Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm that provides forensic consulting, engineering design, construction management, claims & dispute resolution, and environmental solutions to insurance carriers, sureties, law firms, real estate owners, property managers, public agencies, and commercial clients.

Our Forensic team is a highly educated and highly valued team of architecture and engineering experts. We work with global insurance firms, and national and regionally based law firms to provide professional services on a large portfolio of complex and challenging forensic projects. 

Why join our Forensic team?

• Growing department with approachable leadership and opportunities for advancement
• Structured career development programs and career paths supported by our “Lifetime of Learning Program” and the new Masters of Legal Studies/Forensics program at University of Denver
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and industries to enhance your portfolio
• Strong project pipeline and a healthy backlog of work
• Mentorship program and supportive culture

Job Description

Forensic Structural Engineers are involved in a wide variety of tasks, including forensic investigations of residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use buildings, code research and construction document review, failure analysis, the scope of repair preparation, and report writing. These activities will generally be performed for insurance property claims and construction defect litigation matters.

This is a remote role reporting to our Chicago office and requires frequent travel to client sites throughout Illinois and the Midwest US region. 

What you will be doing:

• Conduct forensic field inspections into the cause and origin of incidents related to residential and commercial property damage claims and/or construction or design defect claims
• Research failures attributed to the building design or construction to determine the cause and origin of the incident
• Develop a detailed plan for remediation of loss: scope, schedule, budget
• Develop expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
• Participate in business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
• Ensure client satisfaction by meeting project on-time and on-budget expectations
• Ensure all assignments are executed with technical proficiency, accuracy, and professionalism

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (with an emphasis in structures)
• PE license in Illinois or surrounding state required, Illinois SE license preferred
• Minimum of 4 experience in design and construction-related activities of residential and commercial structures or design and inspection of residential and commercial structures. Forensic investigation experience is preferred, but not required
• Strong knowledge of the residential (IRC), commercial (IBC) and existing (IEBC) I-codes
• Understanding of wood framing and foundation components
• Understanding of building envelope requirements preferred
• Knowledge of computer operations and standard software packages (MS Office) required. MathCAD proficiency preferred
• Ability to perform complex tasks and handle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English
• Ability to carry and operate a 24-foot extension ladder unassisted, walk on sloped roofs and uneven surfaces, and work in small spaces (attics, crawl spaces)

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

VERTEX offers a solid total compensation package including base salary and discretionary bonus plan. We also offer a robust benefits package including, healthcare (with multiple plan options) and dental; Company-paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. We offer a 401k plan with immediate match and vesting, Flex Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, and other perks. We provide a generous paid time off plan for eligible employees including 15 days of vacation, 64 hours of sick time, and 9.5 paid holidays (prorated for eligible part-time employees). Our “Lifetime of Learning” program also offers tuition reimbursement and additional support for pursuing advanced education, to help employees grow their skills and careers.

VERTEX is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you require assistance to complete any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at [email protected].

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Please note that VERTEX does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, VERTEX will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, VERTEX explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of VERTEX.