Structural Forensic Engineer

Forensic Structural Engineer - Austin, TX

A well-established forensic engineering and building consulting practice is looking to add a licensed Structural / Civil Engineer to its Austin team. This is a strong opportunity for an experienced structural engineer who enjoys investigative work, field assessments, technical problem-solving, and translating complex structural issues into clear, defensible reports. The role will focus on evaluating existing buildings and structures, determining causes of damage or distress, and supporting repair recommendations across a broad range of property types. The position is well suited to someone coming from either a structural design background or an existing forensic engineering role who wants to build deeper expertise in investigations, claims-related consulting, repair scope development, and technical advisory work.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations to assess existing structural conditions, observed distress, damage, deterioration, or performance-related issues.
• Evaluate structural systems across a range of building types, including commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional properties.
• Review construction documents, drawings, specifications, photographs, and other project records to understand original design intent and current conditions.
• Apply structural engineering judgement, building code knowledge, and construction experience to determine likely causes of observed issues.
• Develop practical repair recommendations and support the preparation of clear technical reports.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, design professionals, and other project stakeholders throughout the investigation and reporting process.
• Manage multiple assignments at different stages while maintaining quality, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Support senior technical staff on complex investigations, dispute-related matters, and projects requiring additional review or expert input.
• Travel regionally as required for inspections, site visits, and project-related meetings.

Desired Background

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, or ability to obtain Texas licensure.
• Approximately 8+ years of structural engineering experience, ideally with exposure to existing buildings, forensic investigations, repair design, construction administration, or building assessments.
• Strong understanding of structural behavior, building performance, and common construction materials.
• Ability to evaluate drawings, field conditions, and construction details across a variety of structural systems.
• Strong written communication skills, particularly for technical reporting and client-facing documentation.
• Comfortable working in the field, including active sites, rooftops, damaged structures, and varied weather conditions.
• Experience with claims, disputes, litigation support, expert reports, or deposition preparation is beneficial but not required.

Why This Opportunity

• Work on technically varied structural investigations rather than repetitive design-only projects.
• Join a multidisciplinary consulting environment with exposure to forensic engineering, building assessments, repair recommendations, and dispute-related work.
• Opportunity to develop into a stronger technical expert with support from experienced forensic engineers.
• Competitive compensation, with a target base salary in the $100,000-$170,000 range depending on experience, licensure, and level of responsibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement contribution, paid time off, and professional development support.
• Long-term path toward senior technical leadership, client relationship ownership, and expert-witness development.
• Candidates should be eligible to work in the United States and able to travel for site visits as needed.