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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Conduct forensic investigations, perform testing, and analyze evidence to develop conclusions and recommendations. Must Haves: * PE license in Civil, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering preferred ...

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Forensic Structural Engineer information

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$40.5K

$107.6K

$156.1K

How much do forensic structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic structural engineer in Texas is $107,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,400.00 and $125,300.00 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 cities in Texas are hiring for Forensic Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Forensic Structural Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in Texas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 89% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,559 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Forensic Structural Engineer - Dallas, TX at Nelson Forensics, LLC Plano, TX

Plano, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Forensic Structural Engineer

Location: Dallas, TX

Nelson Forensics, LLC is seeking a qualified Civil/Structural Engineer to conduct forensic investigations of structural collapses, failures, damages, and defects for a range of structures. The role involves field investigations, analysis, report preparation, and client communication.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct investigations to determine cause and origin of structural collapses, failures, damages, and defects for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial structures caused by various perils.
  • Prepare scopes for remediation and/or design documents for repair or strengthening of existing structures.
  • Prepare clear, concise, cohesive, accurate, and defensible reports.
  • Communicate regularly and directly with a variety of clients.
  • Manage concurrent projects with varying sizes, scopes, client types, and durations.
  • Provide deposition, mediation, arbitration, and/or trial testimony.
Requirements
  • Strong command of fundamental structural engineering principles.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to tackle complex problems.
  • Working knowledge of building codes and ability to conduct independent research of codes, standards, and other technical references.
  • Clear communication of engineering principles, verbally and in writing, to audiences with varying technical proficiency.
  • Ability to multi-task and be prompt in responding to inquiries from peers and clients, sometimes outside normal working hours.
  • Flexibility with respect to work schedule and travel.
  • Travel is required, occasionally with little advance notice.
  • Desire to continually develop and refine technical knowledge through targeted continuing education.
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering required.
  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in civil or structural engineering a plus.
  • Five to ten years of structural design experience preferred; candidates with less will be considered.
  • Active Professional Engineering (P.E.) license acquired by examination required.
  • NCEES record desired.
  • Completion of the 16‑hour NCEES Structural exam a plus.
EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer offering competitive pay and benefits and a flexible, yet professional, work environment.

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