Senior Forensic Engineer

Core Responsibilities

• Support assigned Director in meeting or exceeding the defined annual budget for the entire practice area/practice division.
• Oversight of execution of profitable engagement work streams.
• Communication with clients as assigned or requested.
• Manage and lead in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation to Director of any client, team member or operational challenges.
• 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.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree and 12 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 8 years of related experience, and at least 5 years in management capacity.
• 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.
• 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.

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).
• Audit 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.

Additional Information

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).

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.