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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our client is hiring multiple Forensic Structural Engineers for their Charlotte office. Duties include evaluation of the cause of failure, extent of damage, and recommendations for repairs to ...

Forensic Structural Engineer (P.E.) Are you a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) looking for a career where your expertise makes a real impact? We're hiring a Forensic Structural Engineer to ...

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Forensic Structural Engineer information

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$43.5K

$115.4K

$167.5K

How much do forensic structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic structural engineer in the United States is $115,449.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $134,500.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Forensic Structural Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Structural Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Forensic Structural Engineer jobs? The top employers for Forensic Structural Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Structural Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Structural Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Structural Engineer jobs? For Forensic Structural Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forensic Structural Engineer (Remote)

Forensic Structural Engineer (Remote)

On Point

Remote

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Our client is hiring multiple Forensic Structural Engineers for their Charlotte office. Duties include evaluation of the cause of failure, extent of damage, and recommendations for repairs to buildings that have issues related to weather (including winds, storms, hail, earthquakes, and flooding), manmade issues such as plumbing leakage, construction defects, and accidents, and other losses such as fires.

The successful candidate will be the engineer of record for investigations of damage to buildings and other structures. Specific duties will include:

  • Physical inspection of damaged buildings or structures
  • Interviews with building owners, contractors, and others involved
  • Evaluate scope of repair and repair options
  • Evaluate the cause and extent of damage to building or structure
  • Prepare written reports detailing findings, including observations, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations
  • Support findings in occasional legal proceedings as needed, up to an included deposition and trial testimony as an expert witness

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5 plus years of engineering experience required
  • Must be licensed as an Engineer, plus the ability to obtain licenses in other states
  • NCEES record helpful; must apply within six months of hire
  • United States citizen or be legally authorized to work within the United States. We do not offer or sponsor visas.
  • Must have excellent written and oral communications skills; our reports are our only product
  • Must never have been disciplined by an engineering board or licensing authority
  • Must never have been disqualified as an expert witness
  • Must be able to work independently, efficiently manage your time, and meet deadlines on multiple concurrent projects
  • Ability to travel and support project needs both in and out of state
  • Demonstrated intermediate-level computer skills, including Word and Excel. Basic knowledge of AutoCad very helpful.
  • Must be willing to work added hours after storm events such as hurricanes; production bonuses paid accordingly

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited university
  • 5 plus years of engineering experience required
  • PE required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), required
Employment Type: FULL_TIME