Forensic Civil Engineer – Failure Analysis & Expert Witness

You dissect the cause-and-origin of collapses, cracks, and water intrusions. Armed with drones, laser scanners, and NDT gear, you turn chaotic sites into defensible facts. Your concise reports sway mediators, insurers, and juries alike—transforming technical data into compelling narratives.

Key Responsibilities

- Conduct on-site and remote investigations of bridges, buildings, pavements, and retaining structures.  

- Capture and analyze evidence with drones, terrestrial LiDAR, and high-resolution imagery.  

- Perform material failure analysis using ASTM, ACI, and AASHTO methodologies.  

- Reconstruct timelines of construction activities to identify code or workmanship deviations.  

- Quantify property damage and repair costs for insurance claim valuation.  

- Draft authoritative reports that withstand cross-examination.  

- Deliver sworn deposition and courtroom testimony as an expert witness.  

- Collaborate with attorneys and adjusters to develop litigation strategy.  

- Mentor junior investigators in investigative procedure and safety protocols.  

- Uphold chain-of-custody standards for physical and digital evidence.  

Required Qualifications

- PE license in at least one U.S. state (or ability to obtain within 6 months).  

- 8+ years of civil or structural engineering experience—including field inspections.  

- Proven background in forensic investigation, construction defect analysis, or failure diagnostics.  

- Deep knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, and local building codes.  

- Strong technical writing; you convert complex mechanics into plain English.  

- Comfort with courtroom etiquette, depositions, and Daubert challenges.  

- Proficiency with finite-element analysis, CAD, and photogrammetry software.  

- Ability to climb ladders, access confined spaces, and travel on short notice.  

Desired Skills

- Certified Fire or Explosion Investigator (CFEI) or similar credential.  

- Hands-on experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Part 107 pilots welcomed).  

- Familiarity with insurance policy language and claim procedures.  

- Working knowledge of construction scheduling tools and cost databases.  

- Public-speaking finesse for mediations, arbitrations, and conferences.  

Why This Opportunity

You will tackle intellectually demanding puzzles that shape high-stakes legal outcomes. The practice values evidence-based thinking, rigorous ethics, and work-life latitude—offering remote analysis days and flexible field scheduling. If you thrive where engineering meets jurisprudence, this role positions you at that precise intersection with national cases that test—and showcase—your expertise.