Demo

Forensic Engineer

J2 Building Consultants
Portland, OR Full Time
POSTED ON 12/23/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/21/2026
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) - Forensic Engineer/Building Envelope Specialist

Do you thrive on solving complex building challenges and signing off on work that makes the built environment safer and stronger? J2 Building Consultants is looking for a Forensic Engineer to lead envelope-related structural design, analysis, and inspections across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

This is not just a design role - it's a mix of fieldwork, code compliance, forensic investigation, and collaboration. You’ll work closely with project managers, designers, and clients to assess and improve buildings inside and out. If you enjoy being the technical expert, the one who spots what others miss, and the person who can both do and teach - we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

🔹 Stamp with Confidence

Review and approve drawings, calculations, and designs related to building envelope systems. Apply your seal knowing it’s backed by real analysis and experience.

🔹 Solve Structural Mysteries

From cladding and roof supports to forensic assessments, you'll investigate performance issues, identify root causes, and propose durable, code-compliant solutions.

🔹 Lead with Expertise

Collaborate with cross-functional teams and guide junior staff. Be the person we turn to when something just doesn’t add up.

🔹 Balance Office and Field

Split your time between analysis, report writing, and site investigations. From crawlspaces to rooftops, you’ll get hands-on with the buildings you’re improving.

You'll be doing more than just stamping drawings - here's a deeper look at your day-to-day responsibilities.

Job Description

  • Professional Engineering and Design:
    • Perform detailed structural analyses and engineering evaluations for building envelope systems, including waterproofing, insulation, air barriers, and cladding.
    • Review and approve structural calculations, designs, and modifications to ensure stability, safety, and adherence to applicable codes.
    • Provide expert insights into building envelope solutions to enhance structural performance, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
  • Quality Assurance and Approvals:
    • Apply professional engineering stamp on approved designs, drawings, and proposals to certify structural integrity and regulatory compliance.
    • Conduct thorough reviews of project plans, proposals, and technical reports for accuracy, feasibility, and compliance with industry standards.
    • Work closely with project managers and design team to resolve any structural or design concerns during the planning and implementation stages.
  • Project Management:
    • Oversee projects from inception through completion, ensuring project timelines, budgets, and client expectations are met.
    • Collaborate with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to provide project guidance, address structural challenges, and ensure smooth project execution.
    • Manage project documentation, reporting, and communication with clients, ensuring transparency and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Building Envelope Expertise:
    • Apply specialized knowledge of building envelope systems in the design, evaluation, and inspection of building facades, roofs, and other envelope components.
    • Conduct field assessments, inspections, and forensic evaluations of existing building envelopes, identifying and diagnosing structural or performance issues.
    • Advise on retrofit and repair solutions for building envelope issues, providing expertise on sustainable and durable material selection.
  • Team Collaboration and Mentorship:
    • Support and mentor junior engineers and technical staff, promoting professional development and knowledge-sharing within the team.
    • Stay current with advancements in structural engineering, building codes, and building envelope technology to continuously enhance project outcomes and team expertise.
Who You Are

✔ 5–7 years of structural engineering experience

✔ Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Oregon preferred - will accept EIT

✔ Bonus if you're also licensed in WA, UT, or ID

✔ Proficient in structural analysis software

✔ Strong communicator with solid writing skills - we write a lot of reports

✔ Comfortable in the field and in client meetings

✔ Detail-oriented, curious, and confident in your judgement - even when the solution isn't obvious

✔ Enjoy mentoring and contributing to a collaborative team

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is based in an office - but you’ll be out in the field just as often. That means:

  • Traveling locally and regionally to job sites
  • Conducting inspections in all weather conditions
  • Climbing ladders, accessing roofs, entering crawlspaces and tight areas
  • Sitting at a desk writing reports and reviewing drawings when you're not in the field
  • Carrying gear up to 50 lbs when needed

If you like variety and being hands-on with your projects, you’ll love the balance here.

What You’ll Get

  • Competitive salary monthly incentive bonuses
  • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision for employees - dependents can be added at the employee's cost
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid vacation and sick time, plus 8 holidays
  • HSA, Costco & Gym membership reimbursements
  • Monthly cell phone reimbursement
  • Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Disability insurance
  • Professional development support
  • A solid team that values trust, autonomy, and high standards

Ready to Apply?

We’re looking for someone who’s technically sharp, reliable, and ready to take ownership of their work - while helping others grow. If that sounds like you, apply now. We ask just a few short questions - no fluff.

Note: This is a hybrid field/office role with required in-person presence. Applicants must be able to reliably commute Monday–Friday.

And Just So You Know

Yes, this is a real open position. No ghost postings, no AI bots screening your app. Every application is reviewed by an actual human (hi, that’s me 👋).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At J2 Building Consultants, we’re committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. That means every qualified candidate and employee has access to fair, equitable opportunities—no matter their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This commitment applies to all areas of employment, including hiring, promotions, compensation, training, and day-to-day workplace culture. Our practices are aligned with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), along with all other applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

What Inclusion Looks Like at J2

We Know That Building a Truly Inclusive Environment Takes Intention And Consistency - Not Just Policies. We’re Continuously Working To Create a Workplace Where Everyone Feels Respected, Valued, And Able To Contribute Fully As Themselves. That Means

  • Welcoming and embracing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences
  • Encouraging connection and collaboration across differences
  • Promoting open dialogue and treating one another with respect
  • Creating a safe space where everyone can show up authentically
  • Building relationships based on trust, care, and mutual dignity

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply and grow with us.

If you have questions about our hiring practices or our commitment to equity and inclusion, feel free to reach out to hr@j2consultants.com.

Salary.com Estimation for Forensic Engineer in Portland, OR
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