Job Description: ABOUT THE FIRM Secretariat professionals are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world. When you join Secretariat, you become part of a rapidly growing elite team of bright minds and passionate problem-solvers. Your skills and expertise will be utilized on day one - working with the world's most renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions to answer complex questions that shape critical financial, economic, and strategic business decisions. Our globally integrated teams are united by the ambition, energy, and commitment they bring to every challenge. We inspire and empower an open, collaborative culture that embraces ongoing professional development, recognition, diversity, and - most importantly - you. Make your impact at Secretariat.
ABOUT Our Construction DEFECT team When it comes to understanding the impact of costly and disruptive design deficiency, construction defect, and related construction damages, we have built a reputation that stands above all with decades of experience as engineers, project managers, and architects. Our team is trusted for their sophisticated standard of care and construction defect analysis involved in the projects developed around the world, including notable buildings. That's why our team was honored as Who's Who Legal's Construction Expert Witness Firm of the Year for 2023.
RESPONSIBILITIES - Standard of Care and Construction Defect Analysis
- Execute comprehensive technical evaluations including forensic analysis and design peer reviews for assessing constructability and sequencing, performance testing and instrumentation, quality control and quality assurance, bidding and contract administration, construction observations, material and building science, and other components/systems related to building design and construction. Review and interpret technical and non-technical documentation (contract documents, contracts, payment applications, construction drawings, progress reports, submittals, engineering calculations, correspondence, etc.) to analyze key issues and develop subsequent analysis.
- Execute comprehensive analysis of construction defect and standard of care claims, as well as developing corresponding damage scope and coordination, to determine associated cost and production/schedule estimates.
- Perform engineering analysis to evaluate building design, failures, and/or repairs.
- Prepare detailed, comprehensive analysis, as well as narratives, demonstratives, presentations, and other deliverables for clients.
- Management
- Define project scope and associated budgets including milestones required to achieve project outcome.
- Demonstrate excellent analytical skills with acute attention to detail and ability to see the bigger picture for the execution of comprehensive evaluations to meet client's needs.
- Manage workload and available resources to develop and complete client deliverables in alignment with client expectations while maintaining project schedule and budget.
- Communicate and coordinate with Managing Director and Project Manager to support client development, project scoping, project coordination, and invoicing and collections.
- Independently manage small projects (up to $50,000 in fees).
QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering (architectural, building science, civil, structural, or mechanical); Master's degree preferred.
- Professional license (professional engineer or registered architect) preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: facades, curtain walls, window wall, punched windows, glazing, sealants, coatings, flashings, air and weather barriers, cladding, roofing, waterproofing, roof drainage, sub-foundation ventilation and drainage, building science, energy analysis, hygrothermal modeling and analysis, etc.
- Strong ability to read, interpret, and/or create architectural and engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Knowledge of construction contracts, building code, local laws, construction requirements, and related building industry standards.
- 4-8 years experience working in a relevant new construction design, forensic/root cause analysis, restoration/repair design, testing and instrumentation, quality control and quality assurance, and construction administration.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to accurately provide graphical documentation of as-built construction and existing conditions.
- Strong skills using relevant software tools: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMs, SharePoint, Access), WUFI, SAP2000, and BlueBeam or Adobe Pro.
- Ability to travel as needed (generally under 25% but may vary).
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently as well as a member of a team.
- Flexible, creative problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritize simultaneous project tasks and adapt to challenges while maintaining high standard of technical and ethics.
- Active engagement and participation in relevant industry organizations including publishing and/or presenting white papers.
Secretariat is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.