Investigative Structural Engineer

LVI Associates; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates seeks an Investigative Structural Engineer to join its Denver team. The role targets a licensed PE with a passion for solving complex structural problems and performing field investigations on building failures and defects.

You will work on diverse projects across commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional sectors, with significant client interaction and opportunities for advancement in Colorado and nearby regions.

Qualifications

• PE license required.
• 4+ years structural engineering experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel locally for site investigations.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic investigations of structural failures and property damage.
• Perform site inspections of buildings affected by defects, storms, fires, or settlement.
• Analyze structures made of steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and light-gauge framing.
• Develop repair and rehabilitation recommendations.

Skills

PE license

4+ years experience

Communication skills

Travel for site investigations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Eng

Master's degree preferred

Tools

RISA

RAM

ETABS

SAP2000

Job description

A leading engineering consulting firm is seeking an Investigative Structural Engineer to join its growing Denver team. This role is ideal for a licensed Professional Engineer who enjoys solving complex structural problems, conducting field investigations, and providing expert analysis on building failures, construction defects, property damage, and structural performance issues.

The successful candidate will work on a diverse range of projects involving commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use structures. This position offers significant client interaction, technical autonomy, opportunities for career advancement, and exposure to challenging forensic and investigative assignments throughout Colorado and the surrounding region.

Key Responsibilities

Investigative Structural Engineer

Location: Denver, Colorado

About the Opportunity

A leading engineering consulting firm is seeking an Investigative Structural Engineer to join its growing Denver team. This role is ideal for a licensed Professional Engineer who enjoys solving complex structural problems, conducting field investigations, and providing expert analysis on building failures, construction defects, property damage, and structural performance issues.

The successful candidate will work on a diverse range of projects involving commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use structures. This position offers significant client interaction, technical autonomy, opportunities for career advancement, and exposure to challenging forensic and investigative assignments throughout Colorado and the surrounding region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic investigations of structural failures, distress conditions, and property damage claims.
• Perform site inspections of buildings and structures affected by construction defects, storms, fires, vehicle impacts, settlement, moisture intrusion, and other damage-related events.
• Analyze structural systems constructed of steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and light-gauge metal framing.
• Develop repair recommendations and rehabilitation solutions for damaged or deficient structures.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, technical analyses, and client deliverables.
• Review construction documents, structural calculations, shop drawings, and related project records.
• Collaborate directly with attorneys, insurance carriers, property owners, contractors, architects, and other stakeholders.
• Provide expert opinions regarding cause and origin of structural failures and performance concerns.
• Conduct field measurements, documentation, and photographic assessments.
• Manage multiple investigations simultaneously while maintaining quality and responsiveness to clients.
• Support business development efforts and cultivate long-term client relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 4+ years of structural engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis and design principles.
• Experience with concrete, steel, wood, and masonry structures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound engineering judgment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally for site investigations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Structural Engineering.
• Structural Engineer (SE) license or ability to obtain.
• Experience in forensic engineering, building envelope consulting, or failure investigations.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes and industry standards.
• Experience preparing expert reports or supporting litigation matters.
• Proficiency with structural analysis software such as RISA, RAM, ETABS, SAP2000, or similar platforms.
• Experience with repair and rehabilitation design.