OPT Forensic Analyst Jobs
Forensic Analyst jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of science, law enforcement, and technology, making them a strong fit for students in criminal justice, chemistry, computer science, or biology. Many roles qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization without needing immediate H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!
Rimkus is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.
NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!
This is a hybrid position working from the field, and your home office! We are looking for Civil and Structural Engineers experienced in the areas of Residential and Commercial structures.
Provides forensic consulting services requiring Civil Engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures, water intrusions, foundations damages, roof damages, retaining wall failures, and wind/earthquake damages. Knowledge of construction defects is a plus. Provides oral and written reports of findings and when needed expert testimony. Manages multiple projects.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties for the purpose of resolving claims and legal matters.
- Performs forensic assignments within the field of civil engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
- Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures.
- Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation are essential as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
- Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
- Ensures that procedure is being followed and checks on safety features of the project during the time it is being completed.
- Uses many different equations, applications and figures which may include chemical testing applications, drafting and design software, electrical testing devices and equipment, land surveying techniques, and others.
- Follows land use laws and regulations.
- May be required to supervise and/or evaluate the performance of associate team members.
- Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
- Includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, overseeing field testing, and reviewing historical documentation.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Must have high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).
- Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports and legal documents.
- Ability to write scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
- Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors.
Required Experience, Education, and Certifications:
- B.S. Civil Engineering Required or higher.
- P.E. Required.
- 2-10+ years of experience.
- Project Management and/or Field Investigation Experience preferred.
- Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, OVERTIME, and TRAVEL:
-
Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. Client’s office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). Employee is frequently required to climb ladders, walk on roofs, and work in space-limited areas. Employee must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations. Employee may be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture and other household/commercial items and operate lifts as needed. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
-
Overtime - Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with to meet the demands of the position.
-
Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 50% field work. 0-5% out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. Valid driver’s license and reliable form of transportation.
At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.
Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.
Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Work From Home
Pay: $104,000.00 - $156,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Field: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Professional Engineer (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Des Moines, IA (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Des Moines, IA: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 75% (Required)
Work Location: Remote
Job Overview
Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!
Rimkus is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.
NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!
This is a hybrid position working from the field, and your home office! We are looking for Civil and Structural Engineers experienced in the areas of Residential and Commercial structures.
Provides forensic consulting services requiring Civil Engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures, water intrusions, foundations damages, roof damages, retaining wall failures, and wind/earthquake damages. Knowledge of construction defects is a plus. Provides oral and written reports of findings and when needed expert testimony. Manages multiple projects.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties for the purpose of resolving claims and legal matters.
- Performs forensic assignments within the field of civil engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
- Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures.
- Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation are essential as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
- Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
- Ensures that procedure is being followed and checks on safety features of the project during the time it is being completed.
- Uses many different equations, applications and figures which may include chemical testing applications, drafting and design software, electrical testing devices and equipment, land surveying techniques, and others.
- Follows land use laws and regulations.
- May be required to supervise and/or evaluate the performance of associate team members.
- Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
- Includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, overseeing field testing, and reviewing historical documentation.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Must have high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).
- Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports and legal documents.
- Ability to write scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
- Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors.
Required Experience, Education, and Certifications:
- B.S. Civil Engineering Required or higher.
- P.E. Required.
- 2-10+ years of experience.
- Project Management and/or Field Investigation Experience preferred.
- Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, OVERTIME, and TRAVEL:
-
Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. Client’s office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). Employee is frequently required to climb ladders, walk on roofs, and work in space-limited areas. Employee must wear a tight-fitting respirator during investigations. Employee may be required to shovel fire debris, move furniture and other household/commercial items and operate lifts as needed. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
-
Overtime - Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with to meet the demands of the position.
-
Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 50% field work. 0-5% out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. Valid driver’s license and reliable form of transportation.
At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.
Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.
Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Work From Home
Pay: $104,000.00 - $156,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Field: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Professional Engineer (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Des Moines, IA (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Des Moines, IA: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 75% (Required)
Work Location: Remote
See all 100+ OPT Forensic Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Forensic Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Forensic Analyst
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Forensic science, chemistry, computer science, and biology degrees are typically STEM-designated, qualifying you for a 24-month OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles that extend beyond your initial 12 months.
Target federal agencies and government contractors
Agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Department of Defense regularly hire forensic analysts and have established OPT onboarding processes. Government contractors supporting those agencies often sponsor H-1B visa and follow structured immigration workflows for technical hires.
Lead with your lab certifications in applications
Certifications in forensic disciplines, digital forensics, DNA analysis, toxicology, demonstrate job-ready skills that reduce employer hesitation around OPT sponsorship. Highlight any certifications prominently above your education section on your resume.
Understand E-Verify requirements before accepting offers
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before your offer letter stage, not after. Most federal contractors are already enrolled, making them lower-risk employers for OPT students in this field.
Frame your OPT timeline clearly in interviews
Be upfront about your initial 12-month OPT period and STEM extension eligibility. Forensic roles often involve long-term casework, so showing employers you have 36 months of authorization reduces timeline concerns and strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Build a portfolio of case studies or lab reports
Forensic employers prioritize demonstrated analytical competence over visa status. A portfolio showcasing digital investigations, lab analyses, or research projects gives hiring managers a concrete reason to invest in sponsoring your work authorization long term.
Forensic Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as forensic analysts in the United States?
Yes. Forensic analyst roles are eligible for F-1 OPT work authorization as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Students with degrees in forensic science, chemistry, computer science, or criminal justice can qualify. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may also be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total.
Do forensic analyst jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree rather than the job title itself. Degrees in forensic science, chemistry, biology, computer science, and information technology are commonly STEM-designated. Digital forensics and cybersecurity analyst roles almost always qualify. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO, then verify the employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT approval.
Which types of employers hire forensic analysts on OPT?
Federal law enforcement agencies, state crime labs, private cybersecurity firms, financial institutions, and legal consulting firms all hire forensic analysts. Government contractors supporting agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, or Department of Homeland Security are particularly active in this space and are usually E-Verify enrolled, which simplifies the STEM OPT process. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
What should I do if my forensic analyst job offer requires a security clearance?
Security clearance eligibility is generally limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, which excludes most F-1 OPT students. If a posting requires a clearance, contact the employer before applying to confirm whether they have OPT-eligible roles that do not require one. Many agencies and contractors have both cleared and non-cleared forensic positions, particularly in digital forensics support and lab analysis roles.
How does the 90-day unemployment limit affect OPT forensic analysts?
During your OPT period, you cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment (150 days if you have a STEM extension). If you're between forensic analyst roles or finishing a contract engagement, those days count. Reporting your employment status accurately to your DSO is required. Starting your job search early and maintaining documentation of any unpaid internships or volunteer forensic work can help demonstrate continued engagement in your field.