Senior Structural Forensics Consultant (Licensed SE)

About the role

Lerch Bates is seeking a Forensics Consultant to identify, plan, direct, and oversee building enclosure and rehabilitation projects. This role is responsible for managing multiple projects while investigating building performance issues and developing solutions for repair and restoration.

Responsibilities

• Coverage of on-site investigations and field reviews of existing buildings to evaluate structural systems, building enclosures, roofing systems, waterproofing assemblies, and exterior facades, including masonry.
• Review background documentation and original construction details to identify areas of risk such as water penetration, air leakage, condensation, or other building enclosure failures.
• Evaluate building performance and identify potential defects, deterioration, or construction-related deficiencies.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations documenting investigation findings, existing conditions, and recommended repair strategies.
• Analyze building conditions and extend observed defects to determine root causes and long-term repair solutions.
• Conduct peer reviews of reports and findings prepared by team members to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Participate in or lead meetings with owners, developers, architects, adjusters, and other consultants to review findings and coordinate project objectives.
• Coordinate with internal designers, engineers, and consultants to prepare construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Review drawings, details, shop drawings, and submittals to ensure compliance with project intent, engineering principles, and industry best practices.
• Conduct on-site quality assurance observations during construction to confirm work is performed in accordance with contract documents, manufacturer requirements, and industry standards.
• Prepare site visit reports and documentation of construction progress.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to technicians and specialists performing field reviews, including review of site visit reports for consistency and technical accuracy.
• Manage all aspects of assigned projects, including scope, schedule, design coordination, budgets, quality control, staffing, and execution.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by providing expert recommendations and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand services on existing projects.
• Proactively communicate project status, findings, and recommendations to clients and project stakeholders.
• Monitor project performance through regular reviews of scope, schedule, and budget against project plans.
• Facilitate internal and client-facing project status meetings and address any variances or issues impacting project delivery.
• Manage time, budgets, resources, and schedules using departmental tools and processes while adhering to Lerch Bates procedures.
• Supervise and mentor team members, including providing technical guidance, reviewing reports, and managing schedules.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and development discussions with direct reports.
• Support training and knowledge sharing across the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Structural Engineer (SE) license required.
• 8-10 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry.
• Previous experience managing, mentoring, and leading teams.
• Technical competency and an ability to effectively communicate and build rapport with clients, colleagues, Architects, Engineers, General and Subcontractors.
• A technical and practical understanding of building enclosure systems, specifically roofing, waterproofing, claddings, fenestration, and air/water/thermal/vapor barriers.
• Expert understanding of enclosure installation quality, timing of events, and the upstream and downstream impacts of the schedule.
• Excellent skills in technical writing and oral communication.
• Flexible, responsive, and confident multi-tasking skills.
• An ability to work independently, handle multiple deadlines, and accommodate shifting priorities.
• An ability to lead and contribute to the team in a collaborative, interactive environment.
• A demonstrated commitment to quality, organization, meticulous attention to detail, and consistency in work deliverables.
• Previous experience managing project budgets, change orders, and invoicing.
• Previous successful results in upselling services/scope.
• Proficiency in one or more design/modeling software programs, including WUFI, THERM, etc. (preferred).

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering Discipline (Civil, Structural, Construction) or Architecture (preferred).
• A certification in industry-specific technical areas (Roofing, Fenestrations, Waterproofing, Enclosure Commissioning) (preferred).