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Forensic Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Forensic Engineer, Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Management, Residential Construction, Residential Design. To learn more about us visit donan.com

Knott Laboratory LLC

Civil Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$100K - $130K/yr

Writing technical or forensic engineering reports * Strong knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and accessibility requirements. * Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and written ...

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All JobsForensic Engineer JobsForensic Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Forensic Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.8K

$132.3K

$335.1K

How much do forensic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineer in Chicago, IL is $132,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,200.00 and $134,000.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Forensic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Forensic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Forensic Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Forensic Engineer job openings:
Forensic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,349 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Donan

Elk Grove Village, IL

Contractor

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Donan Engineering (Powered by Alpine Intel), a leader in the property insurance intelligence industry. We are currently seeking a 1099 Independent Contractor professional Civil or Structural Engineer ​in Chicago, IL.
Key Responsibilities Include:
  • Site studies evaluating damages to materials or components for residential structures.
  • Write a technical report providing detailed and accurate information on completed projects.
  • Consistently communicate, document your communication, with clients to provide timelines and updates.
  • Provide excellent customer service to company internal and external customers.
Qualifications:
  • Registered as an active Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state where work is assigned and accepted.
  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or related engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
  • Two plus years of experience in failure analysis, and knowledge of residential and construction, building codes, design, or related experience is highly preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Required to have strong technical writing abilities with experience using Microsoft Word.
  • Proficient with general computer skills (Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, etc.).
  • Must have superior customer service skills, be team oriented and enjoy service-oriented work.
  • Must be able to work efficiently without supervision.
  • Must have access to high-speed internet service and reliable cellular reception.
  • Must have or obtain a laptop with Microsoft Word and PDF editing software for report completion.
  • Must have or obtain necessary equipment to perform assigned and accepted forensic projects.
Physical Requirements:
  • Frequently required to stand on one’s feet for prolonged periods of time.
  • Frequently required to lift and/or move objects weighing 50-100 lbs.
  • Frequently required to climb onto first and second story roofs, ascend/descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, etc.
  • Frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
  • Frequently required to drive a vehicle for extended periods of time.
Related Experience: Forensic Engineer, Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Management, Residential Construction, Residential Design.
To learn more about us visit donan.com.

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