Specification Writer

Actalent; New Jersey; On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Actalent in Wayne, NJ is seeking an Architecture Specification Writer to develop, customize, and maintain project specifications for retail and commercial projects. This role focuses on technical documentation rather than design, offering a path to become a long-term contributor to project delivery.

You will work independently, apply CSI MasterFormat standards, coordinate with drawings, and ensure accurate, well-coordinated specifications across multiple projects with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of specification writing experience within architecture, construction, or closely related field.
• Ability to independently review and interpret architectural construction documents and project drawings.
• Strong knowledge of CSI MasterFormat and specification organization.
• Experience developing and editing specifications that integrate with construction documents and project delivery processes.
• Excellent written communication and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings to understand scope, requirements, and design intent.
• Customize and maintain prototypical specifications for retail and commercial projects.
• Develop and edit specifications per CSI MasterFormat standards.
• Coordinate specifications with drawings and construction documentation.
• Review documents for alignment between drawings and specifications and resolve discrepancies.
• Clarify technical requirements, material selections, and performance criteria with project teams.
• Maintain and improve specification standards, templates, and processes across projects.
• Ensure complete, accurate specifications within established schedules.

Skills

Specification writing

CSI MasterFormat

Review construction documents

Attention to detail

Independent work

Written communication

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

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 Wayne, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Full benefits to be provided.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wayne,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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 em