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Forensic Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Rimkus

Civil/Structural Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

Rimkus

Civil/Structural Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

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 ...

Olsson

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$102K - $134K/yr

We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a ...

Olsson

Project Electrical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a ...

Olsson

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a ...

Olsson

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$102K - $134K/yr

We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Proven track record of "forensic" analysis and interpretation of Mainframe codebases. Ability to ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred. If you are ...

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All JobsForensic Engineer JobsForensic Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Forensic Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$40.9K

$120.6K

$305.3K

How much do forensic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineer in Iowa is $120,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

What are forensic engineers?

Forensic engineers are professionals who investigate materials, products, structures, or components that fail or do not operate as intended, often to determine the causes of accidents or failures. Their work is crucial in legal cases where technical expertise is needed to explain how and why something went wrong, such as in building collapses, machinery malfunctions, or vehicle crashes. Forensic engineers analyze evidence, conduct tests, and may provide expert testimony in court. They often have backgrounds in civil, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering disciplines.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior forensic engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in consulting roles or in high-demand industries. Achieving this level typically requires advanced expertise, leadership responsibilities, and a strong reputation in the field.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Forensic engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized engineering roles like petroleum or software engineering at senior levels. Achieving this income often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or leadership positions.
More about Forensic Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Forensic Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Forensic Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineer jobs in IA? For Forensic Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forensic Engineer jobs near you
Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer - Des Moines, IA

Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer - Des Moines, IA

Rimkus Consulting Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 hours 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:
Provides forensic consulting services requiring civil/structural 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, and construction defects, as well as determines 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.
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/structural 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 promptly.
  • 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:
  • S. Civil or Structural Engineering degree or higher.
  • E. required in the state of employment or the ability to obtain it quickly.
  • NCEE record preferred.
  • 5+ 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 perception are also necessary.
  • 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 will be required, which the employee must comply with 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.

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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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