Specification Writer

Architecture Specification Writer
Job Description
The Specification Writer will focus on developing, customizing, and maintaining project specifications for a portfolio of high-profile retail and commercial projects. This role centers on the technical side of project documentation rather than architectural design or production, and offers the opportunity to become a long-term, key contributor to the firm's project delivery process. The successful candidate confidently works independently, understands CSI formats, and knows how specifications integrate with construction documents to support accurate, coordinated, and service-oriented project delivery.
Responsibilities

• Review architectural and consultant drawings to understand project scope, requirements, and design intent.
• Customize and maintain prototypical project specifications for retail and commercial projects to align with specific project needs.
• Develop and edit specifications in accordance with CSI MasterFormat standards and best practices.
• Coordinate specifications with project drawings and construction documentation to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Review project documents for alignment between drawings and specifications, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Work closely with architects and project teams to clarify technical requirements, material selections, and performance criteria.
• Assist in maintaining and improving specification standards, templates, and processes across multiple projects.
• Support project delivery efforts by ensuring complete, accurate, and well-coordinated specifications within established schedules.
• Independently identify project requirements and update specifications accordingly with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Contribute to construction document (CD) production and coordination when needed, supporting overall project documentation quality.
• Participate in a collaborative office environment where team members contribute across multiple phases of projects from inception through completion.

Essential Skills

• At least 4+ years of specification writing experience within architecture, construction, or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to independently review and interpret architectural construction documents and project drawings.
• Strong working knowledge and expertise in CSI MasterFormat and specification organization.
• Experience developing and editing specifications that integrate with construction documents and project delivery processes.
• Solid understanding of construction documents, construction drawings, schematic design, design development, and redline coordination.
• Ability to coordinate specifications with construction documentation, including RFIs, submittals, and other construction-phase documents.
• Excellent written communication and technical documentation skills, with clear and precise language.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities, with a focus on accuracy and consistency.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working in a technical, documentation-focused role rather than a primary design role.

Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Montvale, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $120000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Full benefits to be provided.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Montvale,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.