Principal Structural Engineer, Forensics

Rimkus is a global leader in engineering and technical consulting, providing expert services across the insurance, legal, industrial, and commercial sectors. Our team of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists deliver world-class forensic investigation, failure analysis, and consulting services that support informed decision-making for clients worldwide.

We are seeking a Principal Structural Engineer with extensive experience in design, construction and failure analysis. This senior-level position will conduct investigations to determine the origin and root causes of failures, structural malfunctions, product defects and performance issues. Complete design of structural restoration and repair works including reconstruction design, repair scope, cost estimates and building permits, following damages due to any cause.

This role combines technical excellence, investigative expertise, and client-facing consulting to support complex projects involving commercial and industrial facilities and infrastructure.

You will have experience working for insurance, legal, industrial and other clients. Skilled at providing oral and written reports of findings and expert testimony.

Provide project management and technical oversight of other engineers for multiple projects. Responsible for overseeing the work and managing development of other Engineers and Engineers-in-Training (EITs).

Your technical leadership will build on our culture of excellence. Your leadership will be essential in helping clients make informed decisions and resolve complex legal and insurance matters.

Are You an Ideal Candidate?

We are looking for professionals who are leaders in their field and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are driven to provide the highest-quality results while maintaining strong client relationships.

• Apply advanced engineering knowledge to investigate and assess complex failures involving structural systems in buildings, structures and industrial complexes, in a broad range of industry sectors.
• Deliver comprehensive forensic analyses and technical reports to clients across insurance, legal, government, and private sectors who represent the world’s most recognized and respected organizations.
• Practice investigative and interview skills with a broad range of stakeholders to obtain the facts, background and information required to solve complex cases.
• Complete building restoration designs to support application for building permits for building reconstruction.
• Lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and leverage our global network of experts. overseeing the professional development of professional staff.
• Ability and interest to build and manage a regional team of engineering experts in multiple offices across Canada. and or USA.
• Apply your leadership in an energetic, people focused, entrepreneurial culture.
• Promote and provide superior customer service and responsiveness to customer needs.
• Work with sales and marketing team members to ensure client satisfaction, grow client relationships and provide direct marketing at industry conferences.
• Contribute to a rapidly growing, industry-leading, global organization known for technical excellence and client service.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct forensic investigations to determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures.
• Lead a regional team of structural engineers, expand our current offices and support growth of new offices in multiple provinces.
• Determine origin, cause, scope of damage and repair costs for structural failures, design defects, construction issues and damages due to loading, fire, explosion, geotechnical and degradation.
• Perform site inspections across industrial, commercial, and energy environments, conduct technical analysis, produce forensic reports detailing the causes and origins of construction defects and/or structural failures.
• Conduct root cause analysis and evaluate design, installation, maintenance, and operational factors contributing to failures.
• Develop repair, remediation, and reconstruction recommendations, including design specifications where applicable.
• Have high level analytical skills, acute attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including computer assisted engineering and design software.
• Prepare clear, concise, and defensible technical reports for clients, insurers, and legal stakeholders.
• Serve as an expert witness in litigation, arbitration, and mediation proceedings when required.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to intermediate and junior engineers and contribute to quality assurance practices.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery, accuracy, and adherence to company standards.
• Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
• Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors.
• Support client relationship development, including participation in meetings, presentations, and industry events.

Requirements

Education & Licensing

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering from an accredited institution. Advanced degrees an asset.

• Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng. in Canada and/or P.E. in the U.S.) required.
• Multi-jurisdictional licensing or eligibility.
• Expert witness testimony experience is a plus.

Experience

• 15+ years of engineering experience, including forensic investigation and failure analysis.

• Experience in the conventional and renewable energy sectors, including industrial facilities, pipelines and processing plants.
• Experience with large scale complex structural systems in steel, concrete, wood from design concept through construction and final approvals.
• Prior experience supporting insurance claims, risk assessments and litigation.
• Strong relationships in property insurance and legal sectors.
• Expert witness experience.
• Experience leading teams of engineers and technicians.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership skills and readiness to lead enterprise level programs.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a solid understanding of root cause analysis methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presentations.
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and regulations.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, procedures, terms, conditions and nomenclature associated with the insurance industry and assigned area of engineering specialty.

Work Environment

• Combination of fieldwork and office/remote work.
• This position offers a work-from-home arrangement; however, you will be expected to attend occasional visits to our local office as required. In addition, frequent visits to our worksites and project locations will be part of the role, at times more than twice per week, so travel is an essential component of this position. Strong communication and client relations skills and the ability to build and maintain ongoing rapport with clients are also critical to success in this role.
• Exposure to various environmental conditions, including outdoor and industrial settings.
• Physical requirements include climbing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and working at heights or in confined spaces as needed.

Why Join Rimkus

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Opportunity to work on complex, high-impact projects in the energy sector.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment focused on technical excellence and career growth.
• Significant career growth opportunities.

Benefits

• Extended Healthcare Plan (Medical, Disability, Dental & Vision)
• RPP - Group RRSP
• Group Life - AD&D - Critical Illness Insurance
• Paid Time Off Benefits
• Work From Home - Flexible hours
• Training & Development