Senior Forensic Structural Engineer, P.E.

EFI Global; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

EFI Global in the greater Chicago area seeks a seasoned Structural Engineer to uncover root causes of structural failures and deliver expert assessments.

The ideal candidate will hold a PE license in the resident state with 8+ years in forensic engineering, structural damage assessment, and expert-witness experience. This full-time role offers leadership of investigations, cross‑team collaboration, and growth within a client-focused, global engineering firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required in resident state.
• Eight (8) years of experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations to determine and document the scope of damage in losses.
• Survey losses and loss scenes at residential and commercial buildings.
• Provide guidance and leadership on complex losses and forensic investigations.
• Collaborate with investigators to produce detailed reports outlining cause and origin of losses.
• Serve as an expert witness in court or depositions when needed.
• Maintain billable hours and documentation for forensic engineering projects.

Skills

Forensic engineering

Structural analysis

PE license

Report writing

Expert testimony

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Chicago, IL

Elgin, IL

Naperville, IL

Peoria, IL

Aurora, IL

Addison, IL

Full time

The 'Apply with SEEK option' will be utilized for International applicants, mainly Australia. If this does not apply to you please use the 'Apply' option.

IF YOU CARE, THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE

EFI Global is a full-service engineering, fire investigation, environmental, health and safety, and specialty consulting services firm serving a variety of industries in both the public and private sectors. Over the last four decades, we have grown from a boutique firm specializing in handling insurance fraud and arson cases and providing expert witness testimony, into a recognized global leader in engineering failure analysis, origin-and-cause investigations, environmental consulting, laboratory testing and specialty consulting. Our forensic investigation, engineering and environmental services teams around the world share a dedication to expertise, quality and demonstrating to customers that caring counts®. Each of our more than 700 professional engineers, fire investigators, architects and scientists was selected for their technical proficiency, in-depth industry knowledge and commitment to professional integrity. Together, our diverse backgrounds and collective insights empower clients to make better-informed business decisions. EFI’s combination of global solutions and local expertise has earned the firm a reputation for delivering timely responses that consistently meet our clients’ expectations—anytime, anywhere. Click here to learn more about EFI Global.

Are you a seasoned Structural Engineer with a passion for uncovering the root causes of structural failures and a talent for delivering expert assessments? We are seeking a dedicated professional engineer to join our team in the greater Chicago area, specializing in forensic engineering, structural damage assessment, and failure analysis across commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on experience in determining causes of structural failure, storm and roof damage assessments, building envelope investigations, and evaluating structural collapses. A Professional Engineer (PE) license in your state of residence is required. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and you are committed to excellence in structural diagnostics, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.

Are You an Ideal Candidate? We are looking for enthusiastic candidates who thrive in a collaborative environment, who are driven to deliver results, are customer oriented and naturally empathetic.

Apply your engineering knowledge and experience to investigate and assess complex failures in the context of an energetic, people focused, entrepreneurial culture.

Deliver comprehensive engineering analyses to clients who represent virtually every industry and comprise some of the world’s most respected organizations.

Leverage EFI Global’s broad, global network of experts to both learn from and to share your insights.

Be a part of a rapidly growing, industry-leading global company known for its excellence and customer service.

Take advantage of a variety of professional development opportunities that help you perform your best work and grow your career.

Enjoy flexibility and autonomy in your daily work, your location, and your career path.

Access diverse and comprehensive benefits to take care of your mental, physical, financial, and professional needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assigns engineers to client losses in the assigned area of responsibility and manages quality control.
• Surveys losses and loss scenes at residential and commercial buildings
• Conduct investigations to determine and document the scope of damage.
• Provides guidance and leadership on complex losses.
• Implements engineering strategies within the assigned engineering team.
• Collaborate with other investigators to produce detailed reports outlining the cause and origin of losses and damages.
• Serves as an expert witness in court and/or in depositions.
• Documents and maintain billable hours on a time and expense basis for failure analysis and forensic engineering projects for clients.
• Collaborates with EFI's national team of forensic experts to leverage experiences and assist on projects.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports the organization's quality program(s).
• Travels as required.

Education & Licensing

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Professional Engineering (PE) license is required in the resident state.

Experience

Eight (8) years of experience or equivalent combination of experience and education required.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
• PC literate, including Microsoft Office products
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

Mental

Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Physical

• Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able to kneel, squat or bend.
• Must be able to work outdoors in hot and/or cold weather conditions.
• Have the ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, reaching/working overhead,
• Be able lift/carry up to 50 pounds
• Be able to push/pull up to 100 pounds.
• Be able to drive up to 4 hours per day.

Auditory/Visual

Hearing, vision and talking

NEXT STEP

If your application is selected to advance to the next round, you will receive an e‑mail notification or phone call from a recruiter to schedule an initial call.

NOTE: Credit security clearance, confirmed via a background credit check, is required for this position.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace

Our business is founded on people with the best technical skills and outstanding industry knowledge and we strive to employ and retain exceptional talent. EFI Global is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applications from all qualified persons.

If you are interested in working for us, please visit our job board.

#LI‑SC2 #LI‑Remote

#ForensicEngineer #StructuralEngineer #SeniorEngineer #StructuralFailure #DamageAssessment #FailureAnalysis

As required by law, Sedgwick provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in jurisdictions requiring pay transparency in job postings. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and cost of specific location. For the jurisdiction noted in this job posting only, the range of starting pay for this role is $135,000-$160,000. A comprehensive benefits package is offered including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, 401k and matching, PTO, disability and life insurance, employee assistance, flexible spending or health savings account, and other additional voluntary benefits. Always accepting applications.