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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

An industry-leading construction and forensic consulting firm is seeking a Structural Engineer to help them design major projects including steel, concrete, masonry and/or timber structures at their ...

Our Structural Engineering practice collaborates with architects, building owners, and builders to ... Engage in internal collaboration with colleagues focused on sustainability, resilience, forensics ...

Structural Project Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

The Structural Division The Structural Division specializes in comprehensive structural engineering planning and design services, including structural assessments and forensics investigations. Their ...

Provides forensic consulting services requiring Civil Engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures ...

Structural/Civil Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Provides forensic consulting services requiring Civil Engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures ...

The qualified candidate will have relevant experience acquiring Structural Diagnostics business ... forensics related work. This engineer will also assist in marketing, business development and ...

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Forensic Structural Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$49.5K

$131.4K

$190.6K

How much do forensic structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic structural engineer in Seattle, WA is $131,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $153,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Is the Job of a Forensic Structural Engineer?

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 are forensic structural engineers?

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.

Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,385 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

An industry-leading construction and forensic consulting firm is seeking a Structural Engineer to help them design major projects including steel, concrete, masonry and/or timber structures at their Portland, OR and Seattle, WA offices.

Your Day Includes

  • Conducting advanced structural analysis using standard structural analysis programs such as ETABS, SAP, SAFE, RAM, and RISA.

  • Designing and analyzing common structural systems including steel braced and moment frames, concrete and masonry shear walls, concrete frames, post-tensioned concrete, and light-frame timber structures.

  • Preparing structural calculations, detailing, and engineering reports.

  • Supporting the construction administration phase of the project.

  • Ensuring compliance with building code requirements and seismic design.


  • Testifying as an expert witness in dispute resolution proceedings, as necessary

Must Haves

  • PE license.

  • In-depth knowledge of structural engineering analysis, building code requirements, and seismic design.

  • Experience in the preparation of structural calculations, structural detailing, and preparing engineering reports.


P.S.

In addition to offering a comprehensive health, dental, and vision package, we also provide an FSA savings program and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

If you have the necessary qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you.

*Eligible for Blueprint Helpers referral program (find out more: blueprinthires.com/bphelpers)