Senior Consultant - Forensics; Structural Engineer

Senior Consultant - Forensics (Structural Engineer)

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Lerch Bates is seeking a Senior Consultant with expertise in building envelope consultancy. The Senior Consultant plans, directs, and coordinates activities of designated projects to ensure objectives are achieved on time and within cost. They are responsible for identifying, planning, directing, and overseeing all aspects of Forensic Engineering projects. This role will primarily oversee multiple projects and provide solutions and recommendations to clients while offering technical review, mentorship, and training to specialists, engineers, and technicians.

The Senior Consultant also fosters relationships with existing and prospective clients.

Lerch Bates is a global multidisciplinary technical consultancy that helps clients design, modernize, investigate, and manage buildings. We provide integrated specialties ranging from vertical transportation to forensic analysis, ensuring functionality, safety, and value across the building lifecycle.

• Conduct or direct engineers, specialists, and technicians in site investigations and field reviews of existing buildings.
• Review background documentation to determine original construction detailing and identify the cause of damage or defect.
• Focus on critical aspects of structural engineering, building enclosures, commercial roof systems, waterproofing systems, and exterior facades, including masonry.

• Prepare and present reports and presentations that document existing conditions, inspect defects, and recommend repairs, including rough cost estimates.
• Collaborate with clients to determine appropriate next steps following evaluations.
• Work with the business development team to develop proposals, scope of services, and budgets.
• Review necessary permits and codes.
• Provide peer-review reports of findings for direct reports or peers.

• Communicate complex design ideas through multiple formats, including hand sketching.
• Coordinate with internal designers, drafters, engineers, and consultants for construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Conduct drawing, detail, and specification reviews throughout the design process.
• Review shop drawings and submittals for conformance with design intent and performance standards.
• Perform cursory calculations of repair and code upgrades.

• Provide oversight of technicians and specialists performing field reviews, including technical and directional advice.
• Assume full managerial responsibility for all aspects of the project: scope, schedule, design, quality, staff, and execution.
• Act as the engineer of record to sign and seal reports of findings.

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and prospective clients; own and develop the client relationship.
• Explore opportunities to enhance services or upsell to existing clients.
• Proactively keep clients and stakeholders informed of project status and changes.
• Establish industry reputation and market to new clients.

• Perform project tracking and quality control, including regular status reviews of actual vs. planned.
• Manage time and resources effectively; maintain and communicate schedule internally and externally.
• Ensure personal utilization and direct report consistently meet established goals.

• Provide guidance and supervision for up to five direct reports.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural, Construction) or Architecture.
• 8‑10 years of experience in forensic engineering, rehabilitation, or building envelope consulting.
• SE license required.
• Previous experience managing, mentoring, and leading teams.
• Technical competency and strong communication skills for building enclosure systems.
• Expert understanding of enclosure installation quality and schedule impacts.
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication.
• Flexible, responsive, and confident multitasking.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple deadlines, and accommodate shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, organization, and detail.
• Experience…