Forensic Civil Engineer

HKA is a global leader in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and expert witness services. We tackle complex challenges with our multi-disciplinary expertise. As trusted consultants and advisors, we deliver solutions in uncertain and disputed situations, ensuring the best outcomes for clients worldwide. Our experts have testified globally on major cases spanning across a wide range of industries and sectors. As Part Of The HKA Team You Can Expect A strong collaborative culture with a mutual pursuit of your success alongside the success of our teams. The opportunity to solve problems creatively, contribute to our innovative direction, and be valued as an individual The ability to leverage HKA’s strong network and presence in various industries and reputation for exceptional expert witnesses to accelerate career development and connections. The Opportunity HKA is seeking a highly experienced Forensic Civil Engineer with a strong foundation in civil design and a proven track record of expert witness testimony in actual court proceedings . This role focuses exclusively on civil and municipal infrastructure , including transportation systems, utilities, stormwater, water/wastewater facilities, grading, site development, and public works—not structural building failures. You will lead forensic investigations, determine causation, and provide independent opinions for litigation, insurance claims, and dispute resolution. Ideal candidates bring deep civil design experience and significant courtroom testimony , ensuring they can credibly evaluate design intent, standards of care, and construction performance. Responsibilities Forensic & Litigation Consulting Lead forensic investigations involving horizontal civil infrastructure, including: Transportation/roadways and pavement systems Stormwater, drainage, and hydrologic/hydraulic systems Water/wastewater treatment, pump stations, distribution/collection systems Utilities (water, sewer, gas, telecom) Site development, grading, earthwork, erosion/sediment control Conduct site inspections and civil‐focused root cause analyses following failures, flooding events, pavement distress, service disruptions, and construction or design disputes. Prepare clear, defensible forensic reports for use in litigation and arbitration. Provide expert witness testimony in court (depositions, mediations, arbitration, and trial), including experiences as the engineer of record for courtroom proceedings. Collaborate with attorneys, insurers, municipal agencies, owners, and multidisciplinary experts to develop integrated evaluations. Advise clients on remediation strategies, design issues, standards of care, and civil system performance. Civil Engineering Expertise Apply extensive experience in civil design, including: Roadway and transportation design Stormwater system and drainage design (H&H, SWM, E&S) Utility design (water, sewer, dry utilities) Grading, land development, and municipal/public works projects Pavement design and evaluation Water/wastewater facility or system design Review design plans, specifications, calculations, permitting documents, and construction records for compliance and standard of care. Perform or direct field diagnostics such as flow testing, drainage investigations, pavement assessments, and civil system evaluations. Develop remediation and repair recommendations tailored to civil infrastructure failures. Qualifications And Experience Bachelor’s degree or above in Civil Engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) license required; NCEES record preferred. 15+ years of civil engineering experience, with substantial civil design background (transportation, stormwater, utilities, municipal engineering, water/wastewater, or site development). 2+ years of Forensic Engineering experience 1+ years documented experience providing expert witness testimony in court, including depositions and trial testimony. Strong analytical capabilities in forensic evaluation, hydrology/hydraulics, civil system diagnostics, and failure analysis. Exceptional communication skills for technical reporting and courtroom testimony. Willingness to travel for site investigations and client engagements. Physical ability to perform field assessments. Preferred But Not Required Multi‑state PE licensure. PTOE or transportation/traffi