Perkins&Will Logo

Perkins&Will

Senior Specification Writer

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
2 Locations
110K-155K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
2 Locations
110K-155K Annually
Senior level
Leads the development and coordination of construction specifications, project manuals, procurement documents, and technical deliverables for complex architectural projects. Advises project teams on materials, systems, codes, sustainability, constructability, and risk management. Supports bidding, construction administration, submittals, substitutions, RFIs, and documentation reviews while collaborating with clients and consultants. Mentors staff and advances firmwide specification standards, resources, training, and continuous improvement.
The summary above was generated by AI

At Perkins&Will, we believe design has the power to create a better, more sustainable world. We are seeking a Senior Specifications Writer to serve as a trusted technical advisor and lead the development of project specifications and procurement documentation that support design excellence, constructability, quality, sustainability, and risk management across complex projects.

Working closely with architects, designers, consultants, and clients, you will provide technical leadership throughout project delivery while helping advance firmwide specifications standards, best practices, and knowledge sharing.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of construction specifications, project manuals, procurement documentation, and related deliverables for complex projects and project portfolios.
  • Develop coordinated specifications aligned with project design intent, drawings, codes, owner requirements, delivery methods, and quality standards while identifying and mitigating technical, constructability, and documentation risks.
  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to project teams, providing expertise on specification strategy, building materials, assemblies, systems, product selection, sustainability, and risk management.
  • Provide senior-level support throughout project delivery, including bidding, construction administration, addenda, submittals, substitutions, RFIs, and other technical documentation reviews.
  • Collaborate with clients, consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to support successful project outcomes and informed decision-making.
  • Mentor team members and contribute to firmwide standards, master specifications, technical resources, knowledge sharing, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
  • 8+ years of experience in architectural specifications, architecture, engineering, interior design, construction, or a related design and construction discipline, including significant experience preparing and coordinating specifications for large, complex, or technically challenging projects.
  • Postsecondary degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of construction documentation, project delivery methods, building materials and systems, building codes, and CSI standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical risks, develop effective specification strategies, influence project decisions, and manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) and/or CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) credential.
  • Professional degree, certification, or active licensure in architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related field. Licensure preferred but not required.
  • Experience with Division 00 procurement documents, bidding processes, addenda, submittals, substitutions, and RFIs.
  • Experience supporting sustainable, regenerative, high-performance, or resilient design projects.
  • Proficiency with RIB SpecLink, Deltek Specpoint, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Active engagement in professional organizations such as CSI, AIA, or related industry associations.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development, including advanced sustainability or regenerative design credentials such as LEED AP, WELL AP, Living Future Accreditation (LFA), SITES AP, BREEAM AP, Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, or Passive House certification.

Salary Range Information

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate’s qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, commensurate with qualifications, the annual pay salary range for this position is between $110,000.00 and $154,700.00, dependent upon location and experience.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Perkins&Will we believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people + ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. 

"Design has the power to inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community."

*Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Perkins&Will has established and adopted an Equal Employment Opportunity Employment policy (“EEO”), which is part of the Company’s Human Resources Policy. The purpose of this EEO policy is to ensure that all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. In some cases, local laws and regulations may provide greater protections than those outlined here and employees will be covered by the laws of their local jurisdiction.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Perkins&Will will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.


#LI-KR1

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Perkins&Will Seattle, Washington, USA Office

Seattle, United States, 0

Similar Jobs

14 Minutes Ago
In-Office
Mid level
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Computer Vision • Machine Learning • Robotics • Defense • Manufacturing
Design and document wire harnesses and cable assemblies, integrate sensors, power, and actuators across electromechanical systems, support prototype bring-up and debugging, collaborate with mechanical and firmware teams, and validate harness reliability for production and field use.
Top Skills: AltiumLogic AnalyzerMentor Graphics Capital HarnessMil-StdMultimeterOscilloscopeRapidharnessSolidworks ElectricalZuken E3
15 Minutes Ago
In-Office
Senior level
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Computer Vision • Machine Learning • Robotics • Defense • Manufacturing
Assemble, solder, rework, test, troubleshoot, and repair electronic systems, including PCBs, cables, wiring harnesses, and connectors. Read schematics and engineering drawings, operate electronic test equipment, support prototype and production development, and maintain accurate testing and repair documentation while following quality, safety, and ESD procedures.
Top Skills: Cable FabricationConnectorsElectrical SchematicsEngineering DrawingsEsd-Safe HandlingIpc-A-610J-Std-001MultimetersOscilloscopesPcb ReworkPrinted Circuit Boards (Pcbs)Signal GeneratorsSolderingSurface-Mount Technology (Smt)Through-Hole AssemblyWiring DiagramsWiring Harnesses
15 Minutes Ago
In-Office
Entry level
Entry level
Artificial Intelligence • Computer Vision • Machine Learning • Robotics • Defense • Manufacturing
Design and develop electrical systems, schematics, PCB layouts, embedded and power circuits for autonomous robotic defense systems. Perform circuit simulations, signal integrity, thermal and EMC analysis, testing, debugging, and electromechanical integration. Develop and optimize embedded software for real-time control, integrate sensors and actuators, document designs, and validate systems against military standards.
Top Skills: Altium DesignerAnsys ElectronicsCanEagleEmbedded LinuxEmbedded SoftwareI2COrcadPcbRtosSpiceTcp/IpUartUdp

What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene

Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.

Key Facts About Seattle Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
  • Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account