Senior Structural Forensic Engineer

Áreté Forensics, PLLC; Town of Florida (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Áreté Forensics, PLLC is seeking a Senior Structural Forensic Engineer to lead investigations of buildings and components, focusing on cause-and-origin analysis and damage assessment. This hybrid Florida-based role involves fieldwork, reporting, and collaboration with attorneys and clients.

You will review construction documents, perform calculations, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to quality assurance while traveling to sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong structural engineering skills, including analysis, design, and evaluation of buildings and other structures, with proficiency in relevant engineering software and codes.
• Demonstrated experience in forensic investigations, including failure analysis, construction defects, building envelope issues, and assessment of storm and water-related damage.
• Ability to conduct detailed field inspections, gather evidence, document site conditions, and apply sound engineering judgment to determine cause and extent of damage.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, objective reports and present complex findings in an understandable manner to non-technical audiences.
• Proven project management capabilities, including organizing multiple assignments, meeting deadlines, coordinating with clients, and working effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Relevant professional licensure, such as Professional Engineer (PE) in Florida or the ability to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil or Structural Engineering (or closely related field); advanced degree or specialized forensic training is a plus.
• Experience with litigation support and expert witness work, including deposition or trial testimony, is highly beneficial.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites within Florida and occasionally beyond as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations of buildings and structures, perform structural analysis and calculations, review construction documents and codes.
• Document conditions through photographs and measurements and prepare clear, defensible written reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering staff and support expert testimony and litigation-related work.
• Communicate findings to attorneys, insurance professionals, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines and budgets, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to QA and technical standards.

Skills

Structural engineering analysis

Forensic investigations

Field inspections

Technical writing

Project management

Florida PE licensure

Civil/Structural degree

Litigation support

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

Engineering software

Job description

Company Description

Áreté Forensics, PLLC is a specialized forensic engineering firm that evolved from a traditional engineering and inspection practice founded in 2006. The team applies decades of design, analysis, and forensic experience to uncover and clearly communicate the facts behind complex technical issues. The firm’s engineers are highly experienced in structural and mechanical engineering, building envelope and stucco issues, construction defect analysis, accident reconstruction, premises and product liability, and storm and water infiltration assessments. Áreté Forensics focuses on challenging cases and is dedicated to presenting technically sound findings in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner for clients and stakeholders.

Role Description

The Senior Structural Forensic Engineer will lead forensic investigations involving buildings, structures, and components, with a focus on cause-and-origin analysis, damage evaluation, and failure assessment. This full-time hybrid role is based in Florida, United States, with a mix of on-site inspections, client meetings, and some work-from-home for analysis and reporting. Day-to-day tasks include conducting field investigations, performing structural analysis and calculations, reviewing construction documents and codes, documenting conditions through photographs and measurements, and preparing clear, defensible written reports. The person in this role will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering staff, support expert testimony and litigation-related work, and communicate findings to attorneys, insurance professionals, property owners, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities also include managing project timelines and budgets, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to quality assurance and technical standards.

Qualifications

• Strong structural engineering skills, including analysis, design, and evaluation of buildings and other structures, with proficiency in relevant engineering software and codes.
• Demonstrated experience in forensic investigations, including failure analysis, construction defects, building envelope issues, and assessment of storm and water-related damage.
• Ability to conduct detailed field inspections, gather evidence, document site conditions, and apply sound engineering judgment to determine cause and extent of damage.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, objective reports and present complex findings in an understandable manner to non-technical audiences.
• Proven project management capabilities, including organizing multiple assignments, meeting deadlines, coordinating with clients, and working effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Relevant professional licensure, such as Professional Engineer (PE) in Florida or the ability to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil or Structural Engineering (or closely related field); advanced degree or specialized forensic training is a plus.
• Experience with litigation support and expert witness work, including deposition or trial testimony, is highly beneficial.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites within Florida and occasionally beyond as needed.