Forensic Engineer - Mechanical

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.

Job Description

Forensic Engineers are involved in a wide variety of tasks, including forensic investigations of mechanical systems (HVAC and other MEP), code research, construction document review, failure analysis, the scope of repair preparation, and report writing. These activities will generally be performed for insurance property claims, construction defect litigation matters, and property condition assessments for residential and commercial buildings. 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
• Conduct forensic field inspections into the cause and origin of incidents related to residential and commercial property damage claims and construction or design defect claims
• Research failures attributed to mechanical systems to determine the cause and origin of the incident - HVAC expertise a plus
• Develop a detailed plan for remediation of loss: scope, schedule, budget
• Author expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
• Ensure client satisfaction by meeting project on-time and on-budget expectations
• Ensure all assignments are executed with technical proficiency, accuracy, and professionalism
• Responsible for supporting assigned manager in meeting or exceeding the defined annual budget for the entire practice area (including proactive creation of work product to meet or exceed defined utilization targets, oversight of execution of profitable technical assignments, and communication with clients as assigned or requested)
• Effectively coordinate with other team members as requested or assigned, able to provide technical work product review, and monitor own progress on assigned tasks or projects, and ensure work product produced by self is consistently high quality
• Support assigned manager in monitoring of all relevant data related to own performance such as individual utilization rate vs target, client deadlines, accurate and timely timesheet data, etc.
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals as set forth by company leadership
• Conduct own behavior in a "lead by example" manner, with emphasis on positivity
• Manage own tasks within assigned projects in support of meeting defined objectives and key results (OKRs).
• Travel, as necessary to support client, employee, and leadership needs.
• Perform quality control of all assigned service delivery and self-generated work product, maintaining an excellent reputation of quality
• Provide feedback to project team leader in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation of any client, or technical or operational challenges

Operations

• Be aware of and perform own tasks in a manner that supports the organization's vision and defined business objectives
• Conduct self and prioritize tasks to work toward achievement of defined profit objectives of assigned projects
• Cooperate in construction of strong cross-functional teams (support staff assignments of self) to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
• Complete daily tasks consistent with contract requirements and proactively alert assigned manager 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 all individual work product
• 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.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), with multiple states preferred
• Proven track record of independent work product production, communication, and coordination with clients and assigned Supervisor
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical areas Knowledge & Skills
• Experience in providing reliable work product review as assigned
• Professional experience in the design, inspection, and assessment of mechanical systems - HVAC expertise is strongly preferred
• Prior experience supporting property damage claim investigations
• Previous experience in the mechanical design of components installed in commercial and/or residential structures
• Strong knowledge of residential (IRC), commercial (IBC) & existing (IEBC) I-codes
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers and Supervisors, and clients, subcontractors, and vendors as assigned
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated self-awareness and flexibility in working with a variety of personalities and work styles (colleagues, clients, Assigned Managing Director(s))
• 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. At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact, and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire's starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire, and Company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity.

$146,000 - $348,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier AA - Sample Locations: NY Metro, San Franscisco, San Jose, Seattle)

$134,000 - $322,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier A - Sample Locations: Irvine CA, Middlesex NJ, Tacoma WA, Boston, Alexandria)

$123,000 - $295,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier B - Sample Locations - Baltimore, Chicago, Anchorage, Portland)

$112,000 - $268,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier C - Sample Locations - Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Miami)

$107,000 - $255,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier D - Sample Locations - Mississippi, Mobile AL, Bowling Green KY, Tulsa)

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.

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