Senior Forensic Architect - job 1 of 2

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a global $150M professional services firm that offers integrated forensic consulting, expert witness services, construction project advisory, and compliance and regulatory consulting to a myriad of markets and industries. Our brand purpose is to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do, continuously learn, and take pride in your work.

Our Forensic team is a collaborative group of architects, engineers, fire investigators, and building consultants who provide expert analysis for clients, including insurance firms, law firms, developers, and property owners. We work on complex projects involving property damage, construction defects, and design errors, with a strong pipeline of challenging assignments across industries.

Why join our Forensic team?

• Growing department with approachable leadership and opportunities for advancement
• Opportunities for direct client and team interaction 
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and industries to enhance your portfolio
• Strong project pipeline and a healthy backlog of work

Our Forensic Architect team provides expert consulting to a wide range of claims that include building envelope investigation, architect standard of care analysis, premises liability, building code analysis, analysis of code and specifications, infrared thermography survey, and fire-resistant construction analysis. These activities will generally be performed for insurance property claims, construction defect litigation matters, and property condition assessments. Forensic Architects work alongside structural engineers and enjoy variety in their work, a combination of field and office work, and feel pride in helping to resolve our client's issues.

What you will be doing:

• Conduct forensic field inspections into the cause and origin of incidents related to residential and commercial property damage claims and/or construction or design defect claims
• Research compliance with building codes and review construction and project plan documents
• Develop expert investigative reports with detailed findings and plans for remediation for senior management review and client presentation
• Develop detailed plans and estimates for remediation of loss: scope, schedule, budget
• Participate in business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
• Support other departments as needed

• BS degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Building Services
• Registered Architect (RA) in California
• 7+ years of professional experience in the design, inspection, and construction of residential and commercial structures required, prior forensics experience required.
• Strong knowledge of the residential (IRC), commercial (IBC) and existing (IEBC) I-codes
• Proficiency with office software applications (MS Office: Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Prior experience with property damage claim investigations and in supporting litigation matters such as depositions, trial testimony, or mediation is preferred
• Strong customer service orientation
• Excellent verbal and written (technical writing) communication skills in English
• Ability to carry and operate a 24-foot extension ladder unassisted, walk on elevated and slope surfaces and work in confined spaces
• Travel to client sites is required for this role

The annualized base salary range for this role is $150,000 to $200,000 per year. 

VERTEX offers a solid total compensation package including base salary and discretionary bonus plan. We also offer a robust benefits package including, healthcare (with multiple plan options) and dental; Company-paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. We offer a 401k plan with immediate match and vesting, Flex Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, and other perks.  We provide a generous paid time off plan for eligible employees including 15 days of vacation, 64 hours of sick time, and 9.5 paid holidays (prorated for eligible part-time employees).  Our “Lifetime of Learning” program also offers tuition reimbursement and additional support for pursuing advanced education, to help employees grow their skills and careers.

VERTEX is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you require assistance to complete any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at [email protected].

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Please note that VERTEX does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, VERTEX will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, VERTEX explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of VERTEX.