Building Enclosure Expert (Licensed)

Founded in 2000, Higgins & Associates, Inc. is a leading forensic architecture and engineering firm serving clients across Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and beyond. We specialize in construction defect litigation support, post-litigation repair projects, and building envelope consulting for commercial, HOA and multi-family communities. Our team is built on technical excellence, integrity, and a commitment to delivering actionable results for our clients.

Position Overview
Higgins & Associates continues to build on a 25-year history of bringing the most trusted, objective and robust professional architecture and engineering services to clients across Colorado and beyond. In response to sustained growth in our construction defect and property loss practice, we are seeking a licensed Professional Engineer or Architect with extensive building enclosure experience to lead forensic investigations of roofing, waterproofing, fenestration and exterior wall assemblies, and to support litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead forensic investigations of building enclosure performance, including roofing systems, below-grade and horizontal waterproofing, air and water-resistive barriers, windows, doors, curtain wall, sealant joints, balconies, decks, and exterior facades such as stucco, adhered and anchored masonry veneer, fiber cement, and metal panel systems.
2. Design and direct diagnostic testing programs, including destructive and non-destructive exploratory openings, water testing of fenestration and wall assemblies in accordance with recognized industry test standards, infrared thermography, and moisture surveys.
3. Review background documentation — plans, specifications, submittals, shop drawings, manufacturer literature, warranties, maintenance records and construction correspondence — to establish original design intent, identify departures from the standard of care, and evaluate causation.
4. Develop expert reports and technical opinions that are defensible, clearly reasoned, and supported by building codes, referenced standards, manufacturer requirements and industry best practice.
5. Assist with the preparation of architectural designs, construction documents and specifications for repair/rehabilitation projects.
6. Assist with the review of RFIs, product submittals, etc. during repair/rehabilitation projects.
7. Conduct Quality Assurance field observations for repair/rehabilitation work.
8. Peer review the work of colleagues and mentor less experienced staff in investigative techniques, report writing and building enclosure science.
9. Provide technical advice to clients including attorneys, homeowner association boards, property managers, contractors and insurers.
10. Use excellent communication skills to ensure deadlines and cost targets are met.
11. Support business development through client relationships, presentations, continuing education sessions and industry involvement.

Skills, Capabilities and Experience:

• A minimum of eight years' professional experience in architecture, building enclosure consulting, forensic investigation, or closely related practice, with a current license as a Professional Engineer or a licensed Architect (registration in Colorado, Texas and Arizona, or the ability to obtain reciprocal licensure, is preferred).
• Demonstrated experience of performing litigation-related investigations, authoring expert reports for use in litigation.
• Working knowledge of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, ASTM standards, and the technical literature of organizations such as the Air Barrier Association of America, the Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute, the National Roofing Contractors Association, and the Single Ply Roofing Industry.
• Familiarity with construction defect litigation practice, including the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act, notice and disclosure requirements, and the role of the standard of care in professional liability matters.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent matters and deadlines while remaining detail and quality focused.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, and to build rapport with clients, contractors, sub-contractors and other stakeholders.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and BlueBeam Revu
• A working knowledge of AutoCAD is desirable.
• Ability to access all areas of a construction site, including ladders, roofs, scaffolding and swing stages, and to travel to regional project sites as required.

Education/ Formal Training Required:

• Degree in the field of civil, structural or architectural engineering, or a professional degree in architecture.
• Credentials such as Registered Roof Consultant, Registered Exterior Wall Consultant, Registered Building Enclosure Consultant, or Certified Document Technologist are viewed favorably.

What We Offer

• We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential.
• Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers.
• Competitive pay and participation in the company bonus program based on performance-based incentives.
• 100% company paid healthcare, dental and vision insurance with discounted coverage for dependents
• 401(k).
• Unlimited time off policy.
• Flexible work environment

Compensation

• $120,000 - $150,000 depending on experience.