Forensics Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Department: Existing Building

Lerch Bates is seeking an Forensic Concrete Structural Engineer to lead the evaluation, design coordination, and repair of existing building structural systems. This role focuses on investigating structural deficiencies, performing condition assessments, and developing practical rehabilitation and repair solutions for commercial, institutional, and complex existing structures.

In this role, you will manage multiple structural rehabilitation projects from planning through execution, serving as a technical lead and trusted advisor to clients. You will oversee structural condition assessments, develop repair recommendations, coordinate design and construction activities, and ensure quality delivery of rehabilitation solutions. This position also includes mentoring engineers and technical staff and providing peer review of structural evaluation and repair work.

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB. 

What You’ll Do:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

Structural Assessment & Investigation

• Conduct structural condition assessments of existing buildings to evaluate structural systems, deterioration, and performance deficiencies
• Investigate structural issues including cracking, settlement, corrosion, load path concerns, and material degradation
• Review original construction documents and existing conditions to identify risks and structural vulnerabilities

Evaluation & Repair Development

• Prepare detailed structural condition assessment reports documenting findings and repair recommendations
• Develop structural rehabilitation and repair strategies for existing buildings
• Perform peer review of structural evaluation reports and technical findings prepared by team members

Design Coordination & Technical Review

• Participate in meetings with owners, architects, contractors, and consultants to review structural rehabilitation strategies
• Coordinate with internal teams to support structural repair design, drawings, specifications, and construction documents
• Review structural details, drawings, and submittals for compliance with engineering intent and repair requirements

Project Oversight & Construction Support

• Conduct on-site structural inspections and quality assurance reviews during repair and rehabilitation work
• Prepare detailed site visit reports documenting structural conditions and construction progress
• Provide technical oversight during construction to ensure repairs align with design intent and engineering standards
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables for assigned structural rehabilitation projects

Client Communication & Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on structural performance and rehabilitation strategies
• Communicate findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to clients and stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and identify opportunities for additional project work
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance and development support

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or related discipline)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
• 5+ years of experience in structural engineering, preferably focused on existing buildings, repair, or rehabilitation
• Strong understanding of structural systems and behavior in existing buildings
• Experience with structural condition assessments, investigations, and repair design
• Ability to clearly communicate technical findings in reports and presentations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced consulting environment
• Experience working with architects, contractors, and building owners
• Proficiency in structural analysis or design tools (as applicable)
• Strong commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Be more than just an employee…

Lerch Bates is 100% employee-owned! Our employee-owners bring a distinct “we own what we do” brand of technical consulting to every project and partnership. When you work with us, you join a company with an ownership mindset. Expect responsibility, service, and performance in everything we do. So, what does that mean for you? After a certain service time, you are eligible for stock ownership, which essentially works as an additional wealth accumulation and/or retirement account! 

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment:

This role includes a mixture of office and field work, including visits to active construction sites and existing buildings. Fieldwork may involve climbing, confined spaces, and exposure to construction environments. Reasonable accommodation is available upon request.

Physical Demands:

The employee must be able to work at extreme heights using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and in various weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, cold, and wet).

The work environment varies greatly from a general office environment, construction sites and entry into tight spaces which requires the ability to tolerate constant up, down, forward and reversing motions while performing work

Mental Demands:

This position requires strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Employees must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, quickly learn new skills, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is also expected.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.