Forensic Structural Engineer for Building Systems - Virginia

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus ( is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management, and solutions for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, disability coverage, employer-matching 401(k) plans, and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Overview 

Provides forensic consulting services requiring civil engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures and/or damage, building envelope failures and/or damage, construction defects, and the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. Provides oral and written reports of findings and, when needed, expert testimony. Manages multiple projects. 

Although this position is remote, the candidate will travel locally and regionally approximately 50% of the time, with less than 5% spent on overnight travel. The candidate must reside in or around Richmond, VA.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to resolve claims and legal matters. 
• Performs forensic assignments within the field of civil engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
• Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures and/or damage, and building envelope failures and/or damage, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. This includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting on-site investigations to document conditions, conducting in-person and/or telephone interviews, overseeing field testing, reviewing construction and/or design drawings, contracts, and/or specifications, and reviewing historical documentation. 
• Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure and/or damage, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation is essential, as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
• Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
• Ensures that the procedure is followed and performs safety and due diligence of the project when it is being completed.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.

Required Experience, Education, and Certifications:

• B.S. Civil Engineering degree or higher. 
• P.E. required.
• 2-10+ years of experience. 
• Project management and/or field investigation preferred.
• Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have strong organizational and time management skills.
• Must have a high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external). 
• Must know a variety of computer software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standard scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements

• Physical Demands —Work is performed in both office settings and at various outside locations (e.g., clients' offices, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on sloped roofs, sit, climb ladders, bend, climb inside attics, crawl under homes and tunnels, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, use handheld equipment and/or tools, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employees may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employees must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in depositions or trials. Clear vision and depth required
• Overtime —This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. There will be periods when overtime is required, and the employee must comply to meet the demands of the position.
• Travel Requirements —This position requires up to 50% local/regional travel. Less than 5% of travel may be required outside of the area and overnight. This position is based in/around Richmond, VA.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home