Structural Forensics Consultant (Licensed PE)

DescriptionDepartment: 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.

Become an Employee-Owner

One of the biggest advantages of working at Lerch Bates is that we are 100% employee-owned through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Unlike many companies that offer only a salary and retirement plan, eligible employees receive company-funded ESOP shares at no cost to them as part of their long-term retirement benefits.

As Lerch Bates grows, employee-owners share in the company's success. For many employees, the ESOP becomes one of the most valuable financial benefits of their career by helping build meaningful long-term wealth in addition to their salary and traditional 401(k).

When you join Lerch Bates, you are not just building better buildings. You also have the opportunity to build your financial future alongside the company's success.

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 licensure such as PE, SE, AIA, or other relevant credentials preferred
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 base salary of $90,000 - $120,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and location
Annual performance-based bonus opportunity, with target incentive levels varying by position and based on individual and company performance.
100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the company's long-term success)
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
10 paid holidays
401(k) with 6% employer match
Paid parental leave
Professional development and tuition reimbursement
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.