Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer [Contract - Houston, Texas]

DDA Forensics; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DDA Forensics is seeking highly skilled Civil/Structural Engineers for forensic investigations in Texas. This remote contract-based role requires PE license, 5–8 years in structural/forensic engineering, and strong communication to explain complex findings to clients, attorneys, and risk managers.

Ideal candidates will conduct site inspections, prepare unbiased reports, and may provide expert testimony. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license in Texas required.
• 5–8 years of structural/forensic engineering experience.
• Strong written communication to articulate technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Perform forensic investigations on structures (residential, commercial, industrial).
• Prepare comprehensive reports with findings, data, and references.
• Provide deposition/trial testimony as required.
• Maintain project documentation per guidelines.
• Conduct roof/attic inspections and site visits as needed.

Skills

Forensic Engineering

Civil Engineering

Structural Analysis

Structural Calculations

Construction

Building Codes

Building Materials

Property Damage

Property Inspections

Building Inspections

Foundation Design

Depositions

Expert Witness

Education

Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

PE License in the State of Texas

Job description

We're hiring highly skilled Civil/Structural Engineers in Texas!At DDA Forensics, we provide expert witness and forensic investigation services for the insurance and legal industries in need of evaluations on building damages and failures. As a growing company in the forensic and structural engineering fields, we are seeking highly motivated Professional Engineers (preference given to individuals who have a structural engineering background) to join our Forensic Engineering team inTexas.

JOB TYPE:

Contract-based, remote position.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Professional Engineer license (Required)

WORK LOCATION

• Texas: Houston

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• The ideal candidate is expected to manage forensic engineering assignments and provide their findings both verbally, and/or in report format to clients. Clients may include attorneys, insurance carriers, property managers, associations, risk managers, and retail market clients.
• Ability to effectively and clearly articulate findings, including complex concepts in layman terms.
• Must be able to physically conduct roof and attic inspections.
• The ideal candidate has prior testimony experience in both deposition and trial.
• The ideal candidate understands the technical aspects of structural engineering and construction and can concisely express technical concepts within a forensic report which is unbiased and conclusive in nature.
• The ideal candidate is able to independently perform inspections, diagnose problems, determine the cause of damage/failures, interpret applicable governing code, and if requested, provide a recommended scope of repair.
• The ideal candidate possesses a team player mentality with the ability to work with project coordinators and large projects with multiple team members.
• The ideal candidate must be flexible with scheduling, effectively and expeditiously adapt to procedural changes, and be open to feedback from quality assurance personnel.
• The ideal candidate is customer service oriented and professional.
• The candidate must be able to consistently meet required company and client production timelines, including during periods of high volume and occasional shortened, or expedited requests.
• The candidate must be open to work outside of immediate area, occasionally requiring overnight stays, including periods of extended stays during severe weather events.

POSITION DUTIES

• Perform forensic investigations on various structures, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, for damage caused by various causes, including but not limited to wind, hail, water, plumbing discharges, freezes, fires, vehicle & tree impact, and construction deficiencies.
• Maintain project documentation and notes as mandated by company guidelines.
• Independently perform research on properties related to construction, permitting, and construction materials.
• Prepare comprehensive reports supported by reviewed documents, investigation findings, supporting 3rd party data, and identifiable research materials.
• Perform structural calculations by hand or using spreadsheets as warranted to support findings when applicable.
• Create and utilize structural models using proprietary analysis software if necessary.
• Research design manuals, local and state building codes, and applicable ordinances.
• Perform inspections of residential residences and commercial buildings, which may include exterior facades, crawlspaces, attics, and roofs among others.
• Provide deposition and trial testimony as required.
• Complete projects within company and/or client specified timeless.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• 5 - 8 years of experience in Structural and/or Forensic Engineering.
• Required: PE License in the State of Texas.
• Working knowledge of structural systems and foundation design, analysis, and construction.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate advanced technical concepts in writing.
• Capable of working under minimal supervision and resolving issues independently based on project requirements.
• Ability to work effectively at heights in excess of two-stories, steep/uneven surfaces, and work within confined spaces such as crawl spaces or attics.
• Ability to work in various climates and weather conditions.
• Ability to travel, at times requiring overnight, or extended stays during catastrophic event response.
• Maintain exceptional organizational skills.
• Maintain updated notes and comply with timeline requirements.
• Ability to learn on-the-fly independently and maintain a desire to improve their craft.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members as to provide value to our clients.
• Preferred: Forensic Engineering experience.
• Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in all outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to access and work in confined spaces such as crawl spaces or attics.
• Ability to work on various roofing surfaces including uneven, steeply pitched, and high roofs of 2+ stories.
• Must be able to stand, bend, reach, walk, and drive for long periods of time.
• Ability to move about inside and outside of homes and buildings.
• Ability to lift and push up to 40 lbs.

SKILLS

• Forensic Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Analysis
• Structural Calculations
• Construction
• Building Codes
• Building Materials
• Property Damage
• Property Inspections
• Building Inspections
• Foundation Design
• Depositions
• Expert Witness

ABOUT DDA FORENSICS

At DDA Forensics, we’re proud of our highly educated team of Forensic Engineers. They’re recognized leaders in their fields, engage in a variety of complex and challenging projects, and contribute to our mission of providing clear, concise, and conclusive results. We believe in precision, integrity, and continuous education in forensic engineering. We are seeking top-tier professionals to join our distinguished team and look forward to hearing from you. Learn more at www.DDAForensics.com.