Structural Forensics Consultant (Licensed PE)

Department: Forensics

Lerch Bates is seeking a Structural Forensics Consultant to investigate building performance issues, identify root causes of failures, and develop practical repair and rehabilitation solutions for existing buildings and structures.

This role combines forensic investigation, structural assessment, building envelope evaluation, project management, and client consulting. You will lead field investigations, analyze building conditions, prepare technical reports, and collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and project teams to deliver effective solutions.

If you are a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) who enjoys solving real-world structural problems in existing buildings and delivering repair solutions that extend building life and performance, this role offers meaningful and high-impact work.

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB.

What You’ll Do:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

Building Investigations & Assessments

• Conduct on-site investigations and field assessments of existing buildings and structures
• Evaluate structural systems, building enclosures, roofing systems, waterproofing assemblies, façade systems, and masonry components
• Review original construction documents, drawings, and historical project information
• Identify performance issues related to water intrusion, air leakage, condensation, structural deterioration, and construction defects
• Analyze observed conditions and determine probable causes of failures or deficiencies

Technical Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare technical reports documenting findings, existing conditions, and repair recommendations
• Develop practical repair and restoration strategies
• Analyze deficiencies and determine long-term solutions
• Conduct peer reviews of technical reports and project findings

Design Review & Project Coordination

• Participate in meetings with owners, developers, architects, contractors, adjusters, and consultants
• Coordinate with internal engineers, designers, and project teams
• Review construction documents, drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and submittals
• Verify compliance with design intent, engineering principles, and industry standards

Project Management & Construction Oversight

• Conduct site observations and quality assurance reviews during construction
• Document project progress and prepare field reports
• Provide technical guidance to specialists and project team members
• Manage project scope, schedule, budgets, staffing, and deliverables
• Track project performance and resolve issues affecting quality or timelines

Client Management & Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor throughout project lifecycles
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Identify opportunities to expand services for existing clients
• Communicate project status, findings, and recommendations proactively
• Mentor and support team members as applicable

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in architecture, engineering, construction, building science, rehabilitation, forensic consulting, or related industries
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Strong understanding of residential, commercial, or institutional building systems and construction practices
• Knowledge of building science and building enclosure systems, including roofing, waterproofing, façade systems, exterior wall assemblies, and air/moisture/thermal barriers
• Experience with structural investigations, rehabilitation projects, building envelope consulting, or forensic evaluations preferred
• Strong technical writing, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to clearly explain complex findings and recommendations
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Experience with project budgeting, accounting, or financial management preferred
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam®, WUFI, THERM, or related design and analysis software preferred

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Be more than just an employee…

Lerch Bates is 100% employee-owned! Our employee-owners bring a distinct “we own what we do” brand of technical consulting to every project and partnership. When you work with us, you join a company with an ownership mindset. Expect responsibility, service, and performance in everything we do. So, what does that mean for you? After a certain service time, you are eligible for stock ownership, which essentially works as an additional wealth accumulation and/or retirement account!

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment:

This role includes a mixture of office and field work, including visits to active construction sites and existing buildings. Fieldwork may involve climbing, confined spaces, and exposure to construction environments. Reasonable accommodation is available upon request.

Physical Demands:

The employee must be able to work at extreme heights using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and in various weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, cold, and wet).

The work environment varies greatly from a general office environment, construction sites and entry into tight spaces which requires the ability to tolerate constant up, down, forward and reversing motions while performing work

Mental Demands:

This position requires strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Employees must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, quickly learn new skills, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is also expected.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.