Forensic Structural Engineer

Job DescriptionForensic Structural Engineer - PE/SECompany Name: SML - Consulting Structural & Forensic EngineersLegal Name: Starling Madison Lofquist, Inc.Location: Phoenix, ArizonaProject Focus: Forensic Investigation, Structural Damage Assessment, Repair Design, Special Inspections, and Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Structures in Wood, Masonry, Reinforced Concrete, Structural Steel, and AluminumWork Setting: Full-Time | Office and field-based | Approximately 50% local/regional fieldworkBase Salary: $85,000-$120,000 annually, based on experience, licensure, and technical capabilitiesRepresented By: Luxus GroupPosition OverviewSML - Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer to join its Phoenix-based forensic engineering practice.This is an opportunity to perform technically meaningful work that helps property owners, businesses, insurers, contractors, and other stakeholders understand structural damage and determine the safest, most practical path toward restoration. The Forensic Structural Engineer will investigate damaged buildings, identify the cause and extent of structural distress, document objective findings, and develop engineered repair recommendations.Assignments may involve damage resulting from vehicle or tree impacts, fires, water intrusion, flooding, foundation movement, construction deficiencies, broken or modified roof trusses, changes in structural loads, deterioration, and other building-related conditions.Projects encompass residential, commercial, and industrial properties constructed from wood, masonry, reinforced concrete, structural steel, aluminum, and other building materials. The position combines field investigation, structural analysis, repair design, technical writing, client communication, and project management.Core ResponsibilitiesConduct on-site structural inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildingsInvestigate damage associated with vehicle impacts, tree impacts, fires, floods, water intrusion, foundation movement, altered loads, damaged trusses, construction defects, and other reported eventsEvaluate visible distress, material performance, structural load paths, existing conditions, and potential contributing factorsDetermine the nature, cause, and extent of structural damage using objective engineering principlesGather field measurements, photographs, sketches, notes, material information, and other supporting evidenceDevelop unbiased, technically defensible conclusions based on available evidence, calculations, applicable codes, and observed conditionsClearly distinguish between event-related damage, pre-existing conditions, maintenance concerns, and unrelated deficiencies when supported by the investigationPerform structural calculations necessary to evaluate existing conditions and restore structural integrityPrepare repair recommendations, construction details, drawings, and technical specificationsDesign repairs involving wood framing, roof trusses, reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, aluminum, foundations, and other structural componentsApply applicable building codes, referenced standards, engineering principles, and jurisdictional requirementsEvaluate repair alternatives for safety, constructability, durability, and cost-effectivenessSupport structural design assignments involving remodels, additions, tenant improvements, and commercial or industrial structures when neededPrepare clear, organized, and technically accurate forensic engineering reportsDocument site conditions, reported histories, investigative procedures, observations, analyses, conclusions, and repair recommendationsIntegrate field photographs, sketches, calculations, and supporting documentation into final deliverablesMaintain complete and contemporaneous project records, including client communications and status updatesProduce work capable of withstanding review by clients, contractors, insurers, attorneys, building officials, and other engineering professionalsConduct or support special structural inspections involving concrete, masonry, structural steel, drilled piers, post-installed anchors, and other code-required conditionsDocument inspection results accurately and communicate nonconforming conditions to the appropriate stakeholdersCoordinate with contractors, testing agencies, owners, and design professionals to help resolve field issuesManage assigned projects from initial authorization through investigation, reporting, repair design, and closeoutEstablish and communicate project schedules, priorities, deliverables, and client expectationsManage multiple assignments while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and budget awarenessProvide clients with timely updates and proactively communicate schedule changes, additional information needs, or emerging technical concernsCoordinate with property owners, contractors, restoration professionals, insurance representatives, attorneys, architects, consultants, and jurisdictional authoritiesSupport other SML project managers and engineers as project needs requireHelp strengthen existing client relationships and identify opportunities to support new and recurring clientsRequired QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering disciplineLicensure: Active Professional Engineer licenseArizona Licensure: Active Arizona PE license, an active NCEES record supporting comity licensure, or the ability to obtain Arizona licensure within six months of employmentExperience: Approximately 1-3 or more years of relevant field engineering experience in structural engineering, building assessment, failure investigation, repair design, construction, or a related disciplineTechnical Knowledge: Working knowledge of structural systems and building materials, including wood, masonry, concrete, and steelAnalysis: Ability to perform structural calculations and translate findings into practical repair recommendationsCommunication: Strong technical writing skills and the ability to present complex engineering conclusions clearly and objectivelyProject Delivery: Ability to manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and changing prioritiesDriving: Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving