Forensic Fire Engineer – Electrical

Job Overview

Aviva Canada is seeking an experienced forensic electrical engineering consultant to support our claims and risk teams by investigating electrical fire origins and causes, providing expert opinions and developing training, and collaborating on risk strategies.

• Support 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, supporting claims handling, coverage determination and recovery against third parties.
• Conduct field investigations of structure fires and explosions, including vehicle fires or equipment failures, documenting work and collecting evidence such as witness interviews, fire service reports, media reports, security videos and product recalls.
• Analyze and identify the root cause of losses, applying established fire investigation methodology and the scientific method, detailing the steps and assumptions leading to conclusions.
• Make decisions on the plausible reason for a failure, whether design, installation or maintenance met industry standards or building codes, and whether the loss was due to design error, manufacturing defect, improper maintenance or external factors.
• Interact with customers to explain the investigation process, gather information, coordinate site access, and communicate findings clearly and professionally.
• Provide engineering opinions and technical assistance to Claims Professionals, leadership and stakeholders to support decision-making, including preparing reports and letters in a clear, precise manner for a non‑technical audience.
• Guide the technical direction of investigations, determine when external specialty expertise is needed, review external forensic opinions, and conduct peer reviews of external investigations.
• Contribute to engineering expertise on multidisciplinary initiatives or emerging risk areas as required.
• Collaborate with other groups on projects to provide solutions on complex losses and failures.
• Provide recommendations for operationalizing strategies for engineering services to internal and external partners.

• Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Fire Protection, Electrical Engineering, Applied Sciences or a related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario (licensing in other provinces is an asset).
• 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 such as flash points, vapour density, ignition temperatures.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical conclusions to non‑technical stakeholders through verbal explanation and written 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 driver’s licence 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, ability to articulate clearly, concisely and simply the results of investigations.
• Critical thinking, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience analysing trends to support operational performance.
• Experience working in the field, able to work in inclement weather and various environmental conditions.
• Ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously while prioritizing under strict timelines.
• Willingness to travel throughout Ontario on short notice.

• Salary band: $105,000–$154,400.
• Competitive benefits package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings plan, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• Outstanding career development opportunities and support for professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee‑driven diversity and inclusion programs focusing on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support physical and mental health.

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.