Project Associate (Forensics)

Rand Engineering & Architecture, DPC•New York, NY

12h•$60,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Associate (Forensics) will perform building surveys and investigations, document conditions, and evaluate observed conditions with senior architects and engineers. This role involves developing a working understanding of buildings as integrated systems and assisting with various project phases from evaluation through implementation. The associate will also contribute to the firm's technical knowledge library and standardized workflows.

Requirements

Architecture degree and approximately 1–5 years of relevant experience.
Strong technical writing, organizational, and communication skills.
Comfortable with frequent fieldwork, including roofs, facades, mechanical spaces, and active construction sites.
Experience or strong interest in existing buildings, interiors, restoration, historic preservation, building envelope, forensics, roofing, facades, and construction, with curiosity about how building systems interact and an open-minded approach to improving existing buildings.
AutoCAD and Microsoft Office proficiency; comfortable integrating smartphones, mobile apps, AI-assisted tools, and structured digital workflows into field documentation and project delivery.
Ability to travel regularly among NYC/NJ project sites required; driver’s license strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Interest in pursuing architectural licensure; candidates actively progressing toward RA licensure are preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform building surveys and investigations throughout the NYC/NJ metropolitan area.
Document conditions through photographs, measurements, sketches, and structured field notes.
Evaluate observed conditions, probable causes, appropriate follow-up investigations, and potential repair strategies with senior architects and engineers.
Develop a working understanding of buildings as integrated systems, including structure, envelope, roofing, interiors, drainage, and MEP systems.
Assist with exploratory probes, testing, contractor coordination, and construction-phase site visits.
Review drawings, prior reports, repair records, and other documentation in preparation for field assignments.
Translate building conditions and technical recommendations into practical plans considering client priorities, regulatory requirements, budgets, sequencing, and timing.
Participate in client and building-management discussions regarding project priorities, next steps, and implementation planning.
Support investigation programs, repair strategies, capital projects, reports, design scopes, and construction documents from evaluation through implementation.
Work across multiple technical disciplines and contribute field experience, investigation methods, and repair approaches to the firm’s technical knowledge library and standardized workflows.