Subject Matter Expert - Forensic Cost Engineering

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 Damages/Cost Estimation group provides expert litigation support services to attorneys on construction matters including but not limited to construction defect claims, fire loss claims, and contract disputes. Our team is comprised of qualified cost experts who perform construction estimates utilizing industry standard estimating techniques. 

We are looking for a Senior level Construction Estimation Expert with prior experience as an Expert Witness testifying on damages and repair cost related to construction defect cases. We provide a team of Damages consultants to support our Experts. Litigation matters can be related to construction defect cases and standard of care on a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members

• Testify as an expert witness in a court or arbitration regarding your cost estimating opinions in dispute resolution proceedings.
• Develop cost of repair estimates for scopes of work (typically cladding, framing, foundation, flatwork, civil, roofing, MEP, and interior scopes of work) based on engineering report recommendations for reconstruction projects.
• Manage multiple cost estimation related client matters which typically involve construction defect claims and disputes.
• Analyze construction plans, documents, and construction contracts to understand party responsibilities and allocate cost estimate line items to parties responsible for the alleged defect.
• Attend site inspections of projects to document observable conditions.
• Perform/review electronic onscreen quantity takeoffs for accuracy and precision.
• Utilize multiple pricing databases (Xactimate/RS Means) to determine unit costs for repair work.
• Compose expert reports detailing cost estimating strategies/highlights and breakdown of cost allocation.
• Responsible for continued development and additional depth of knowledge within defined subject matter; proactively maintain awareness of changes and trends in defined area of expertise
• Collaborate with teams or other stakeholders to offer guidance and solve complex problems within area of expertise
• Effectively coordinate with other team members as requested or assigned, able to provide highest levels of technical work product review
• Monitor own progress on assigned tasks or projects, and ensure work product produced by self is consistently high quality
• Support assigned Managing Director in monitoring of all relevant data related to own performance such as individual utilization rate vs target, client deadlines, accurate and timely timesheet data, etc.
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals as set forth by company leadership
• Travel, as necessary to support client, employee, and leadership needs.
• Perform quality control of all assigned service delivery and self-generated work product, maintaining an excellent reputation of quality
• Provide feedback to project team leader in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation of any client, or technical or operational challenges

Operations

• Be aware of and perform own tasks in a manner that supports the organization’s vision and defined business objectives
• Conduct self and prioritize tasks to work toward achievement of defined profit objectives of assigned projects
• Cooperate in construction of strong cross-functional teams (support staff assignments of self) to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
• Complete daily tasks consistent with contract requirements and proactively alert assigned Managing Director to any potential challenges or issues
• Ensure compliance of operations with all local, state and Federal (and International, if applicable) regulations, as well as compliance with company policy
• Ensure consistent high quality on deliverables for all individual work product
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s and advanced degrees within a technical or engineering field (i.e.: Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, etc.). 
  • Will consider previous expert witness experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience
• Prior experience as testifying Expert Witness in front of a court or arbitration for construction damages or cost related cases required.
• Working knowledge and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, understand construction means and methods and perform cost estimating for varying types residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• Proficiency in construction software (e.g., Xactimate, Bluebeam, RSMeans, On-Screen Takeoff, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation. Ability to acquire new clients and/or have client following preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in providing reliable work product review as assigned
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers and Supervisors, and clients, subcontractors, and vendors as assigned
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated self-awareness and flexibility in working with a variety of personalities and work styles (colleagues, clients, Assigned Managing Director(s))
• Able to handle multiple priorities and perform consistently and positively under high stress conditions
• Knowledge of computer operations and standard software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, Adobe) required

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.