Senior Structural Engineer Forensic Technical Services (FTS) · London, UK ·

HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support. We anticipate, investigate and resolve complex challenges by harnessing world-leading multi-disciplinary expertise and experience. As trusted independent consultants, experts and advisors, we deliver solutions amid uncertainty, dispute and overrun, and provide the insights that make the best possible outcomes a reality for public and private sector clients worldwide. Our experts have testified across the globe on many of the largest quantum, delay, engineering and commercial damages matters.

As part of the HKA team you can expect:

• A strong, collaborative culture focused on growing the Forensic Technical Services (FTS) practice and developing our team together.
• The opportunity to play a meaningful role in the continued success and evolution of our international FTS business.
• The chance to work alongside recognised leaders in the field who actively support your career development through mentoring, exposure to complex projects, and alignment with your long‑term ambitions.

HKA is seeking to recruit an ambitious and technically accomplished Chartered Senior Structural Engineer to join our well‑established and growing Civil and Structural team in London. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who is either looking to transition into forensic consultancy or who already has relevant experience and is seeking to further their career within a market‑leading disputes consultancy. This role will particularly appeal to individuals with a passion for structural analysis and detailed technical work, who are motivated to deepen their expertise and grow as a true forensic structural engineer.

Our work is technically demanding, intellectually challenging, and often complex, requiring an inquisitive mindset, proactive attention to detail, and the ability to think beyond conventional design approaches. The diversity of both project type and legal context means creativity and flexibility of thought are essential. The FTS team continues to grow in both size and workload, offering exposure to a wide range of UK and international projects, all supported from our London office. Flexibility to travel is beneficial, though not essential. Whilst prior experience in forensic work is advantageous, it is not required. We provide comprehensive training and support to help you successfully transition, including exposure to expert‑led assignments, disputes, and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality technical support to appointed experts on a range of commissions, from smaller assignments to large, complex and multi‑disciplinary matters, including:
• Carrying out detailed structural modelling and advanced analytical calculations
• Reviewing technical documents, drawings, and project records
• Attending site visits and inspections
• Undertaking independent technical research
• Working on time and to budgets
• Assist in coordinating project information and managing workflow across multiple assignments
• Contribute to the preparation of clear, well‑structured technical reports
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Civil and Structural team to deliver integrated, expert‑level insights

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Structural and/or Civil Engineering (or equivalent), recognised by the Engineering Council UK, with a strong academic record
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng), with membership of ICE or IStructE (IStructE preferred)
• Strong technical capability in structural analysis, including proficiency with relevant software and design to British and European codes
• A genuine passion for structural engineering and a desire to specialise in forensic investigation and technical analysis
• Experience (typically 8+ years) in structural design, including both reinforced concrete and structural steel
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to think critically and solve problems beyond standard code‑based solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in site inspections, refurbishment of existing structures, and remedial works design is beneficial
• Experience or knowledge of structural fire engineering is a plus
• Exposure to technical disputes or forensic investigations is advantageous but not essential
• Flexibility to travel is desirable, including to the Middle East

What we offer

At HKA we recognise that our people are critical to our ongoing success. Our priority is to provide an inclusive and collaborative culture aimed at providing the best opportunities for our people to thrive and develop in their chosen career path. We operate a flexible working pattern both in terms of hours and location and are happy with flexible remote working.

ED&I at HKA

HKA has a thriving ED&I committee working hard to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for a truly diverse set of employees. We are committed as a business on the continued improvement of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. All HKA employment decisions are firstly made on merit and shall be made without regard to age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marriage, and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other basis in compliance with local legislation.