, Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Professional development support
• A collaborative team that actually likes working together

This role may be available as a full-time position or as a 1099 contract arrangement for the right candidate.

J2 Building Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider applicants based on qualifications, experience, and business needs.