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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HKA Global

Director - Forensic Structural Engineering

$185K - $220K/yr

HKA is seeking a highly experienced Forensic Structural Engineer with a background in Design , to investigate structural failures and deliver expert insights on high-impact cases. This is a standout ...

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$43.5K

$115.4K

$167.5K

How much do forensic structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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 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.

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Forensic Structural Engineer jobs near you

Forensic Structural Engineer - Contract

Engionix

Phoenix, AZ

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

CANDIDATES FROM ALL CIVIL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

POSITION IS ON A CONTRACT / PROJECT BASIS WORKING CLAIMS - Licensed PEs who have a full time position are encouraged to apply to work weekends / evenings to earn additional income. Forensic experience not required - training provided.

MINIMAL REPORT WRITING REQUIRED. Firm has a report writing group, so duties only require field inspection, turning in field notes, and signing report when done.

Position Overview: The primary responsibility of the Forensic Engineer is to perform property damage assessments for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings and be in-charge for delivering engineering reports consistent with company standards.

Ideal Candidate:

- A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit who is able to lead and perform work with minimal supervision after completion of the initial training period

- An individual with a strong drive to work independently, yet disciplined to complete work in a timely manner will succeed in this position

- Is courteous and respectful to others’ needs under all circumstances and maintains a flexible approach/demeanor

- Effectively communicates with project stakeholders (internal and external clients, contractors, clients of our clients)

- Committed to producing quality deliverables and completes assignments in a timely manner

Job Requirements

Position Requirements:

- Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Arizona

- Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering with 3+ years of full-time engineering experience

- A valid driver’s license with willingness to travel to remote locations to perform site studies

- Be willing and able to perform varied physical tasks as necessary to complete site studies. Physical tasks will include, but not be limited to, climbing stairs and ladders, walking on building roofs, crawling through confined spaces (primarily attics and crawlspaces).

- Be willing and able to follow safe work practices without any reservation to use personal protective equipment (PPE)