Expert Witness - Construction Damages Estimation at The Vertex Companies LLC

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm that provides forensic consulting, construction management, and claims & dispute resolution solutions to insurance carriers, sureties, law firms, real estate owners, property managers, public agencies, and commercial clients.

Our Damages/Cost Estimation group provides expert litigation support services to attorneys on construction matters including but not limited to construction defect claims, fire loss claims, and contract disputes. Our team is comprised of qualified cost experts who perform construction estimates utilizing industry standard estimating techniques. 

Having represented clients on some of the most complex construction matters in the world, we pride ourselves on providing the most value to our clients through sound analysis, problem-solving, clear articulation of our findings and unrivaled attention. 

We are looking for a Senior level Construction Estimation Expert who has prior experience as an Expert Witness testifying on damages and repair cost related to construction defect cases. We provide a team of Damages consultants to support our Experts. Litigation matters can be related to construction defect cases and standard of care on a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

• Testify as an expert witness in a court or arbitration regarding your cost estimating opinions in dispute resolution proceedings.
• Develop cost of repair estimates for scopes of work (typically cladding, framing, foundation, flatwork, civil, roofing, MEP, and interior scopes of work) based on engineering report recommendations for reconstruction projects.
• Manage multiple cost estimation related client matters which typically involve construction defect claims and disputes.
• Analyze construction plans, documents, and construction contracts to understand party responsibilities and allocate cost estimate line items to parties responsible for the alleged defect.
• Attend site inspections of projects to document observable conditions.
• Perform/review electronic onscreen quantity takeoffs for accuracy and precision.
• Utilize multiple pricing databases (Xactimate/RS Means) to determine unit costs for repair work.
• Compose expert reports detailing cost estimating strategies/highlights and breakdown of cost allocation.
• Communicate assignment requirements directly with client and team.
• Lead project team effectively and manage team schedule to ensure deadlines and budget expectations are met.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management preferred, though will consider years of work experience in lieu of degree.
• Prior experience as testifying Expert Witness in front of a court or arbitration for construction damages or cost related cases required.
• 10+ years of professional experience developing and defending construction estimates.
• Professional credentials and certifications related to cost estimation.
• Working knowledge and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, understand construction means and methods and perform cost estimating for varying types residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, RSMeans, etc.).
• Aptitude with MS Office applications, project accounting and spreadsheet data.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation. Ability to acquire new clients and/or have client following preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written (technical) communication skills in English.
• Confidence to work effectively with all levels of management and clients.
• Able to meet deadlines, both internally and externally driven.

• Ability and willingness to travel nationally to project sites and court locations frequently. Valid drivers license required.

Our Expert consultants may work from any of our office locations in Florida or Texas (hybrid).

For Experts who have a dedicated client following/transferable book of business, you can enjoy the freedom to work remotely from anywhere in the continental US.

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 [email protected].

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.