Senior Forensic Architect

Description

Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a $180M global consulting firm that integrates strategic advisory, project management, and dispute resolution services for organizations facing complex challenges in a world of risk. We embody our core values of embracing lifelong learning, operating with urgency, maximizing value, and driving collaboration 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 and deliver meaningful impact.

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
• Structured career development programs and career paths
• 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

Job Description

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.

Core Responsibilities

Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members

• Participate in business development activities and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region
• Responsible for managing and leading the execution of any new accounts and supporting the retaining and expansion of existing engagements to achieve sales goals
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals (and incorporating consideration of individual revenue targets) as set forth by company leadership
• Travel throughout region to support client, employee, and leadership needs.
• Lead and manage in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation to Director of any client, team member or operational challenges

Operations

• 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 (litigation)
• 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
• Provide expert witness testimony for litigation cases
• Develop detailed plans and estimates for remediation of loss: scope, schedule, budget
• Support other departments as needed

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree and 15 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 12 years of related experience, with 7+ years in a leadership role with significant impact.
• Registered Architect (RA), preferably in multiple states

Knowledge & Skills

• 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

Additional Information

At VERTEX, we invest in top talent with a highly competitive total compensation package designed to reward performance and support long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a performance-based discretionary bonus program. Our comprehensive benefits package offers multiple healthcare and dental plan options, as well as company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage—ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

We offer a 401(k) plan with immediate matching and full vesting, empowering employees to build financial security from day one. Additional benefits include Flexible Spending Accounts, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a suite of exclusive perks that enhance everyday life.

At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact, and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire’s starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire, and Company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity.

The salary ranges for this role are as follows:
$167,000 - $328,000 USD annually

Time away matters—so we provide a generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick time, and paid holidays (with prorated options for eligible part-time employees).

At VERTEX, growth never stops. Our signature “Lifetime of Learning” program offers tuition reimbursement and personalized support for employees pursuing advanced education—helping you sharpen your skills and accelerate your career.

Notice to Third Party Agencies:

Please note that The Vertex Companies employs a fully staffed recruiting team. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment 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.