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 professional developm

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Talisman seeks a mid- to senior-level Civil or Structural Engineer with PE or SE licensure for a national forensic practice. You will investigate failures across residential, commercial, and industrial structures and prepare expert analyses that support legal outcomes, insurance claims, and safety standards.

This is a remote role with about 40% field inspections and 60% remote analysis and reporting, offering autonomy, meaningful work, and a collaborative team that values your expertise.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Investigate 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

Skills

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

ABET-accredited Civil or Structural Engineering program

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