Subject Matter Expert - Construction Damages Estimation

Vertex; United States; On-site; USD 167,000 - 328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401(k) match with vesting

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Lifetime of Learning tuition support

Job summary

The Vertex Companies, LLC is seeking a Senior Construction Estimation Expert to provide litigation support on damages and repair costs for complex construction defect cases. You will testify as an expert witness and develop detailed cost estimates for repair scopes across residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

In this senior role, you will manage multiple client matters, analyze plans and contracts, perform quantity takeoffs, utilize Xactimate/RSMeans, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with extensive related experience, or Master's with senior leadership exposure.
• Prior experience as testifying Expert Witness in construction damages or cost cases.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and methods.
• Proficiency in construction software (Xactimate, Bluebeam, RSMeans, OST).
• Demonstrated business development, client management and proposal skills.

Responsibilities

• Testify as an expert witness in court/arbitration for damages and repair costs.
• Develop cost of repair estimates for cladding, framing, foundation, and other scopes.
• Manage multiple cost estimation matters including defects and disputes.
• Analyze plans, documents, and contracts to allocate costs correctly.
• Attend site inspections to document conditions.
• Perform/review electronic quantity takeoffs for accuracy.
• Use pricing databases to determine unit costs for repair work.
• Compose expert reports detailing strategies and cost breakdowns.
• Monitor progress and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Travel as needed to support client, team, and leadership needs.

Skills

Leadership experience in construction

Expert witness testimony

Cost estimation for damages

Plan and contract analysis

Software proficiency: Xactimate, RSMea

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Xactimate

Bluebeam

RSMeans

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Company 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

Our Damages/Cost Estimation group provides expert litigation support services to attorneys on construction matters including but not limited to construction defect claims, fire loss claims, and contract disputes. Our team is comprised of qualified cost experts who perform construction estimates utilizing industry standard estimating techniques.

We are looking for a Senior level Construction Estimation Expert with prior experience as an Expert Witness testifying on damages and repair cost related to construction defect cases. We provide a team of Damages consultants to support our Experts. Litigation matters can be related to construction defect cases and standard of care on a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Core Responsibilities

Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members

• Testify as an expert witness in a court or arbitration regarding your cost estimating opinions in dispute resolution proceedings.
• Develop cost of repair estimates for scopes of work (typically cladding, framing, foundation, flatwork, civil, roofing, MEP, and interior scopes of work) based on engineering report recommendations for reconstruction projects.
• Manage multiple cost estimation related client matters which typically involve construction defect claims and disputes.
• Analyze construction plans, documents, and construction contracts to understand party responsibilities and allocate cost estimate line items to parties responsible for the alleged defect.
• Attend site inspections of projects to document observable conditions.
• Perform/review electronic onscreen quantity takeoffs for accuracy and precision.
• Utilize multiple pricing databases (Xactimate/RS Means) to determine unit costs for repair work.
• Compose expert reports detailing cost estimating strategies/highlights and breakdown of cost allocation.
• Responsible for continued development and additional depth of knowledge within defined subject matter; proactively maintain awareness of changes and trends in defined area of expertise
• Collaborate with teams or other stakeholders to offer guidance and solve complex problems within area of expertise
• Effectively coordinate with other team members as requested or assigned, able to provide highest levels of technical work product review
• Monitor own progress on assigned tasks or projects, and ensure work product produced by self is consistently high quality
• Support assigned Managing Director in monitoring of all relevant data related to own performance such as individual utilization rate vs target, client deadlines, accurate and timely timesheet data, etc.
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals as set forth by company leadership
• Travel, as necessary to support client, employee, and leadership needs.
• Perform quality control of all assigned service delivery and self-generated work product, maintaining an excellent reputation of quality
• Provide feedback to project team leader in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation of any client, or technical or operational challenges

Operations

• Be aware of and perform own tasks in a manner that supports the organization’s vision and defined business objectives
• Conduct self and prioritize tasks to work toward achievement of defined profit objectives of assigned projects
• Cooperate in construction of strong cross-functional teams (support staff assignments of self) to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
• Complete daily tasks consistent with contract requirements and proactively alert assigned Managing 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 all individual work product
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree and 15 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 12 years of related experience, with 7+ years in a leadership role with significant impact.
• Prior experience as testifying Expert Witness in front of a court or arbitration for construction damages or cost related cases required.
• Working knowledge and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, understand construction means and methods and perform cost estimating for varying types residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• Proficiency in construction software (e.g., Xactimate, Bluebeam, RSMeans, On-Screen Takeoff, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation. Ability to acquire new clients and/or have client following preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in providing reliable work product review as assigned
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers and Supervisors, and clients, subcontractors, and vendors as assigned
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated self-awareness and flexibility in working with a variety of personalities and work styles (colleagues, clients, Assigned Managing Director(s))
• 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 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.

$167,000 - $328,000 USD annually

• 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.
• 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).
• 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.