Forensic Water/Wastewater Engineer

HKA is a global leader in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and expert witness services. They are seeking a Forensic Water/Wastewater Engineer to investigate failures and disputes involving treatment plants and utility infrastructure throughout the United States, combining technical expertise with forensic investigation and expert testimony responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead forensic investigations involving water and wastewater infrastructure, including treatment facilities, pump stations, pipelines, storage, valves, and collection/distribution systems
• Conduct site inspections and evidence collection following failures, service disruptions, flooding events, equipment malfunctions, and construction or operational disputes
• Determine cause, origin, extent, and contributing factors, including assessment of design intent, construction practices, commissioning, operations, maintenance, and lifecycle performance
• Prepare independent, litigation-ready expert reports (and supporting exhibits) for arbitration, mediation, and court proceedings, addressing causation, standard of care, and responsibility
• Provide expert witness testimony in depositions, arbitration, and/or court, including testimony under cross-examination
• Collaborate with attorneys, insurers, owners, contractors, and other technical experts to develop coordinated expert opinions and respond to opposing expert positions
• Advise clients on remediation options, risk mitigation, operational changes, and dispute resolution strategy
• Review and analyze drawings, specifications, calculations, O&M manuals, SCADA/controls records, commissioning documentation, maintenance logs, and incident/failure history
• Evaluate hydraulic performance and capacity constraints (e.g., HGL issues, surge/water hammer considerations, pump curves, system head, I/I impacts) and identify design or operational deficiencies
• Assess treatment process performance and compliance considerations, including unit process selection, process control, reliability, and failure modes
• Perform or direct field diagnostics and data analysis, such as flow testing, pressure testing, CCTV/condition assessment, pump station performance evaluation, and equipment failure analysis
• Develop technically sound repair and mitigation recommendations, including prioritization of corrective actions and constructability considerations

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering; advanced degree preferred
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• 10–15+ years of water and/or wastewater engineering experience, including treatment, conveyance, or utility operations
• Experience with plant design, hydraulic analysis, and system performance evaluation
• Demonstrated forensic engineering and dispute consulting experience
• Minimum 1+ year of experience serving as an Expert Witness, with formal testimony provided in depositions, arbitration, and/or court proceedings
• Strong client delivery and relationship management experience
• Experience contributing to business development, proposal support, and client relationship expansion