Head of Structural Forensics & Operations (Licensed PE)

Lerch Bates; The Colony (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual bonus

ESOP

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Professional development

Job summary

Lerch Bates is seeking an entrepreneurial, technically accomplished Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and grow our Structural Forensics practice in The Colony, TX, hybrid work model. This role combines hands‑on investigations with business leadership to deliver expert consulting and client solutions.

You will oversee a growing team of forensic consultants, manage project delivery, relationships, and growth while remaining actively engaged in investigations, failure analysis, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 10+ years of experience in forensic engineering, structural engineering, failure analysis, rehabilitation consulting, building investigations, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships.
• Strong knowledge of structural systems, building construction, engineering principles, and construction practices.
• Experience conducting structural investigations, condition assessments, failure analyses, and developing repair recommendations.
• Proven leadership experience with responsibility for team development, project delivery, business operations, and strategic planning.
• Strong financial, project management, and operational planning capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex forensic investigations involving structural failures, construction defects, building movement, settlement, water intrusion impacts, storm damage, material deterioration, and other building performance issues.
• Direct field investigations, condition assessments, failure analyses, and root‑cause evaluations.
• Review structural designs, construction documents, field observations, testing results, and investigative findings.
• Develop technical conclusions, repair recommendations, rehabilitation strategies, and corrective action plans.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor on high‑profile and technically complex projects.
• Provide technical review of forensic reports, engineering analyses, and expert opinions.
• Support litigation matters, insurance investigations, dispute resolution efforts, and expert witness services when required.
• Remain actively involved in project execution and technical consulting activities.
• Lead client presentations, project interviews, and technical discussions.
• Support proposal development and pursuit strategies for new opportunities.
• Help shape the strategic direction and continued growth of the Structural Forensics practice.

Skills

Leadership

Forensic engineering

Project management

Communication skills

Client relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or related

Job description

Lerch Bates is seeking an entrepreneurial, technically accomplished Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and grow our Structural Forensics practice in The Colony, TX, hybrid work model. This role combines hands‑on investigations with business leadership to deliver expert consulting and client solutions.

You will oversee a growing team of forensic consultants, manage project delivery, relationships, and growth while remaining actively engaged in investigations, failure analysis, and