Structural Forensic Engineer

The Vertex Companies LLC; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) with matching

Healthcare & dental

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

The Vertex Companies, LLC is seeking a Structural Forensic Engineer to lead investigations of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings, perform code research and failure analysis, and prepare expert reports for insurance claims and litigation. You will manage engagements, coordinate with clients, and supervise project teams to ensure timely, accurate deliverables.

A PE license and 8–12 years of experience are required, with a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or higher; 12+ years of related experience, or Master's degree with 8+ years
• PE license required, multiple states preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead forensic investigations of residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings.
• Prepare forensic reports, technical assessments, and client deliverables.
• Manage and oversee forensic engineering engagements, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with clients and cross-functional teams to maintain strong relationships.
• Travel within the region to support client site investigations and team collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, federal regulations and company policy.

Skills

Client relations

Leadership

Project management

Technical supervision

Code & standards knowledge

Education

Professional Engineering (PE) license

Job description

Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a $180M global consulting firm that integrates strategic advisory, project management, and dispute resolution services for organizations facing complex challenges in a world of risk. We embody our core values of embracing lifelong learning, operating with urgency, maximizing value, and driving collaboration to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do and deliver meaningful impact.

Job Description

Structural Forensic Engineers are involved in a wide variety of tasks, including forensic investigations of residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use buildings, code research and construction document review, failure analysis, the scope of repair preparation, and report writing. These activities will generally be performed for both insurance property claims and construction defect litigation matters.

Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members

• Lead the creation of high-quality technical work products, including forensic reports, structural assessments, presentations, and client deliverables, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to professional standards.
• Manage and oversee the execution of new and existing forensic engineering engagements, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget. Coordinate directly with clients as assigned, helping maintain strong relationships and contributing to client satisfaction and retention.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary team members to ensure smooth project workflow, clear communication and alignment on priorities.
• Travel within the region to support client site investigations, team collaboration and leadership initiatives.

Operations

• Conduct forensic field inspections into the cause and origin of incidents related to residential and commercial property damage claims and/or construction or design defect claims (litigation)
• Assess the condition of existing structures for prospective buyers/sellers/tenants
• Inspect in-construction structures to prevent future claims/losses (loss control)
• Research failures attributed to the building design or construction to determine cause and origin of incident
• Develop detailed plan for remediation of loss: scope, schedule
• Develop expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
• Plan and execute business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
• Lead and manage in support of strategic plans that align with the organization’s vision and defined business objectives
• Support construction of strong cross-functional teams to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
• Manage assigned projects consistent with contracts and proactively alert assigned Director to any potential challenges or issues
• Ensure compliance of operations with all local, state and Federal (and International, if applicable) regulations, as well as compliance with company policy
• Ensure consistent high quality on deliverables for the practice
• Provide expert witness testimony for litigation cases as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree and 12 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 8 years of related experience.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required, with multiple states preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven track record of customer relationship management and staff management and development
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to carry and operate a 24-foot extension ladder unassisted, walk on sloped roofs and uneven surfaces, and work in small spaces (attics, crawl spaces)
• Strong knowledge of the residential (IRC), commercial (IBC) and existing (IEBC) I-codes
• Understanding of wood, steel, concrete and masonry structural framing and foundation components
• Understanding of building envelope components preferred
• Experience in providing reliable work product review for technical deliverables
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers, clients, subcontractors and vendors
• Able to provide oversight and direction to assigned staff
• Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Developing increased emotional intelligence to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals at all levels, both internal and external
• Able to handle multiple priorities and perform consistently and positively under high stress conditions
• Knowledge of computer operations and standard software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, Adobe) required

Additional Information

At VERTEX, we invest in top talent with a highly competitive total compensation package that rewards performance and supports long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a discretionary variable bonus program, depending on your level. Our comprehensive benefits package offers multiple healthcare and dental plan options, as well as company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability coverage - ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

We offer a 401(k) plan with immediate matching and full vesting, empowering employees to build financial security from day one. Additional benefits include Flexible Spending Accounts, a robust Employee Assistance Program and a suite of exclusive perks that enhance everyday life.

At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire’s starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire and company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity.

The Salary Ranges For This Role Are As Follows

$146,000 - $348,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier AA - Sample Locations: NY Metro, San Franscisco, San Jose, Seattle)

$134,000 - $322,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier A - Sample Locations: Irvine CA, Middlesex NJ, Tacoma WA, Boston, Alexandria)

$123,000 - $295,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier B - Sample Locations - Baltimore, Chicago, Anchorage, Portland)

Time away matters - so we provide a generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick time and paid holidays (with prorated options for eligible part‑time employees).

At VERTEX, growth never stops. Our signature "Lifetime of Learning" program offers tuition reimbursement and personalized support for employees pursuing advanced education - helping you sharpen your skills and accelerate your career.