Senior Forensic Engineer

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.

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.

Job Description

Senior Forensic Engineers are involved in a wide variety of tasks, including forensic investigations of residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use buildings, code research and construction document review, failure analysis, the scope of repair preparation, and report writing. These activities will generally be performed for both insurance property claims and construction defect litigation matters. Senior Forensic Engineers have cultivated a strong client following and excel at ongoing business development.

Core Responsibilities

• Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members
• Responsible for supporting assigned Director in meeting or exceeding the defined annual budget for the entire practice area/practice division (including proactive management of assigned resources to meet or exceed defined utilization targets, oversight of execution of profitable engagement work streams, and communication with clients as assigned or requested)
• Responsible for managing and leading the execution of any new accounts and supporting the retaining and expansion of existing engagements to achieve sales goals
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals (and incorporating consideration of individual revenue targets) as set forth by company leadership
• Responsible for learning business development methodology and for being proactive in supporting assigned Director with drafts of relevant work documents (reports, presentations) or client communications
• Travel throughout region to support client, employee, and leadership needs
• Establish quality control of service delivery, maintaining an excellent reputation of quality
• Lead and manage in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation to Director of any client, team member or operational challenges

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)
• Assess 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
• Other duties as assigned

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

Knowledge & Skills

• 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).

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.

Notice to Third Party Agencies:

Please note that The Vertex Companies employs a fully staffed recruiting team. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, VERTEX will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, VERTEX explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of VERTEX.