Description:
HKA is seeking a senior Forensic MEP Engineer to support complex litigation, arbitration, and dispute matters across Canada. This role focuses on forensic investigation and expert opinion related to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems, with a strong emphasis on independent expert report preparation and courtroom testimony.
The successful candidate will bring substantial building systems design and construction experience and will be trusted by clients and counsel to deliver clear, defensible opinions on causation, standard of care, and responsibility in contested legal environments.
Responsibilities
Forensic & Litigation Consulting
- Lead forensic investigations involving failures, deficiencies, and performance disputes associated with building MEP systems.
- Evaluate causation related to HVAC systems, electrical distribution, emergency power, lighting, plumbing, fire protection, and life safety systems.
- Determine responsibility associated with design intent, construction practices, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
- Prepare independent, litigation-ready expert reports suitable for use in arbitration, mediation, and court proceedings.
- Provide expert witness testimony under oath at deposition, arbitration, and trial, including experience under cross-examination.
- Consult directly with legal counsel, insurers, owners, and developers on dispute strategy, evidentiary issues, and remediation options.
Technical Expertise
- Review and analyze drawings, specifications, calculations, commissioning records, test reports, and maintenance documentation.
- Conduct site inspections, system testing, and performance evaluations.
- Assess compliance with applicable Canadian codes and standards (CSA, National Building Code of Canada, provincial amendments).
- Develop technically sound remediation and repair recommendations.
Experience And Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Systems Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license in at least one Canadian province required; eligibility for registration in additional provinces preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive MEP engineering experience, including significant involvement in design, construction administration, commissioning, and system troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated experience investigating failures and deficiencies in HVAC, electrical power and distribution, emergency power, plumbing, fire protection, and life safety systems.
- Demonstrated forensic engineering and dispute consulting experience, including preparation of independent expert opinions for contested matters.