Remote Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (PE or SE)

talisman; California; Remote; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Mentorship and professionaldevelopment

Job summary

talisman is seeking a mid- to senior-level Civil or Structural Engineer (PE or SE) for forensic investigations across residential, commercial, and industrial structures. This remote role involves about 40% field inspections and 60% remote analysis and report writing, offering autonomy and meaningful work for legal and safety outcomes.

You'll investigate failures, prepare professional reports, and may serve as an expert witness in litigation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Active PE or SE license in California (or ability to obtain one).
• 2-7+ years of experience in forensic engineering, structural design, or construction.

Responsibilities

• Investigate origin and cause of structural failures and defects.
• Conduct field inspections of buildings (residential, commercial, industrial).
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned reports and letters for clients and attorneys.
• Research failure modes, codes, and remediation options.
• Support or serve as expert witnesses in litigation (senior level).
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on complex projects.
• Engage with professional associations and contribute to technical publications.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Building codes

Field inspections

Education

ABET-accredited Civil/Structural Eng program

PE or SE license in California

Job description

Forensic Civil / Structural Engineer (PE or SE)

Forensic Engineering PE / SE License - Remote - $120k - $165k

About the role

We're partnered with a nationally recognized forensic consulting firm seeking a mid- to senior-level Civil or Structural Engineer to join their rapidly growing team. You'll investigate failures across residential, commercial, and industrial structures - from foundations to rooftops - and deliver expert analysis that directly supports legal outcomes, insurance claims, and safety standards.

This is a remote role: roughly 40% field inspections, 60% remote analysis and report writing. You'll have real autonomy, meaningful work, and a team that has your back.

Candidates in the following cities are highly encouraged to apply!

What you'll do

• Investigate the origin and cause of structural failures, construction defects, seismic damage assessment, water intrusion, storm and fire damage, and foundation issues
• Conduct field inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings - including roofs, scaffolding, and enclosed spaces
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned reports and letters for clients, attorneys, and carriers
• Research failure modes, applicable building codes, and repair/remediation options
• Serve as or support expert witnesses in litigation matters (senior level)
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on complex, high-stakes assignments
• Engage with professional associations and contribute to technical publications

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Active PE or SE license in California (or ability to obtain one)
• 2-7+ years of experience in forensic engineering, structural design, or construction
• Strong grasp of building codes, construction methods, and failure analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication - your reports tell the story
• Comfort with local and regional travel and working in varied field conditions
• A genuine sense of curiosity - you want to know what went wrong and why

Nice to have

• Expert witness, litigation or deposition experience
• Experience with post-earthquake structural evaluations
• Background in construction defect evaluation or hazard/damage assessment
• Experience managing multi-party field examinations
• Exposure to healthcare, k-12 schools, labs, commercial and residential structures.
• Flexible / remote work when not in the field
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Mentorship, professional development, and support for association involvement
• A collaborative team culture where your expertise is respected and your growth is invested in

Compensation:

• Competitive salary: $120,000 -$165,000 base salary (based on experience & scope)
• Performance-based bonus + potential sign-on bonus