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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

DBI Consultants

Project Manager II

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

Manage complex forensic, insurance, litigation support, and building envelope consulting projects ... Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Architectural Engineering or related field from an ...

DBI Consultants

Project Manager II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Manage complex forensic, insurance, litigation support, and building envelope consulting projects ... Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Architectural Engineering or related field from an ...

WJE

Administrative Associate

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$25.38 - $38.08/hr

Composed of both engineers and materials scientists, the JTC provides advanced testing and forensic ... every type of construction material, structural system, and architectural component.

Wje

Administrative Associate

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$25.38 - $38.08/hr

Composed of both engineers and materials scientists, the JTC provides advanced testing and forensic ... every type of construction material, structural system, and architectural component.

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All JobsForensic Structural Engineer JobsForensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Forensic Structural Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.8K

$118.9K

$172.6K

How much do forensic structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic structural engineer in Chicago, IL is $118,930.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,900.00 and $138,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Forensic Structural Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Forensic Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,930 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Building Enclosure Senior Project Associate

ECS Ltd

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
ECS is seeking a Building Enclosure Senior Project Associate to join our Midwest Building Science + Infrastructure team in Chicago, IL In this role, you will manage building enclosure consulting projects and serve as a lead technical consultant on building enclosure investigations, assessments, commissioning, testing, and design consulting. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate building envelope performance, support construction quality, and deliver practical consulting solutions across a variety of facility types.
This is a client-facing role with daily interaction with clients, architects, contractors, engineers, and owners. The position involves significant responsibility for project management, technical execution, and mentorship of junior staff within a collaborative consulting environment.
Responsibilities
Technical & Field Work
  • Perform building science & infrastructure related testing, inspections, and consulting services.
  • Conduct site observations and inspections of roofing and building enclosure systems.
  • Interpret drawings, figures, and site plans; perform drafting or CAD work as needed.
  • Develop testing plans and perform specialized building enclosure testing.
  • Interpret test results, identify deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Perform building enclosure investigations, forensic assessments, and commissioning (BECx).
  • Perform new construction design reviews and design of repairs to existing building envelope components.
  • Perform peer review of design documents, specifications, and submittals.
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable building codes and standards including IBC, ASHRAE, ASTM, SMACNA, and CSI.

Project Management
  • Manage building science & infrastructure projects from setup through completion.
  • Coordinate project teams and direct site activities with field staff, subcontractors, and senior managers.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining schedule, scope, and budget objectives.
  • Prepare and review proposals, change orders, budgets, and invoices.
  • Monitor project progress and communicate schedule updates, testing activities, and potential budget impacts.
  • Communicate project milestones with clients and advise on significant project changes.

Client Interaction & Business Development
  • Interface with clients regularly and lead project meetings and discussions.
  • Present testing results, project findings, and recommendations to clients.
  • Maintain and develop client relationships and support growth of the client database.

Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on project execution.
  • Mentor junior staff and supervise field personnel performing inspections and testing.
  • Coordinate staffing needs with other managers to support project execution.

Documentation & Reporting
  • Prepare building science & infrastructure reports, perform analysis, and provide recommendations.
  • Ensure reports meet professional standards for clarity, accuracy, and technical content.
  • Review and approve reports prepared by junior staff prior to Principal review.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

#LI-BP1
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture (NCARB), or a related field.
  • 5+ years of related experience with building enclosure consulting, including field investigations, testing, commissioning (BECx), design review, or forensic assessments.
  • Licensed or certified in at least one of the following preferred but not required:
    • Professional Engineer (P.E.)
    • Registered Architect (R.A.)
    • IIBEC certifications (RRC, RWC, REWC, RBEC, CBECxP)
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison certifications (BECxP, CxA+BE)

Knowledge & Skills
  • Strong knowledge of building science, building enclosure systems, and construction practices.
  • Strong knowledge of building codes, materials, and structural or architectural systems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong project management and consulting skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds multiple times per day, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven terrain, and perform work at heights.

Additional Requirements
  • Valid driver's license required if driving for or on behalf of an ECS subsidiary.

Why Join ECS?
  • Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
  • Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
  • Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
  • Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
  • Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
  • ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
  • 401(k) with up to 4% match
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • And more!

ECS Core Values: Collaborate, Focus & Lead
The expected pay range for this role and location is $90,000 - $105,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.
About Us
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.

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