Senior Technical Architect/Specifier

ECS is seeking an experienced Specification Writer III to join our Pacific Building Science + Infrastructure team in Walnut Creek, CA. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and project teams to research materials, develop detailed specifications, and ensure alignment with project requirements, industry standards, and applicable codes. This is a highly collaborative, detail-oriented position ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of design, technical expertise, and project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams in researching product materials and manufacturers for architectural projects.
• Primarily involved with tasks supporting the management of specification projects, including resolution of technical and administrative issues.
• Educate architectural design teams on product selection and other design considerations.
• Review drawings and other project information to write and edit specifications for projects and coordinate compliance with project requirements, institutional guidelines, firm standards, technical conditions, acceptable standards, and existing laws, rules, regulations, and codes.
• Plan, schedule, organize, and prepare construction specifications for the various phases/milestone deliverables of projects.
• Prepare and review Division 01 General Requirements sections.
• Coordinate and review consultant technical specifications for conformance with firm standards and the remainder of the project manual. Ensure consultants receive and follow the specification formatting conventions.
• Perform product research; assist project designers with material and product selections.
• Prepare, assist, or coordinate with internal Project Architects and non-architectural disciplines such as structural engineering, civil engineering, MEP, landscape architecture, and others in specifications and project manual preparation.
• Maintain awareness of evolving building technology, stay current on product developments, new materials, code changes, and industry trends to bring expertise to the project teams concerning product selections.
• Review product submittals and evaluate substitution requests and make recommendations regarding compliance with specifications.
• Develop individual skills and pursue professional development opportunities to advance career.
• Develop/update in-house masters using Deltek MasterSpec and other available material.
• Maintain industry standards (ASATM, AAMA, UL) reference library.
• Host or attend project discussions with clients and follow up on reports/specifications as necessary.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Building Science or related field is preferred.
• 8+ years of architectural and specification writing experience
• • Minimum of 6 years of Architectural or Commercial Interiors 
  • Minimum of 3 years of increased responsibility in writing, editing, and developing AIA MasterFormat - 3 part specifications.
• Membership in Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). CDT Certification is a plus. CCS, LEED AP, or a licensed Architect or Engineer is a plus.
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in assisting teams in researching product materials, fabricators, and manufacturers for architectural projects
• Strong knowledge of architectural design, bid documents, engineering coordination, products, construction methodology, design trends, building systems, and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
• Possess a strong design aptitude. Proficient in reading construction drawings, related programs, criteria documents, details, and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (w/ advanced Word training), Bluebeam Revu & Studio, and Adobe Acrobat. VisiSpecs, AutoCAD & Revit proficiency a plus.

The expected pay range for this role and location is $98k - $136k/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.