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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

A nationally recognized structural engineering consulting firm is seeking a licensed Structural ... Individuals who enjoy challenging engineering problems, forensic-style investigations, and creative ...

Perform forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering and building sciences expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the ...

Perform forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering and building sciences expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the ...

Forensic Structural Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$46K

$122.1K

$177.1K

How much do forensic structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic structural engineer in Oregon is $122,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $142,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic structural engineer?

Forensic structural engineers are professionals who investigate and analyze structures that have failed, been damaged, or are performing unsatisfactorily. Their work involves determining the causes of structural failures, such as building collapses, material degradation, or design errors, often as part of legal or insurance cases. They use engineering principles, site inspections, material testing, and historical research to identify problems and provide recommendations for remediation or legal proceedings. Forensic structural engineers often serve as expert witnesses in court and help prevent similar failures in the future by sharing their findings.

What does a forensic structural engineer do?

A forensic structural engineer handles the investigation and inspection of building structures to ensure compliance with industry regulation and discover reasons for failure. Your primary responsibilities in this career have you analyzing damage to structures, identifying causes of structural failures, and preparing reports on your findings. Your duties may also include developing protocols for dealing with compliance issues, reviewing photos and site information, and researching code specifications. A forensic structural engineer often works on multiple projects, visits various field sites, and collaborates with several team members.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with structural analysis software, building codes, and forensic investigation tools is crucial for accurately evaluating failures. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for accurately diagnosing structural issues, presenting findings clearly, and ensuring safety and accountability in the built environment.

What are common challenges faced by forensic structural engineers when investigating building failures?

Forensic structural engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to damaged or hazardous sites, incomplete or missing construction records, and the need to differentiate between original construction flaws and damage caused by external factors like weather or accidents. Collaborating with legal teams, insurance adjusters, and other engineering specialists is common, requiring excellent communication and documentation skills. The role frequently involves balancing investigative rigor with tight deadlines, especially when findings will be used in legal or insurance contexts.

What is the difference between Forensic Structural Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectForensic Structural EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, PE license, specialized training in failure analysisEngineering degree, PE license, design and analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, courtrooms, consulting firmsDesign firms, construction sites, consulting
Industry UsageLegal cases, failure investigations, insurance claimsBuilding design, construction projects, infrastructure

While both roles require engineering credentials and involve structural analysis, forensic structural engineers focus on investigating structural failures and providing expert testimony, whereas structural engineers primarily design and analyze structures for new projects. The forensic role is more investigative and often involves legal or insurance contexts, while the structural engineer role is centered on construction and design.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Oregon?

For Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in OR?

For Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,063 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Structural Engineer

LVI Associates

Portland, OR

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

A nationally recognized structural engineering consulting firm is seeking a licensed Structural Engineer to join its growing team. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer passionate about solving complex challenges involving existing structures, seismic resilience, rehabilitation, and performance-driven design.

This role offers the chance to work on high-profile projects across a variety of market sectors, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate, strengthen, and extend the life of critical facilities and infrastructure.


Responsibilities
  • Lead structural analysis, design, and assessment efforts for new and existing buildings.
  • Perform seismic evaluations, retrofit design, and rehabilitation of existing structures.
  • Develop innovative solutions for complex structural challenges in occupied and operational facilities.
  • Collaborate directly with owners, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders.
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence initiatives.

Qualifications
  • PE license required; SE license preferred or actively pursued.
  • 8+ years of structural engineering experience.
  • Strong background in seismic analysis, retrofit, and existing building evaluation.
  • Experience with steel, concrete, wood, and masonry structural systems.
  • Proficiency with structural analysis and design software.
  • Strong communication and client-facing abilities.

Ideal Background

The ideal candidate has built a career around seismic strengthening, rehabilitation, and the assessment of existing structures. Experience working on essential facilities, educational, healthcare, commercial, civic, or mission-critical projects is highly valued. Individuals who enjoy challenging engineering problems, forensic-style investigations, and creative retrofit solutions will find this role especially rewarding.


Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • Diverse and technically challenging project portfolio.
  • Strong focus on seismic resilience and existing-building expertise.
  • Collaborative, employee-focused culture.
  • Clear pathway for technical leadership and career growth.
  • Opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's most respected structural engineers.

Company Description

LVI Associates exists to enable exceptional careers around the world; we connect exceptional talent, with exceptional opportunities.

We believe that every professional should benefit from the advice of a trusted partner throughout their career.

We provide that partnership to mid to senior level professionals within the Energy, Environmental & Infrastructure spaces through our network of micro-specialist consultants.

Each team within LVI Associates focuses on a specialist area of Energy & Infrastructure. I specialise in sourcing and placing senior level candidates within the bridges and highway construction spaces.

Make LVI Associates your career partner; ensure your career journey is exceptional.