Senior Building Enclosure & Forensic Engineer
About The Position
As a technical authority with more than 15 years of building enclosure, building science, and forensic engineering experience, the Senior Building Enclosure & Forensic Engineer leads investigations and analysis of complex building performance failures, defects, and claims, including litigation matters, with a high degree of independence. The role requires practical investigation experience and the ability to serve as an expert witness, develop defensible technical opinions, and communicate findings through reports, depositions, and testimony. The role helps strengthen and grow RDH’s forensic and litigation practice while providing technical and peer leadership to an established and evolving team with regional, national, and international experience. The engineer guides investigation strategy, mentors staff in rigorous forensic methods, supports client and legal-team relationships, and helps teams advance complex matters with sound judgment, clear communication, and responsible stewardship.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Building Science, Structural Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university.
- Extensive relevant experience in forensic engineering, failure investigation, building enclosure, and/or structural assessment, including significant litigation support experience.
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration.
- Demonstrated experience serving as an expert witness, including developing expert opinions and reports and participating in depositions and/or testimony.
- Deep technical expertise in forensic building enclosure and structural failure investigation.
- Strong practical investigation skills, including evidence preservation, photo documentation, triage, field assessment, testing, and technical analysis.
- Ability to synthesize complex evidence and develop clear, independent, and defensible technical opinions.
- Expert-level written and verbal communication, including technical reports, presentations, depositions, and testimony.
- Sound judgment and credibility when working with attorneys, clients, opposing experts, insurers, and other stakeholders.
- Strong mentorship and coaching capability, including developing others in forensic investigation and litigation work.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and advance complex, high-stakes matters.
- Client relationship management and business development acumen within forensic, claims, and litigation services.
- Advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and systems-level thinking.
- High integrity, professional independence, collaboration, and commitment to responsible stewardship.
Nice To Haves
- Professional Engineer registration in Massachusetts and/or New York is highly desirable.
- Ability to obtain registration in additional Northeast jurisdictions as needed.
Responsibilities
- Lead investigations of complex building performance defects, failures, damage, and performance concerns, particularly dispute resolution and litigation-related matters.
- Develop investigation strategies and oversee field work, including failure triage, site assessment, evidence and photo documentation, testing, and analysis.
- Formulate clear, technically defensible opinions regarding causation, origin, responsibility, repair, and performance using field evidence, design information, codes, standards, and engineering principles.
- Serve as an expert witness on litigation matters, including preparing expert reports and participating in depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trial testimony as required.
- Review drawings, specifications, construction records, technical documentation, codes, and other evidence to evaluate building enclosure and structural performance and identify contributing factors.
- Serve as a senior technical reviewer and trusted advisor to project teams, clients, attorneys, insurers, and other stakeholders on complex forensic and litigation matters.
- Mentor and develop junior and intermediate staff in forensic investigation, documentation, technical analysis, report writing, and expert practice.
- Support the growth of RDH’s forensic practice by strengthening client relationships, contributing to business development, and helping teams deliver high-quality work efficiently and collaboratively.
Benefits
- Discretionary incentives and share ownership eligibility.
- GRSP/401K contributions.
- Health and dental coverage.
- Primary Caregiver benefits.
- Vacation and sick time.
- Statutory Holiday substitutions.
- A learning fund of $1,000 per year for education or career goals.
- Opportunities for professional growth, development, and ownership.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
