Lead the Future of Fire Investigation
T. Smith Engineering Inc. is a multidisciplinary forensic engineering, building science, environmental, mechanical, and fire investigation consulting firm serving the insurance, legal, commercial, institutional, and property sectors throughout Ontario.
As our Fire Cause & Origin practice continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and respected leader to oversee and expand the department while leveraging some of the most advanced forensic investigation technologies available in the industry.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a growing team, mentor investigators, develop client relationships, recruit exceptional talent, and help build one of Ontario's premier Fire Cause & Origin consulting practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Fire Cause & Origin Department.
- Conduct and oversee complex residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, vehicle, equipment, and explosion investigations.
- Determine fire origin and cause utilizing accepted methodologies, including NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033.
- Prepare and review technically sound reports and expert opinions for insurers, legal counsel, and litigation matters.
- Provide expert witness services for discoveries, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
- Recruit, hire, mentor, train, and develop investigators and technical staff.
- Develop departmental SOPs, quality assurance standards, and technical best practices.
- Manage departmental workload, scheduling, operational performance, and quality control.
- Build strong relationships with insurance companies, independent adjusters, legal professionals, restoration contractors, and industry partners.
- Support business development and contribute to the continued growth of the department.
Qualifications
Required
- Extensive Fire Cause & Origin investigation experience involving residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, vehicle, equipment, and explosion losses.
- Direct insurance consulting experience is required. Candidates must have a proven history of working with insurance companies, independent adjusters, legal counsel, and restoration contractors. This role is not intended for candidates whose experience is limited to fire service, law enforcement, or government investigations.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing technical teams.
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, coaching, and training technical staff.
- Strong working knowledge of NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033.
- Experience preparing expert reports and supporting litigation, examinations for discovery, mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.
- Proven business development skills with established industry relationships.
- Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, report writing, and organizational skills.
- Valid Ontario Driver's Licence.
Preferred
- CFEI, IAAI-CFI, CCFI-C, CVFI, CFII, CFPS, or comparable professional designation.
- Post-secondary education in Fire Protection, Fire Science, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Building Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related discipline.
- Previous leadership experience within a forensic consulting firm or insurance organization.
Why Join T. Smith Engineering?
We invest in our people and provide the technology needed to deliver industry-leading investigations.
Our team utilizes:
- Keyence VHX Digital Microscope
- Golden Engineering XRS4 Digital X-ray System
- Digital Evidence Tracking & Chain of Custody Management
- Body-Worn Cameras and advanced digital scene documentation
- Modern field equipment, AI-enabled tools, and ongoing investment in emerging forensic technologies and professional development
This is more than a management position—it is an opportunity to build a team, influence the future of a growing practice, and work alongside one of Ontario's leading multidisciplinary forensic consulting firms.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary: $150,000–$200,000, based on experience and qualifications.
- Exceptional candidates with proven department leadership, strong industry relationships, and significant directly related insurance consulting experience are encouraged to apply. Compensation above the advertised range will be considered for candidates who bring established expertise, client relationships, and a demonstrated history of building high-performing teams.
- Leadership Performance Bonus Program.
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
- RRSP matching program.
- Professional development and certification support.
- Company-provided technology and field equipment.
- Mileage reimbursement and generous vacation entitlement.
Join Our Team
If you are ready to lead a growing Fire Cause & Origin practice and make a lasting impact on our people, clients, and industry, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
All inquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.
T. Smith Engineering Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable legislation.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $150,000.00-$200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5G4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Can you provide a reliable personal vehicle for site travel?
Experience:
- working with insurance adjusters and/or contractors : 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5G4
