Principal – Construction Defect Litigation

Thomas Young Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Young Group is seeking a leader to guide and expand the engineering and architectural practice in Chicago. You will oversee forensic investigations, defect evaluations, and expert work, while collaborating with disputes on delays and damages.

You will build relationships with law firms, contractors, insurers, and owners, recruit and mentor a technical team, and uphold rigorous standards for accuracy and integrity across all reports and testimony.

Qualifications

• PE, RA, or GC license is required.
• Background in engineering, architecture, or construction management.
• Extensive experience in construction defect litigation, forensic analysis, expert reporting, or testimony.
• Strong technical understanding of building systems, design, and construction methods.
• Proven leadership experience, including growing teams or building a practice.
• Ability to manage client relationships, develop new business, and deliver expert-level work.

Responsibilities

• Leading and growing the engineering/architectural practice locally
• Overseeing forensic investigations, defect evaluations, and technical expert work
• Preparing and reviewing expert reports, analyses, and litigation support documentation
• Collaborating closely with the disputes team on delay, damages, and schedule matters
• Building relationships with law firms, contractors, insurers, and owners
• Recruiting, mentoring, and developing a technical team as the practice expands
• Maintaining high standards for technical accuracy, quality, and integrity
• Contributing to the broader strategy of a growing national practice

Skills

PE/RA/GC license

Leadership experience

Business development

Client relationship management

Education

Engineering, architecture, or construction management

Job description

About the company:

This consultancy is reshaping construction advisory and dispute work across the U.S. With a team of more than 50 experts and steady growth, they are known for technical expertise, clear guidance, and a collaborative culture. Privately owned and founder-led, the firm focuses on people-first values without private equity influence. Their multidisciplinary approach lets technical specialists and claims experts work together to deliver integrated solutions across disputes, advisory, forensics, and project delivery.

What you'll be doing:

Leading and growing the engineering/architectural practice locally

Overseeing forensic investigations, defect evaluations, and technical expert work

Preparing and reviewing expert reports, analyses, and litigation support documentation

Collaborating closely with the disputes team on delay, damages, and schedule matters

Building relationships with law firms, contractors, insurers, and owners

Recruiting, mentoring, and developing a technical team as the practice expands

Maintaining high standards for technical accuracy, quality, and integrity

Contributing to the broader strategy of a growing national practice

What we're looking for:

PE, RA, or GC license required

Background in engineering, architecture, or construction management

Extensive experience in construction defect litigation, forensic analysis, expert reporting, or testimony

Strong technical understanding of building systems, design, and construction methods

Proven leadership experience, including growing teams or building a practice

Ability to manage client relationships, develop new business, and deliver expert-level work

More reasons to apply:

Directly shape and grow a regional engineering and architectural practice

Join a privately held, founder-led firm focused on people and long-term culture

Collaborate closely with technical experts and disputes specialists in an integrated environment

Be part of a growing national firm investing in innovation and high-quality client work

Work with approachable leadership in a culture that values balance, flexibility, and trust