Job Description

Are you a California-licensed architect with a passion and commitment for extending the useful life of our existing built environment? Do you have a background in forensics, investigating failed components, and identifying the root cause and potential solutions for various types of building assemblies? This is not a design job. This is not writing specifications or drawing up bathroom partition details. This is also not a testifying expert witness gig, either – no suit and tie required. This is hands-on, in-the-field, evaluating the condition of existing structures, to ultimately keep building occupants and others safe.

The Licensed Building Architect we are looking for currently holds an architectural license in the State of California, has extensive experience with multifamily and multi-use wood-framed and reinforced concrete structures, and is someone who understands waterproofing and fire-rated construction. A desire to do good work, collaborate with your team, delight your clients, and manage a wide variety of activities including; field inspections and written reports for residential and commercial property damage claims, forensic investigations involving construction or design defect claims, use of advanced inspection technologies, and peer review of drawings, details and specifications. Additionally, provide detailed investigative reports and findings to senior management and clients. Supervise and direct junior staff.

Core Responsibilities

• Effective management of all assigned activities, meeting budget and delivery time frames all to ensure client satisfaction
• Execute responsibilities with technical proficiency, accuracy, and professionalism
• Manage assignments in region, visit sites regularly
• Grow and develop technical specialization and expertise that benefits the company, hones your skills and broadens our service offerings
• Professional development, continuing education, and advancement of credentials. Cultivate independent initiatives as well as company–sponsored development goals
• Participating in business development ventures and presentations, including regular contact with existing and prospective clients in the region, as needed
• Reflect employee health and safety as a priority both in-house and on-site, in accordance with corporate policy

Position Requirements

• Proficient with architectural design for commercial and residential building structures including wood, concrete and steel
• Previous experience in the design of commercial and/or residential structures and experience with property damage claim investigations, defect investigations or other forensic architectural services
• Third-party review of drawings at various stages of design, associated details and specifications
• Proficient with waterproofing design principles, industry standards and typical manufacturer requirements
• Previous experience in supporting litigation matters such as depositions, trial testimony, or mediation is preferred, but not required
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers, clients and subcontractors is essential

Qualifications

Experience

• Licensed California Architect with a minimum of five to ten years experience in design, inspection, and construction of residential and commercial structures
• Forensic investigation experience preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of the California Building Code
• Understanding of wood framing and waterproofing components
• Understanding of building envelope requirements
• Understanding of fire-rated construction requirements
• Understanding and expertise with accessibility and ADA preferred
• Must be able to perform complex tasks and handle multiple priorities, and have the ability to perform exceptionally under a variety of conditions
• Knowledge of computer operations and standard software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, Adobe) required
• AutoCAD or BIM profiency/experience not required but beneficial

Education

• Bachelor or Master Degree in Architecture
• Advanced degree not required but beneficial

Physical Requirements

• Able to carry and operate a 24-foot extension ladder unassisted
• Able to walk on sloped roofs
• Able to work in small spaces (attics, crawl spaces)

Additional Information

The annualized salary range for this role is $135,000 to $165,000 per year.

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 recruiting@vertexeng.com.

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.