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Forensic Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NOVA Engineering is seeking a mid-level Structural Forensic Engineer (P.E.) to join our Forensics Engineering group in Buford, GA . This role supports a diverse forensic and restoration workload that ...

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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 Jul 15, 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:
Infographic showing various Forensic Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,449 per year, or $55.5 per hour.
Forensic Structural Engineer - Detroit, MI

Forensic Structural Engineer - Detroit, MI

Rimkus

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!

Requirements

Overview:

Provides forensic consulting services requiring civil/structural engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures and/or damage, building envelope failures and/or damage, and construction defects, as well as determines the extent and repairability of such shortcomings and/or damage. Provides oral and written reports of findings and, when needed, expert testimony. Manages multiple projects.
Essential Job Functions:

  • Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to resolve claims and legal matters.
  • Performs forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering 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.

Field Investigations

  • Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures and/or damage and building envelope failures and/or damage, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such shortcomings and/or damage. This includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, in-person and/or telephone interviews, overseeing field testing, reviewing construction and/or design drawings, contracts, or specifications, and/or reviewing historical documentation.
  • Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure and/or damage, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation is essential, as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
  • Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and providing support as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
  • Ensures that the procedure is followed and performs safety and due diligence of the project when it is being completed.
    Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.

Required Experience, Education, and Certifications:

  • Civil or structural engineering degree or higher.
  • ย P.E. required or fourth-year EIT with the ability to obtain the P.E. license quickly.
  • NCEE record preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience.
  • Project management and/or field investigation experience is preferred.
  • Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have strong organizational and time management skills.
    Must have a high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external).
  • Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
  • Ability to write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
  • Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements
ย 

  • Physical Demands-Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e., Client's office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on sloped roofs, sit, climb ladders, bend, climb inside attics, crawl under homes and tunnels, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, use handheld equipment and/or tools, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employees may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employees must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in a deposition or at trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
  • Overtimeย - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. There will be periods when overtime will be required, and the employee will need to comply to meet the demands of the position.
  • Travel Requirements-This position requires up to 50% local/regional travel. Less than 5% out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.ย 

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.ย 

Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Work From Home