Forensic Structural Engineer (Level II or III)
Locations:
- Northern Ohio (Akron/Cleveland area) – Remote
- Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN – Remote
Relocation Assistance Available
Salary Range: $90,000 – $185,000+ (based on experience, licensure, and qualifications)
Solve What Others Can't
We are seeking Forensic Structural Engineers (Level II or III) to join a nationally recognized engineering and consulting organization known for delivering clear, defensible answers to complex structural failures.
This is an opportunity to build specialized expertise in forensic engineering while working on diverse, real-world projects across industries including healthcare, data centers, commercial facilities, industrial sites, infrastructure, multifamily housing, and more.
If you're driven by problem-solving, autonomy, and variety in your work, this role offers a unique and rewarding career path.
About the Role
This position is ideal for engineers who want to move beyond traditional design work and into investigative engineering—or for experienced forensic professionals seeking greater autonomy and growth.
You will evaluate structural damage, determine root causes of failures, conduct field investigations, and prepare technical reports that stand up to scrutiny from clients, attorneys, insurance carriers, and other stakeholders.
No two projects are the same. Some weeks may involve multiple site inspections and client meetings, while others are focused on engineering analysis and report development.
Key ResponsibilitiesField Investigations
- Conduct on-site evaluations of structural damage and failures
- Inspect buildings, foundations, roofs, and structural systems impacted by:
- Storm damage
- Construction defects
- Foundation movement
- Fire damage
- Vehicle impacts
- Structural collapse or distress
- Other loss events
Root Cause Analysis
- Evaluate failure mechanisms and contributing factors
- Develop technically sound, well-supported engineering conclusions
- Apply engineering judgment to complex structural issues
Technical Reporting
- Prepare clear, concise, and defensible engineering reports
- Document findings, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations
- Deliver reports within established turnaround expectations
Client Interaction
- Communicate findings and project updates to:
- Property owners
- Insurance carriers
- Attorneys
- Adjusters
- Contractors
- Other project stakeholders
Project Ownership
- Independently manage project assignments from investigation through reporting
- Collaborate with subject matter experts when additional expertise is required
What to ExpectFlexible, Non-Traditional Schedule
This is not a traditional 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. role. Workload and schedules vary based on project activity, inspections, weather events, and client needs.
Remote Work
This is a fully remote position. Candidates must reside within approximately three hours of the region they support:
- Northern Ohio (Akron/Cleveland area)
- Minneapolis–St. Paul region
Travel
- Primarily local and regional travel
- Short-duration site visits
- Occasional overnight travel as needed
Consistent Project Flow
Strong regional client relationships support a steady pipeline of forensic investigations and consulting engagements.
Professional Growth
Engineers receive ongoing exposure to unique cases and opportunities to develop expertise in a highly specialized, in-demand discipline.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain via reciprocity
- Experience performing roof inspections and working at heights
- Strong technical writing and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Willingness to travel and perform field investigations
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout assigned territory
Level II Qualifications
Ideal for early-career engineers seeking to build forensic expertise.
- Approximately 1–5 years of structural or related engineering experience
- Forensic engineering experience is preferred but not required
- Strong interest in investigative engineering and root cause analysis
- Ability to manage routine assignments with increasing independence
Level III Qualifications
Ideal for experienced forensic or structural engineers.
- 5–10+ years of structural and/or forensic engineering experience
- Ability to independently manage complex investigations
- Experience leading projects and interacting directly with clients
- Expert witness, deposition, or litigation support experience is a plus
Why Join Us?
High-Growth Organization
Join a firm that continues to expand nationally, creating significant opportunities for advancement and leadership.
Specialized Career Path
Develop expertise in forensic engineering—a niche, high-value discipline with strong long-term demand.
Autonomy + Support
Enjoy the independence to manage your work while having access to experienced technical professionals and internal subject matter experts.
Performance-Based Earnings
In addition to base compensation, engineers have opportunities for productivity-based earnings and advancement into higher-performance compensation structures as their practice develops.
True Flexibility
Designed for professionals who value work-life flexibility while remaining responsive to client needs and project demands.
Compensation & BenefitsCompensation
- Base Salary: $90,000 – $185,000+
- Additional productivity-based earning opportunities
Benefits Include
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Professional Development Support
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Relocation Assistance Available
Ideal Candidate
You will thrive in this role if you are:
- Naturally curious and analytical
- Motivated to understand why structures fail
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, variable environment
- Self-directed and accountable
- Strong in both field investigations and technical communication
- Open to travel and flexible scheduling
- Interested in building a long-term career in forensic engineering
Additional Consideration
Candidates may be asked to disclose any applicable non-compete or non-solicitation agreements during the hiring process to ensure compliance with client and legal requirements.
Ready to apply your engineering expertise in a dynamic, investigative environment?
If you're looking to move beyond traditional design work and build a rewarding career solving complex structural failures, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you currently hold a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or are you eligible to obtain licensure through reciprocity in Ohio or Minnesota?
- How many years of experience do you have conducting structural investigations, condition assessments, failure analyses, or forensic engineering projects?
- This position requires regular field investigations, including roof inspections and assessments of damaged structures. Are you comfortable working at heights and performing site inspections in various environmental conditions?
- Please describe your experience determining the root cause of structural damage or failures and preparing technical reports for clients, insurance carriers, attorneys, or other stakeholders.
- Are you located within, or willing to relocate to, approximately three hours of either the Northern Ohio (Akron/Cleveland) or Minneapolis–St. Paul market?
- Have you independently authored forensic engineering reports or structural investigation reports that support engineering conclusions and recommendations?
- Please provide the URL to your active LinkedIn profile.
Work Location: In person
