Architect

Job Title: Architect Forensic Engineering and Building ConsultingJob Description This role offers an experienced Architect the opportunity to move beyond traditional design into forensic engineering, building investigations, and consulting. You will apply your technical understanding of how buildings are constructed and perform in the real world to investigate failures, evaluate existing structures, and develop practical repair and restoration solutions. The position combines field investigations, technical analysis, construction administration, and detailed report writing, with strong support and training from experienced professional engineers in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment. Responsibilities Perform detailed field inspections of existing structures and site improvements throughout New Jersey, including parking garages, buildings of all construction types, balconies and decks, roofs, facades, windows, pavement systems, retaining walls, and drainage systems.Evaluate existing buildings and structures to assess conditions, identify deficiencies, and understand how architectural, structural, roofing, and building envelope systems work together.Identify and document structural deficiencies, construction defects, deterioration, and code-related concerns during site investigations.Conduct condition assessments and forensic investigations to determine the root causes of failures, including building envelope, roofing, and structural issues.Collect and organize field observations, photographs, measurements, and supporting documentation in a clear and systematic manner.Develop repair, renovation, and restoration recommendations and engineered solutions for buildings and site improvements based on investigation findings.Prepare repair details, construction drawings, and specifications to support remediation and rehabilitation projects.Utilize design software to prepare engineering and construction drawings, and assist with structural evaluations, rehabilitation projects, and remediation efforts.Support reserve studies, transition studies, and capital improvement planning by providing technical evaluations and recommendations.Assist with contractor solicitation and bid evaluation, helping to identify qualified contractors and review bids for consistency with project requirements.Attend pre-construction meetings and contractor walkthroughs to clarify design intent, scope, and expectations.Review submittals and shop drawings for compliance with plans, specifications, and applicable codes.Perform construction observations in the field to verify compliance with plans, specifications, and project requirements.Coordinate directly with contractors, property managers, clients, and project stakeholders throughout design and construction phases.Assist with contractor selection and provide ongoing technical support during construction to address questions and field conditions.Observe repair and restoration work in progress to ensure projects are progressing as intended and that deficiencies are properly addressed.Prepare comprehensive engineering and architectural reports documenting observations, findings, analyses, and recommendations.Create clear written narratives supported by photographs, sketches, and technical exhibits that effectively communicate technical issues and solutions.Present findings and recommendations to clients and internal project teams in a professional and understandable manner.Maintain thorough project documentation throughout all phases, from initial investigation through construction completion.Communicate directly with property managers, community association boards, contractors, attorneys, insurance professionals, and property owners.Participate in client meetings and project discussions, providing professional consultation on existing building conditions and recommended repair strategies.Travel regularly to job sites across New Jersey, including areas such as Hudson County (Gold Coast), Secaucus, Princeton/Plainsboro, and Long Branch/Asbury Park, to perform site investigations and attend meetings.Collaborate closely with a small, multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects, contributing to a culture where teamwork and accountability are essential and no task is considered too small.Continuously develop expertise in forensic engineering, building envelope systems, roofing systems, and failure analysis with guidance and mentorship from experienced professional engineers. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Architecture.At least 5 years of architectural experience involving building design, construction documentation, construction administration, existing building evaluations, or technical architecture.Strong technical understanding of building construction methods, including how buildings come together technically in the field.Solid knowledge of building envelope systems, roofing systems, architectural detailing, construction sequencing, and existing building assessments.Working knowledge of the International Building Code (IBC), New Jersey building codes, and related code requirements.Experience reviewing and interpreting construction documents, including drawings and specifications.Willingness to transition into and learn forensic engineering, including insurance claim work, site investigation, root cause analysis, and forensic consulting.Ability to perform and document site investigations on construction sites and existing buildings, including structural and architectural systems.Excellent written communication and technical report writing skills, with the ability to create clear, well-structured narratives supported by technical exhibits.Ability to travel throughout New Jersey for site visits, inspections, and client meetings.Valid driver's license and the ability to drive to multiple job sites.Proficiency or familiarity with design and drafting tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam, or similar software used for drafting and structural or architectural documentation.Comfort working on active construction sites and existing structures, including using ladders, accessing roofs, and navigating various site conditions.Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, architects, contractors, and other project stakeholders in a small-team environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Registered Architect (RA) license preferred, with support and opportunity to become licensed if not already.Experience evaluating existing buildings and structures, including condition assessments and property condition evaluations.Roofing, waterproofing, or building envelope consulting experience, particularly with flat roof systems.Experience with forensic consulting, property condition assessments, or failure investigations related to building performance.Construction administration experience, including submittal review, construction observations, and coordination with contractors.Building enclosure or façade consulting experience, including evaluation of cladding, windows, and exterior wall systems.Background in structural engineering concepts, structural design, structural steel, and structural analysis is beneficial.Experience in civil or site-related work, including pavement systems, retaining walls, and drainage systems, is advantageous.Familiarity with drafting practices and standards, including the preparation of detailed construction drawings and repair details.Experience working with insurance claims, legal cases, or other contexts where technical reports support dispute resolution is a plus.Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including property managers, association boards, contractors, attorneys, insurance professionals, and property owners.Strong interest in long-term career growth within a forensic engineering and building consulting practice, including opportunities to take on increasing responsibility as the firm expands.Motivation to work in a small, growing firm with a strong workload that is less dependent on economic cycles, offering stability and long-term career potential. Work Environment The role is based in a modern design studio in Bedminster, New Jersey, within a close-knit team of approximately a dozen professionals, including licensed engineers, architects, and E.I.T.s. The firm emphasizes a professional yet relaxed culture where everyone is accountable to one another, and staff turnover is very low, reflecting a stable and supportive environment. The team uses the latest versions of Revit and AutoCAD, along with other contemporary tools such as Bluebeam, to support design, documentation, and analysis. Office hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening meetings, particularly for senior staff, to accommodate client schedules and project needs. Each employee receives a laptop and cellphone, and there is some flexibility to work from home on certain days, supporting a healthy worklife balance. The culture blends hard work and professionalism with a strong sense of camaraderie and enjoyment. Team members collaborate closely, support one another, and share accountability for meeting deadlines, including those associated with legal cases and construction activities. The office includes leisure amenities such as an Xbox and a ping pong table, and colleagues often socialize during downtime or after hours. When the weather permits, the team enjoys barbecues on Fridays, reinforcing a friendly and collegial atmosphere. Field work is a significant component of the position. A large portion of the job involves traveling to construction sites and existing buildings across New Jersey, including locations such as the Gold Coast (Hudson County), Secaucus, Princeton/Plainsboro, and Long Branch/Asbury Park. Team members regularly visit project sites, use ladders, access roofs, and closely observe building components and systems. Because it is a small office environment, teamwork is essential and everyone contributes, regardless of the task. The firm supports personal and professional growth, encourages long-term career development, and provides strong mentorship, particularly for those expanding into forensic engineering and building consulting. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays such as New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (typically including the day after), and Christmas Day. New employees receive two weeks of vacation to start, with additional time off possible with approval, and sick time is provided in accordance with New Jersey state requirements, typically around five days. The workload is strong and steady, with a focus on existing building issues and failures, providing a level of resilience to economic fluctuations and offering employees a stable and engaging work environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mendham, NJ. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $43.26 - $62.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mendham, NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Mendham,NJ. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.