Senior Forensic Engineer

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.

About the Role

Our Forensic team is a collaborative group of architects, engineers, fire investigators, and building consultants who provide expert analysis for clients including insurance firms, law firms, developers, and property owners. We work on complex projects involving property damage, construction defects, and design errors, with a strong pipeline of challenging assignments across industries.

Responsibilities

• Work Product Creation
• Project Management
• Coordination with Team Members
• Supporting assigned Director in meeting or exceeding the defined annual budget for the entire practice area/practice division
• Managing and leading the execution of any new accounts and supporting the retaining and expansion of existing engagements to achieve sales goals
• Maintaining individual average utilization goals (and incorporating consideration of individual revenue targets)
• Learning business development methodology and supporting assigned Director with drafts of relevant work documents (reports, presentations) or client communications
• Travel throughout region to support client, employee, and leadership needs
• Establishing quality control of service delivery, maintaining an excellent reputation of quality
• Leading and managing in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation to Director of any client, team member or operational challenges
• Conducting 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)
• Auditing the condition of existing structures for prospective buyers/sellers/tenants
• Inspecting in-construction structures to prevent future claims/losses (loss control)
• Researching failures attributed to the building design or construction to determine cause and origin of incident
• Developing detailed plan for remediation of loss: scope, schedule
• Developing expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
• Planning and executing business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
• Leading and managing in support of strategic plans that align with the organization’s vision and defined business objectives
• Supporting construction of strong cross-functional teams to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
• Managing assigned projects consistent with contracts and proactively alerting assigned Director to any potential challenges or issues
• Ensuring compliance of operations with all local, state and Federal (and International, if applicable) regulations, as well as compliance with company policy
• Ensuring consistent high quality on deliverables for the practice
• Providing expert witness testimony for litigation cases as necessary

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
• 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 internally and externally
• 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 designed to reward performance and support long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a performance-based discretionary bonus program. 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).