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Forensic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

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

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Carnegie, PA

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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$43.5K

$128.4K

$325K

How much do forensic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineer in the United States is $128,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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Forensic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 38% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 41% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,375 per year, or $61.7 per hour.
Structural Forensic Engineer

Structural Forensic Engineer

The Vertex Companies, LLC

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a $180M global consulting firm that integrates strategic advisory, project management, and dispute resolution services for organizations facing complex challenges in a world of risk. We embody our core values of embracing lifelong learning, operating with urgency, maximizing value, and driving collaboration to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do and deliver meaningful impact.

Job Description

Structural Forensic Engineers are involved in a wide variety of tasks, including forensic investigations of residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use buildings, code research and construction document review, failure analysis, the scope of repair preparation, and report writing. These activities will generally be performed for both insurance property claims and construction defect litigation matters. 

 
Core ResponsibilitiesWork Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members
  • Lead the creation of high‑quality technical work products, including forensic reports, structural assessments, presentations, and client deliverables, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to professional standards. 
  • Manage and oversee the execution of new and existing forensic engineering engagements, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Coordinate directly with clients as assigned, helping maintain strong relationships and contributing to client satisfaction and retention.
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary team members to ensure smooth project workflow, clear communication, and alignment on priorities.
  • Travel within the region to support client site investigations, team collaboration, and leadership initiatives.
Operations
  • Conduct forensic field inspections into the cause and origin of incidents related to residential and commercial property damage claims and/or construction or design defect claims (litigation)
  • Assess the condition of existing structures for prospective buyers/sellers/tenants
  • Inspect in-construction structures to prevent future claims/losses (loss control)
  • Research failures attributed to the building design or construction to determine cause and origin of incident
  • Develop detailed plan for remediation of loss: scope, schedule
  • Develop expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
  • Plan and execute business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
  • Lead and manage in support of strategic plans that align with the organization’s vision and defined business objectives
  • Support construction of strong cross-functional teams to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
  • Manage assigned projects consistent with contracts and proactively alert assigned Director to any potential challenges or issues
  • Ensure compliance of operations with all local, state and Federal (and International, if applicable) regulations, as well as compliance with company policy
  • Ensure consistent high quality on deliverables for the practice
  • Provide expert witness testimony for litigation cases as necessary
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications & Competencies
  • Bachelor's degree and 12 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 8 years of related experience.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license required, with multiple states preferred
Knowledge & Skills
  • Proven track record of customer relationship management and staff management and development
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Ability to carry and operate a 24-foot extension ladder unassisted, walk on sloped roofs and uneven surfaces, and work in small spaces (attics, crawl spaces)
  • Strong knowledge of the residential (IRC), commercial (IBC) and existing (IEBC) I-codes
  • Understanding of wood, steel, concrete, and masonry structural framing and foundation components
  • Understanding of building envelope components preferred
  • Experience in providing reliable work product review for technical deliverables
  • Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors
  • Able to provide oversight and direction to assigned staff
  • Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Developing increased emotional intelligence to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals at all levels, both internally and externally
  • Able to handle multiple priorities and perform consistently and positively under high stress conditions
  • Knowledge of computer operations and standard software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, Adobe) required
Additional Information
At VERTEX, we invest in top talent with a highly competitive total compensation package that rewards performance and supports long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a discretionary variable bonus program, depending on your level. Our comprehensive benefits package offers multiple healthcare and dental plan options, as well as company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage—ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.
 
We offer a 401(k) plan with immediate matching and full vesting, empowering employees to build financial security from day one. Additional benefits include Flexible Spending Accounts, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a suite of exclusive perks that enhance everyday life.
 
At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact, and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire’s starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire, and Company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity. 
The salary ranges for this role are as follows: 
$146,000 - $348,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier AA - Sample Locations: NY Metro, San Franscisco, San Jose, Seattle) 
$134,000 - $322,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier A - Sample Locations: Irvine CA, Middlesex NJ, Tacoma WA, Boston, Alexandria) 
$123,000 - $295,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier B - Sample Locations - Baltimore, Chicago, Anchorage, Portland) 
 
Time away matters—so we provide a generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick time, and paid holidays (with prorated options for eligible part-time employees).
 
At VERTEX, growth never stops. Our signature “Lifetime of Learning” program offers tuition reimbursement and personalized support for employees pursuing advanced education—helping you sharpen your skills and accelerate your career.
 
 
Notice to Third Party Agencies:


Please note that The Vertex Companies employs a fully staffed recruiting team. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, VERTEX will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, VERTEX explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of VERTEX.

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