Director - Forensic Structural Engineering

HKA is a global leader in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and expert witness services. We tackle complex challenges with our multi-disciplinary expertise.

As trusted consultants and advisors, we deliver solutions in uncertain and disputed situations, ensuring the best outcomes for clients worldwide. Our experts have testified globally on major cases spanning across a wide range of industries and sectors.

As part of the HKA team you can expect:

• A strong collaborative culture with a mutual pursuit of your success alongside the success of our teams.
• The opportunity to solve problems creatively, contribute to our innovative direction, and be valued as an individual
• The ability to leverage HKA’s strong network and presence in various industries and reputation for exceptional expert witnesses to accelerate career development and connections.

The Opportunity:

HKA is seeking a highly experienced Forensic Structural Engineer with a background in Design, to investigate structural failures and deliver expert insights on high-impact cases. This is a standout opportunity for someone ready to build a reputation in forensic consulting, working alongside top experts in litigation and claims matters. If you're driven, analytical, and ready to lead, this role offers the platform to make your mark.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct residential and commercial forensic investigations to analyze and determine the cause, origin, and extent of structural failures, water intrusions, roof damage, construction defects and building system failures.
• Perform destructive and water testing of exterior facades, windows, and roof coverings.
• Investigate and assess damages due to catastrophes such as storm damage, hurricanes, and floods.
• Research technical publications and literature in support of evaluations and apply engineering principles and practices in accordance with codes and industry standards.
• Provide signed and sealed detailed forensic engineering reports outlining cause and origin of damage to clients.
• Manage multiple projects and assume responsibility for project execution within required time frames.
• Communicate with administrative staff and clients to provide timelines and project updates on a consistent basis.
• Contribute to business development by pursuing fee-earning opportunities, expanding professional networks, and eventually building a strong book of business through client engagement and industry visibility.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or Structural Engineering required, master’s degree preferred.
• Professional Engineering License 
• Minimum eight (8) years Structural Engineering experience 
• Minimum four (4) years career focus on Structural Design such as structural systems for buildings or similar structures, applying engineering principles, codes, and standards to ensure safety and performance.
• Minimum one (1) year of Forensic experience including litigation/deposition responsibilities
• Experience working with law firms and insurance companies
• Strong analytical and field inspection skills
• Experience contributing to business development activities

Preferred but not required

• Experience in expert testimony experience in a Forensic Engineering role required

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry a ladder.
• Must be able to access ladders, scaffolding, swing staging, roofs, and elevated surfaces.

What we offer:

Compensation: HKA offers a range between USD $185,000 and USD $220,000 for this opportunity. All full-time employees are also eligible for HKA's full benefits package including health, dental, vision and other insurance, Retirement Plan with Company Match, Competitive PTO policy/company holidays/sick time, and much more.

At HKA we recognize that our people are critical to our ongoing success. Our priority is to provide an inclusive and collaborative culture aimed at providing the best opportunities for our people to thrive and develop in their chosen career path.

Our Global Recruitment team is committed to providing an authentic candidate experience for all those who take the time to apply to HKA. We are committed to providing an efficient and insightful recruitment process giving candidates a true reflection of life at HKA. 

Fairness and Equality at HKA:

HKA works