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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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 Sep 15, 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 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.

Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,385 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Building Consultant

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Rimkus
Business Management Consultingย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Become a vital part of Rimkus, a global leader in engineering and technical consulting. As a Building Consultant, you will provide expert analysis and consulting services to support our clients in understanding structural and building-related issues.
Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) specializes in forensic consulting, building envelope assessments, dispute resolution, construction management, and environment-focused solutions.
Join us and enjoy competitive compensation, bonus potential, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, employer-matching 401(k), and great opportunities for career advancement!
Our Building Consultants perform an array of services for the purpose of helping our clients in the resolution of claims and legal disputes. These services include but are not limited to: Assist with insurance claims analysis, Rough order of Magnitude estimating, comparative estimates, cost analysis, evaluation of contractor bids, construction and repair cost estimating, repair scope review and analysis, cost monitoring, review of change orders and repair invoicing, appraisal services, and construction scheduling.
The Position requires a strong background and understanding of technical aspects for both commercial and residential building envelope systems, including foundation systems, cladding systems, and roofing systems, building codes, ADA guidelines, construction documents preparation, and repair cost preparation and analysis. Assignments will include site evaluations to determine extent of damages, proper and efficient repair scopes and repair costs, analysis of repair scopes and contractor bid documents, as well as oral and written reports that document recommended repair scope and remediation services. The ideal candidate will be able to provide opinions and, if necessary, expert testimony. Other duties may include gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document onsite conditions, attendance and oversite of field-testing and site evaluations with engineering staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Must possess strong communication skills and be able to deliver and explain complex construction information/repairs to clients both verbally and in writing
  • Must be able to establish repair scopes and engage professional engineers as needed to develop repair protocols and designs
  • Must be able to analyze contractor scope and bid documents to determine accuracy and efficiency in repair scopes and pricing
  • 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 client in advance of performing the work
  • Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and estimating software such as RS Means and Xactimate, at a minimum

Requirements
Key responsibilities:
  • Perform detailed inspections and assessments of building structures to identify defects, damages, or areas of concern.
  • Analyze building systems including structural components, roofing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing as necessary.
  • Prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with clients, project managers, engineers, and legal professionals to provide expert support and consultation.
  • Assist in litigation support including site visits, evidence collection, depositions, and trial testimony as needed.
  • Estimate repair and restoration costs based on thorough evaluation and market analysis.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, or related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in building consulting, forensic engineering, or construction inspection.
  • Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, codes, and industry standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to produce detailed technical reports and documentation.
  • Experience with construction estimating software (e.g., Xactimate) is a plus.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to site locations.

Work Environment:
  • Combination of remote work and on-site inspections.
  • Collaborative team environment with multidisciplinary professionals.

Rimkus is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Benefits
  • Private Healthcare Plan
  • Pension Plans
  • Life Assurance
  • Leave Package
  • Work From Home
  • Training & Development
  • Employee Assistance Programme - Counseling