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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Conduct field investigations, condition assessments, and forensic analyses of existing structures ... Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering. * Proven experience in building envelope ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 4, 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Forensic Structural Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,385 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Structural Engineer

LVI Associates

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

A nationally recognized building enclosure and engineering consulting firm is seeking a Structural Engineer with a strong background in building envelope systems to join its growing team. This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of technical consulting, investigation, restoration design, client interaction, and business development.

The firm specializes in helping owners, developers, institutions, and commercial clients extend the life and performance of their buildings through comprehensive building enclosure consulting, structural assessments, and rehabilitation services. Projects span a wide range of asset types including high-rise buildings, multifamily developments, commercial properties, educational facilities, healthcare campuses, and institutional structures.


Key Responsibilities
  • Perform structural evaluations related to building envelope systems and exterior assemblies.
  • Conduct field investigations, condition assessments, and forensic analyses of existing structures.
  • Develop repair, rehabilitation, and restoration recommendations for building facades, waterproofing systems, roofing assemblies, parking structures, and related building components.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, construction documents, and specifications.
  • Collaborate with architects, contractors, developers, and property owners throughout project delivery.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to budgets, schedules, and client expectations.
  • Support client relationship management and participate in business development efforts.
  • Lead and contribute to proposal development, including scope creation, fee development, staffing plans, project schedules, and technical narratives for pursuits.

Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Proven experience in building envelope consulting, structural assessment, restoration, rehabilitation, or forensic engineering.
  • Strong understanding of waterproofing, facades, roofing systems, exterior cladding, and building enclosure performance.
  • Experience performing site investigations and preparing technical reports.
  • Demonstrated success developing and writing project proposals.
  • Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Experience
  • Structural restoration and repair design.
  • Facade assessments and enclosure investigations.
  • Parking garage and concrete repair projects.
  • Building enclosure commissioning or forensic consulting.
  • Project management and team leadership responsibilities.

What Makes This Opportunity Attractive?
  • Opportunity to work on complex and high-visibility building enclosure projects.
  • Strong blend of technical engineering, consulting, and client engagement.
  • Exposure to a diverse portfolio of commercial, multifamily, healthcare, education, and institutional facilities.
  • Collaborative environment with experienced building envelope and forensic professionals.
  • Clear path for professional growth, project leadership, and business development involvement.

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.