recordTravel: Ability and willingness to travel to project sites throughout Greater Phoenix and other areas of ArizonaPreferred QualificationsAdvanced Education: Master's degree or Ph.D. in Civil or Structural EngineeringLicensure: Active Structural Engineer licenseForensic Experience: Previous forensic engineering, insurance-loss, structural restoration, or building-damage assessment experienceInvestigation Types: Experience investigating fire damage, impact damage, water-related damage, foundation movement, roof-truss failures, or construction defectsRepair Design: Experience preparing structural repair drawings and detailsSpecial Inspections: Experience conducting special inspectionsSoftware: Familiarity with AutoCAD and, where applicable, Revit or other structural-design softwareStakeholder Experience: Experience communicating with insurers, adjusters, attorneys, contractors, restoration firms, property owners, or expert witnessesMulti-State Licensure: Active NCEES record and the ability to obtain additional state licenses as project needs evolveAttributes for SuccessObjective and analytical, with the professional discipline to let the evidence guide the conclusionHighly observant and attentive to small but potentially significant field conditionsComfortable working independently while remaining connected to a collaborative engineering teamConfident making field decisions and asking questions when additional information is requiredOrganized, accountable, and responsive to clients and internal stakeholdersCapable of explaining technical findings to both engineering and nontechnical audiencesInterested in photography, field measurement, building documentation, and investigative problem-solvingMotivated to strengthen client relationships through quality work and dependable communicationCommitted to producing accurate, consistent, and defensible engineering deliverablesFieldwork and Physical RequirementsApproximately 50% of the position may be spent outside the office performing inspections and collecting field information. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals. The position may require the ability to:Stand and walk for extended periodsWork in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather and site conditionsLift or move equipment and objects weighing up to approximately 40 poundsAscend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, and first- or second-story roofsBalance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach while inspecting structural componentsWork in attics, roof areas, crawl spaces, construction sites, and other restricted-access locations when safe and appropriateOperate a vehicle and travel between project sites for extended periodsCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary of $85,000-$120,000, depending on professional experience, Arizona licensure, SE credentials, forensic expertise, repair-design capabilities, and overall qualificationsEmployer-paid healthcare options, including available HSA-based plansSafe Harbor 401(k) contribution equal to 3% of salary, with no employee contribution requiredEmployer-paid term life insuranceEmployer-paid short-term and long-term disability insuranceOptional dental and vision coverage15 days of combined PTO/sick leave20 days of PTO/sick leave after five years25 days of PTO/sick leave after ten years8.5 paid holidaysWeekly direct-deposit payrollCompany-supported professional licensingPaid continuing education and professional membershipsCoverage of eligible FE, PE, and SE examination fees, references, and testing expensesInternal and external technical trainingProfessional growth and advancement opportunitiesAbout SMLStarling Madison Lofquist, Inc., doing business as SML - Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers, is a privately held engineering firm headquartered in Phoenix. SML has served the Southwest for nearly 40 years and has performed engineering work throughout the United States for approximately two decades. Capabilities include forensic engineering and structural-failure investigations, structural evaluation and damage assessment, restoration and repair design, new construction and renovations, special inspections and construction testing, expert-witness and litigation support, solar-support system engineering, swimming-pool and aquatic-structure engineering, and architectural metals, curtain wall, storefront, and structural-glass design.SML's licensed professional and structural engineers are supported by experienced design, drafting, inspection, and administrative staff, and the firm maintains professional licensure across numerous states. Its project portfolio includes commercial buildings, custom residential properties, educational and healthcare facilities, entertainment venues, hospitality, mixed-use and retail developments, offices, parking structures, public works, renovations, and science and technology facilities. SML maintains a close-knit environment in which engineers can have a visible impact, work directly with clients, and gain exposure to a diverse range of assignments.About Luxus GroupLuxus Group is a specialized recruiting and talent advisory firm serving the architecture, engineering, construction, and related professional-services industries. As an AEC-focused recruiting partner, Luxus Group helps engineering and design firms identify, engage, evaluate, and hire difficult-to-find professionals. Its recruiting team understands the technical differences between forensic and structural engineers, project managers, technical leads, discipline leaders, and principal-level professionals. Luxus Group is representing Starling Madison Lofquist, Inc. in identifying and recruiting qualified candidates for this opportunity. Interested professionals may contact Luxus Group for a confidential discussion regarding the position, compensation, team structure, project portfolio, and long-term advancement potential.Equal Employment OpportunitySML is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace where employees are respected and encouraged to contribute their individual experiences, perspectives, and expertise. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination based on any status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.