Lerch Bates Inc.
Senior Consultant - Forensics (Structural Engineer)
Lerch Bates Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Senior Consultant - Forensics (Structural Engineer)
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Job Summary 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.
Company Insight 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.
What You'll Do Assessment
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.
Evaluate
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.
Design
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.
Oversee
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.
Communication
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.
Tracking
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.
Leadership
Provide guidance and supervision for up to five direct reports.
What You’ll Bring
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 managing budgets, change orders, and invoicing.
Successful track record of upselling services or scope.
Proficiency in design/modeling software such as WUFI, THERM, etc. (preferred).
Master’s Degree in Engineering or Architecture (preferred).
Certification in industry‑specific areas (Roofing, Fenestration, Waterproofing, etc.) (preferred).
Specialized focus in five or more technical expertise areas (preferred).
Why Work with Lerch Bates?
Competitive Compensation
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Employee Stock Ownership program
Generous PTO
Incentive compensation bonus
401(k) with up to 6% employer match
FSA and HSA
Charitable paid time off
Birthday Bonus
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Learning and Development opportunities with a dedicated internal department
Exceptional company culture
Employee resource groups
Team building and networking activities
And more!
Be More Than an Employee Lerch Bates is 100% employee‑owned. After a certain service time, you become eligible for stock ownership, providing an additional wealth accumulation or retirement account. Core values are Ownership, Community, Integrity, Respect, and Optimism.
Working Environment This role involves both physical and mental demands, performed in offices, construction sites, and confined spaces.
Physical Demands Regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Requires navigating tight spaces, climbing ladders, moving around construction sites, taking measurements, traveling by car, air, or rail, and working at heights and in confined spaces. May require applying up to 30 lbs. and close visual attention.
Mental Demands Strong written and verbal communication, problem‑solving, and analytical skills. Must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, learn new skills quickly, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is expected.
Employment Conditions Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug test. If a candidate fails either, the offer may be rescinded.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales
Industries Architecture and Planning
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Job Summary 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.
Company Insight 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.
What You'll Do Assessment
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.
Evaluate
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.
Design
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.
Oversee
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.
Communication
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.
Tracking
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.
Leadership
Provide guidance and supervision for up to five direct reports.
What You’ll Bring
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 managing budgets, change orders, and invoicing.
Successful track record of upselling services or scope.
Proficiency in design/modeling software such as WUFI, THERM, etc. (preferred).
Master’s Degree in Engineering or Architecture (preferred).
Certification in industry‑specific areas (Roofing, Fenestration, Waterproofing, etc.) (preferred).
Specialized focus in five or more technical expertise areas (preferred).
Why Work with Lerch Bates?
Competitive Compensation
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Employee Stock Ownership program
Generous PTO
Incentive compensation bonus
401(k) with up to 6% employer match
FSA and HSA
Charitable paid time off
Birthday Bonus
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Learning and Development opportunities with a dedicated internal department
Exceptional company culture
Employee resource groups
Team building and networking activities
And more!
Be More Than an Employee Lerch Bates is 100% employee‑owned. After a certain service time, you become eligible for stock ownership, providing an additional wealth accumulation or retirement account. Core values are Ownership, Community, Integrity, Respect, and Optimism.
Working Environment This role involves both physical and mental demands, performed in offices, construction sites, and confined spaces.
Physical Demands Regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Requires navigating tight spaces, climbing ladders, moving around construction sites, taking measurements, traveling by car, air, or rail, and working at heights and in confined spaces. May require applying up to 30 lbs. and close visual attention.
Mental Demands Strong written and verbal communication, problem‑solving, and analytical skills. Must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, learn new skills quickly, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is expected.
Employment Conditions Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug test. If a candidate fails either, the offer may be rescinded.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales
Industries Architecture and Planning
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