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Job Title


Forensic Engineer


Company : Aviva Canada


Location : Oakville, Ontario


Created : 2026-02-06


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

OverviewExperience Aviva. Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Were proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. Were not just about insurance; were about making a real difference by protecting what matters most. Aviva Canada is offering a hybrid role that provides flexibility and the benefits of collaboration.The opportunity: Are you a passionate engineer eager to make a meaningful impact on a bigger scale? Aviva is excited to announce a new innovative role that offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of engineering services for our customers and claims team. This is an exciting chance to build key strategies and initiatives as part of a growing team. In this role, you will provide Aviva with in-house forensic engineering consulting services including origin and cause investigations based on careful field examination, analysis and proper documentation of physical evidence, followed by thorough and timely reporting to the Claims Professional outlining your expert opinions, analyses, assessments and recommendations. You will also support the development of training for Claims Professionals and provide insight to Underwriters and Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS).What youll do and how youll work: This role will be hybridblending the best of both worlds.ResponsibilitiesSupport our claims professionals, independent adjusters and customers by investigating losses to determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions as well as product, equipment and material failures. Investigate losses through on-site inspection and forensic evaluation to determine origin and cause, where required to support claims handling, coverage determination and recovery efforts against third parties.Conduct field investigations of structure fires and explosions, including vehicle fires or equipment failures, documenting your work and collecting all necessary evidence including witness interviews, fire service interviews, media reports, security videos, product recalls, etc.Analyze and identify the root cause of losses applying established fire investigation methodology and the scientific method, detailing the steps and assumptions that led to your conclusions.Make decisions on the most plausible reason for a failure based on data; assess whether the design, installation or maintenance met industry standards or building codes; determine if the loss was due to design error, manufacturing defect, improper maintenance or external factors.Interact with customers to explain the investigation process, gather relevant information, coordinate site access, and communicate findings clearly and professionally without making coverage decisions.Provide engineering opinions and technical assistance to Claims Professionals, leadership and other key stakeholders to support decision-making, including preparing reports and letters that adapt to a non-technical audience.Guide the technical direction of investigations, determine when external specialty expertise is required, review external forensic opinions, and conduct peer reviews of external investigations and opinions.Contribute to engineering expertise including multi-disciplinary initiatives or emerging risk areas, as required.Collaborate with other groups on multidisciplinary projects to provide solutions on complex losses and failures.Provide recommendations based on your field of engineering to internal and external partners on operationalizing strategies for engineering services.QualificationsBachelors degree or postgraduate degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Fire Protection, Electrical Engineering, Applied Sciences or a related field.Licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario. Licensing in other provinces is an asset.At least 8 to 10 years of professional experience in forensic engineering, structural investigation, fire/explosion investigation or failure analysis in the insurance field.Knowledge of fire dynamics, chemistry of fire/combustion and scientific and technical principles to analyse post-fire indicators and evidence to support conclusions.Proven ability to communicate complex technical conclusions clearly to non-technical stakeholders through verbal explanation and written technical reports.Experience reviewing and assessing external forensic or specialty expert opinions for technical accuracy.Experience applying relevant legislation and related documents such as the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Fire Code, Health and Safety Act, and Building Code.Certification as a Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI).Valid Canadian drivers license and access to a vehicle.Experience testifying in court and previous qualification as an expert is preferred.Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and data management/analysis skills.Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clearly, concisely and simply the results of investigations and assessments to the Claims Professional or other stakeholders.Critical thinking and strong analytic and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse and interpret complex technical data.Experience analysing trends to support operational performance.Experience working in the field and ability to work in inclement weather and various environmental conditions.Ability to handle multiple investigations simultaneously while prioritizing along strict timelines.Ability and willingness to travel throughout the province of Ontario on short notice.BenefitsThe salary band for this position ranges from $114,700 to $164,700. Individual salary is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experience, as well as internal equity.Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.Hybrid flexible work model.Outstanding career development opportunities.Professional development support.Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.Corporate wellness programs to support our employees physical and mental health.This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy which has been posted both internally & externally. Aviva Canada may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to assist us throughout the recruitment process to screen, assess or select applicants for a position. Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. #J-18808-Ljbffr