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Forensic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oversees Forensics analysis and supports multiple Tiger Teams and engagements for matters beyond ... Experience with a common scripting or programming language, including Perl, Python, Bash, or ...

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Forensic Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$126.7K

$320.7K

How much do forensic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineer in California is $126,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic engineer?

To thrive as a Forensic Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and an accredited engineering degree, often paired with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with specialized investigation tools, CAD software, and report-writing systems is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are essential for accurately analyzing incidents, preparing clear technical reports, and providing credible expert testimony in legal contexts.

What does a forensic engineer do?

A forensic engineer investigates failures, accidents, or damages to determine their causes and liability. They analyze physical evidence, conduct inspections, and prepare reports often used in legal cases, requiring skills in engineering, problem-solving, and knowledge of relevant codes and standards.

Are forensic engineers in demand?

Forensic engineers are in steady demand due to their role in investigating failures, accidents, and structural issues across various industries. Employment opportunities are often linked to construction, insurance, and legal sectors, with a need for strong technical skills and relevant certifications. The field is expected to grow as infrastructure and safety regulations evolve.

What is a forensic engineer?

A forensic engineer specializes in accident and failure analysis of structures or product that have failed to perform correctly and to discover whether there is a design flaw. As a forensic engineer, your responsibilities include examining the product or structure that did not perform as intended, collecting and analyzing the evidence and making recommendations for future preventative measures. Your job is to oversee the investigation of the design, materials, and all other contributing factors in the failure, to prevent future incidents.

What is the difference between Forensic Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectForensic EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, Professional Engineer (PE) license, specialized training in accident or failure analysisEngineering degree, PE license, focus on structural design and analysis
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, courtrooms, consulting firms, insurance companiesConstruction sites, design offices, consulting firms
Industry UsageLegal cases, failure analysis, accident investigationsBuilding design, construction, structural assessments

While both roles require engineering credentials and a PE license, forensic engineers focus on investigating failures and providing expert testimony in legal cases, often working in investigative and courtroom settings. Structural engineers primarily design and analyze structures, working on construction projects and structural assessments. The two roles overlap in engineering expertise but differ in their primary functions and work environments.

What are some common challenges forensic engineers face during investigations?

Forensic engineers often encounter challenges such as incomplete or damaged evidence, tight deadlines, and the need to communicate complex technical findings to non-experts like legal teams or juries. They must meticulously document their work and maintain objectivity, as their analyses may be scrutinized in court. Collaboration with other specialists, such as law enforcement or insurance investigators, is key to piecing together accurate conclusions from limited information.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Forensic Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineer jobs in California? For Forensic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineer jobs in CA? For Forensic Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 68% In-person, 16% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,693 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Principal Consultant - Civil Forensic Engineer

Rimkus

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

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

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built 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 full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement! 

Overview

This is a hybrid position working from the field and your home office! We are looking for Civil,  and Structural Engineers experienced in the areas of Residential and Commercial structures.

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, water intrusions, foundations damages, roof damages, retaining wall failures, and wind/earthquake damages. Knowledge of construction defects is a plus.  Provides oral and written reports of findings and when needed expert testimony. Manages multiple projects.

Salary Minimum: $160,000 per year

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties for the purpose of resolving 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.
  • Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation are 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 procedure is being followed and checks on safety features of the project during the time it is being completed.
  • Uses many different equations, applications and figures which may include chemical testing applications, drafting and design software, electrical testing devices and equipment, land surveying techniques, and others.
  • Follows land use laws and regulations.
  • May be required to supervise and/or evaluate the performance of associate team members.
  • Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
  • Includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, overseeing field testing, and reviewing historical documentation.
Required Skills and Abilities
  • Must have 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 have knowledge of 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 common 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.
Required Experience, Education, and Certifications
  • B.S. Civil Engineering Required or higher.
  • P.E. Required.
  • 2-10+ years of experience.
  • Project Management and/or Field Investigation Experience preferred.
  • Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.

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 EEO/Affirmative Action 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. 

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