Specifications Writer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 12, 2026.
Join SMMA, a celebrated design firm with offices in Cambridge, MA, Providence, RI, and Manchester, NH, as we seek a curious and skilled Construction Specifications Writer to contribute to our unique design practice. The Specifications Writer will report directly to the Architecture Department Manager and work closely alongside the Senior Construction Specifications Writer. If you're enthusiastic about exploring ideas towards discovering optimal design solutions and working collaboratively within a dynamic and passionate team, we encourage you to apply.
We welcome all candidates whether they prefer specialization within specific markets or enjoy working across diverse sectors. We value the depth of expertise from specialists and the fresh perspectives of those embracing our diverse market portfolio, which includes K12 schools, higher education facilities, workplace, federal government facilities, commercial development, and research laboratory spaces.
Your success in this role will contribute to the cultivation of SMMA’s solid reputation of collaborative design excellence within the industry, and through internal research and knowledge sharing, raising the level of our collective intelligence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Write the architectural technical specifications for each phase of the project, based on decisions made and information furnished by the Project Manager and Project Architect.
- Coordinate the specifications among our internal disciplines and consultant's specifications, with respect to format and language.
- Coordinate and write Uniformat specifications for schematic design.
- Coordination of the Project Manual for construction documents from SMMA’s Master specifications and MasterSpec, using MasterFormat templates.
- Coordinate contracting, bidding, and front-end documents for review by clients.
- Undertake project research as agreed upon with Project Architect. Review drawings for coordination with specifications.
- Review specifications prepared by project engineers and by consultants for coordination with the Project Manual.
- Prepare and coordinate addenda. Assist in responding to RFI's. Assist in evaluating submittals and requests for substitutions. Assist in interpreting the Contract Specifications.
- Assist Specifications Group Leader in maintaining SMMA’s specification masters appropriate to different project types and project delivery types. Assist in educating staff in coordination and use of specifications.
- Conduct product research to maintain the SMMA's Master Specification. Research available guide specifications, spec production software, and manufacturers’ guide specifications.
Qualifications:
- Understanding of MasterSpec and MasterFormat specification systems.
- Understanding of AIA contracts, forms, and documents.
- CSI-Certification: CDT, CCS, CCCA, CCPR, or other involvement in the Construction Specifications Institute.
- Architectural, construction, or engineering education, and more than 5 years’ experience working on projects in architectural, contracting, product representative, or engineering capacity.
- Excellent written, graphic, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong word processing skills and Internet search and retrieval skills.
- Pluses:
- Registered Architect or Registered Engineer
- Background in USGBC/LEED or other sustainability rubric systems.
- Background in Revit or other BIM modeling software.
- Background in SpecsIntact or other specifications software.
About SMMA
SMMA is one of New England’s most unique design firms due to our composition, reputation, and focus. Cambridge-based since our incorporation in 1955, we offer an integrated, multidisciplinary environment driven by collaboration between architects, engineers, technologists, researchers, and industry experts.
We focus on building lasting relationships with strategic partners across public and private sectors, with work spanning K-12, higher education, corporate, commercial, life science, federal government, and advanced technology projects.
As an employee-owned firm, we believe that good ideas are welcome from anywhere. Our work reflects a shared commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Company Perks
- Employee-owned firm (ESOP)
- Hybrid work-from-home policy
- Competitive benefits package
- Company-funded MA Paid Family and Medical Leave
- 401(k) with company match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Mentor/protégé program
- Educational and licensure reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
Please note: SMMA does not offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this position.
The approximate pay range for this position is $95,000 - $130,000.