Claims Associate II

J2 Building Consultants, Inc.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

J2 Building Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Claims Associate II to independently lead investigations, deliver expert opinions, and support claims and litigation from start to finish. Ideal for someone with 7+ years in contracting or insurance claims and testifying in 10+ matters.

Travel to project sites across WA, OR, and UT, and work with attorneys, carriers, and clients as the technical authority on cases. Role may be full-time or 1099, with strong growth potential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in contracting or insurance related claims analysis.
• ],
• job_responsibilities_description [

Responsibilities

• Lead Technical Investigations: conduct complex building, construction defect, and performance investigations and provide expert opinions on conditions and repair strategies.
• Own Claims & Litigation Support: prepare expert reports, support depositions, and provide expert witness testimony on complex matters.
• Lead Technical Standards & Mentorship: provide technical guidance and mentorship to project managers and Claims Associate I staff; lead QC reviews and serve as a subject matter expert.
• Own Client Relationships: develop and maintain trusted advisor relationships with clients, presenting findings professionally on high‑value or complex matters.
• Drive Business Growth: support proposal development, technical presentations, and new claims and consulting opportunities.

Skills

Building science

Technical writing

Executive communication

Independent investigations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/Building Science

Job description

Claims Associate II (CA2)

You've Investigated the Failures. You've Testified. Now Own the Expert Seat.

J2 Building Consultants is looking for a Claims Associate II, a senior technical expert who can independently lead investigations, deliver expert opinions, and support claims and litigation matters from start to finish.

This role is ideal for someone with 7 or more years of contracting or insurance related claims analysis experience who has already testified or served as an expert witness in 10 or more matters, and is ready to bring that credibility to a growing claims and consulting practice.

You'll lead investigations into building envelope failures, construction defects, and performance issues, working directly with attorneys, carriers, and clients as the technical authority on the case.

What You'll Do

• Lead Technical Investigations Conduct complex building, construction defect, and performance related investigations, and provide expert opinions on conditions and repair strategies.
• Own Claims & Litigation Support Prepare expert reports, support depositions, and provide expert witness testimony on complex matters.
• Lead Technical Standards & Mentorship Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project managers and Claims Associate I staff; lead QC reviews and serve as a subject matter expert.
• Own Client Relationships Develop and maintain trusted advisor relationships with clients, presenting findings professionally on high‑value or complex matters.
• Drive Business Growth Support proposal development, technical presentations, and new claims and consulting opportunities.

What We're Looking For:

• 7+ years of experience specifically in contracting or insurance related claims analysis
• Experience testifying as an expert witness or providing litigation support in 10 or more matters
• Advanced knowledge of building science, construction methods, and failure analysis
• Exceptional technical writing and communication skills, including presenting to executives, clients, and legal parties
• Ability to independently investigate, conclude, and defend findings
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Architecture, Building Science, or related field (equivalent experience considered)

Bonus points for:

• Experience mentoring or leading technical staff
• Specialized certifications related to building science, construction, engineering, investigation, or forensic analysis
• Established relationships with attorneys, carriers, or industry contacts

What Success Looks Like in This Role

You:

• Reach sound technical conclusions independently, without needing sign-off
• Present confidently to executives, attorneys, and legal parties
• Are trusted to lead the most complex or high‑stakes matters
• Mentor and elevate the technical capability of the team around you
• Actively grow the firm's claims and expert consulting business

This role is a strong fit for someone coming from:

• Senior forensic or investigative engineering
• Construction expert witness work
• Insurance claims consulting or adjusting at a senior technical level
• Building envelope or restoration consulting with litigation exposure

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, expert reports, and testimony materials
• Lifting up to 40 lbs (e.g., ladders and related field equipment)

What You'll Get:

• $98,000–$135,000 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.