Structural Design Engineer - Forensic Engineering

Barry Isett & Associates Inc; Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Barry Isett & Associates Inc. seeks a Structural Design Engineer for its Forensic Engineering Department. The role focuses on assessing existing buildings, performing analyses, and designing repairs or new structures for commercial and residential projects.

Experience in forensic investigations is valued. Ideal candidates hold a PE license and can obtain PA clearances; strong communication with clients and teams is essential. Office options include Allentown and other PA locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering with focus on Structural Engineering.
• PE license in PA, NJ, DE, or MD or ability to obtain licensure within a reasonable timeframe.
• Experience with structural analysis and design.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis and/or structural modeling software.
• Familiarity with preparing technical assessment reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with clients, adjusters, attorneys, contractors, and property owners.

Responsibilities

• Prepare calculation packages and drawings.
• Perform non-invasive and invasive building inspections.
• Design structural solutions for existing residential and commercial buildings.
• Design ground-up structures when required.
• Prepare construction documents, calculations, and technical details.
• Conduct site visits and detailed structural inspections.
• Evaluate structural systems and building components.

Skills

Structural analysis

Design of repairs

Written and verbal communication

Client interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering (Structural)

Tools

Finite element analysis

Structural modeling software

Job description

Barry Isett & Associates (Isett)

is an employee-owned, multi-discipline engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Allentown, PA, with additional offices throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania. Our employee-owners have the opportunity to perform meaningful work that strengthens the communities we serve every day. Isett is a values-based organization that has been recognized for its award-winning culture, including:

• Best Places to Work in PA (annually since 2019)
• The Morning Call’s Top Workplaces (annually since 2013)
• Empowering Women Award – Central Penn Business Journal & Lehigh Valley Business (annually, since 2022)
• Philadelphia Inquirer’s Top Workplaces (annually, since 2022)
• Corporate Citizen of the Year – Lehigh Valley Business Journal
• The Societas Award for Responsible Corporate Conduct (Ethics)

Benefits

• Career advancement and continuing education opportunities
• Work-life balance with flexible scheduling options
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k)/Roth match
• Parental leave
• Employee engagement events and social activities
• Discounted and/or complimentary Isett-branded apparel

As a multi-discipline firm, Isett provides comprehensive engineering and consulting services including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, environmental, geotechnical, municipal engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, code enforcement, plan review, construction management, construction materials testing, and grant writing throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Position Overview

The Forensic Engineering Department at Isett specializes in evaluating existing buildings and structures that are damaged, distressed, or underperforming. The forensics team then designs practical and constructable repair solutions. We are currently seeking a Structural Design Engineer to support varied repair, renovation, and design projects arising from forensic investigations.

While forensic investigation exposure is part of the role, the primary focus is on structural assessment, analysis, and design.

The successful candidate has extensive experience with structural building analysis of existing structures and design of repairs or new, ground-up structures including commercial and residential construction. Prior work with a range of construction materials such as wood, steel, concrete, and masonry is desirable. A background in forensic investigation and failure analysis is ideal but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare calculation packages and drawings
• Perform non-invasive and invasive building inspections
• Design structural solutions for existing residential and commercial buildings
• Design ground-up structures, as required, for buildings beyond repair
• Prepare construction documents, calculations, and technical details to support repair designs
• Perform site visits and detailed structural inspections to inform design recommendations
• Evaluate structural systems and building components including superstructures, foundations, and building envelopes
• Assist with forensic investigations by analyzing observed conditions and identifying structural deficiencies
• Prepare clear, concise written reports documenting findings, analyses, and repair recommendations
• Interface with property owners, facility managers, contractors, and internal project teams
• Support project management activities from assignment through construction and invoicing
• Respond to emergency site inspections where structural conditions may present safety concerns, as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering with focus on Structural Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in PA, NJ, DE, MD, or ability to obtain licensure within a reasonable timeframe
• Demonstrates experience with structural analysis and design
• Experience with software such as finite element analysis and/or structural modeling software, or a willingness to learn
• Familiarity with preparing technical assessment reports
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Ability to interact professionally with clients, adjusters, attorneys, contractors, and property owners
• Ability to obtain PA Act 34, 114, and 151 Clearances
• Valid driver’s license

Work Location

This position may be based out of Isett’s Allentown, Phoenixville, or Mechanicsburg, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg PA offices.

Please no third party recruiters