H-1B Visa Specifications Writer Jobs
Specifications Writer roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in technical writing, engineering, or a closely related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application with the DOL before sponsoring, certifying the role meets prevailing wage standards for your work location.
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Posting Date
10-30-2026
Time Type
Full-Time
Job ID
9326
Areas of Expertise
Inter-Office Collaboration
Job Category
Specialization
Locations
Seattle, WA, US
Description
Your Role
The Specifications Writer with Gensler's Northwest region is responsible for assisting project teams in preparing Preliminary Project Descriptions, Outline Specifications, and Construction Project Manuals. The role includes supporting project teams in their responsibility of researching materials, selecting products, editing specifications, and administering construction contracts. The supporting role includes training, mentoring, and collaborating with project teams to edit some specifications. Construction specifiers at Gensler are integrated project team members rather than departmentalized in-house consultants.
What You Will Do
- Provide specification editing support for a variety of Offices, Studios and Practice Areas
- Communicate firm best practices, policies, and procedures to project teams, with a focus on material research capabilities and sustainability
- Educate and mentor staff on master specification documents, construction document technology, and editing methodology
- Liaise with Manufacturers Representatives as needed for research and project support
- Assist Regional Specification Leaders in developing and maintaining master specification documents
- Assist Regional Specification Leaders in preparing and presenting educational materials related to specifications and other technical topics
- Assist Regional Specification Leaders with compliance training and monitoring activities
Your Qualifications
- Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited school preferred
- Registered architect or interior designer preferred
- 10+ years of experience in a similar role
- Hold a Construction Document Technologist (CDT) certificate, or preferably be a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS)
- Working knowledge of base building and interior fit out construction documentation
- Experience in building construction and interior fit out specifications writing required
- Ability to edit and produce specifications from un-edited masters is preferred
- Ability to write customized specification sections is a plus
- Use of AIA MasterSpec through E-Specs to create and edit specifications sections is a plus
- Ability to conduct product and system research required
- Good command of both written/oral English
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to organize and administer work for multiple projects with competing priorities
- Excellent Team player and ability to work with multiple team members across multiple projects
This is not a hybrid or remote position. If you are open to relocating to Seattle, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome.
The base salary will be estimated between $109,000 - $121,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law. See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law. Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us. Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email talentacquisition@gensler.com.
General Information
Posting Date
10-30-2026
Time Type
Full-Time
Job ID
9326
Areas of Expertise
Inter-Office Collaboration
Job Category
Specialization
Locations
Seattle, WA, US
Description
Your Role
The Specifications Writer with Gensler's Northwest region is responsible for assisting project teams in preparing Preliminary Project Descriptions, Outline Specifications, and Construction Project Manuals. The role includes supporting project teams in their responsibility of researching materials, selecting products, editing specifications, and administering construction contracts. The supporting role includes training, mentoring, and collaborating with project teams to edit some specifications. Construction specifiers at Gensler are integrated project team members rather than departmentalized in-house consultants.
What You Will Do
- Provide specification editing support for a variety of Offices, Studios and Practice Areas
- Communicate firm best practices, policies, and procedures to project teams, with a focus on material research capabilities and sustainability
- Educate and mentor staff on master specification documents, construction document technology, and editing methodology
- Liaise with Manufacturers Representatives as needed for research and project support
- Assist Regional Specification Leaders in developing and maintaining master specification documents
- Assist Regional Specification Leaders in preparing and presenting educational materials related to specifications and other technical topics
- Assist Regional Specification Leaders with compliance training and monitoring activities
Your Qualifications
- Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited school preferred
- Registered architect or interior designer preferred
- 10+ years of experience in a similar role
- Hold a Construction Document Technologist (CDT) certificate, or preferably be a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS)
- Working knowledge of base building and interior fit out construction documentation
- Experience in building construction and interior fit out specifications writing required
- Ability to edit and produce specifications from un-edited masters is preferred
- Ability to write customized specification sections is a plus
- Use of AIA MasterSpec through E-Specs to create and edit specifications sections is a plus
- Ability to conduct product and system research required
- Good command of both written/oral English
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to organize and administer work for multiple projects with competing priorities
- Excellent Team player and ability to work with multiple team members across multiple projects
This is not a hybrid or remote position. If you are open to relocating to Seattle, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome.
The base salary will be estimated between $109,000 - $121,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law. See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law. Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us. Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email talentacquisition@gensler.com.
See all H-1B Visa Specifications Writer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Specifications Writer
Align your degree to the role description
USCIS scrutinizes whether your specific degree field matches the Specifications Writer position. A degree in technical communication, engineering, or a related discipline strengthens your petition far more than a general humanities or unrelated STEM degree.
Research LCA filings by occupation code
Specifications Writers fall under SOC code 27-3042. Use the OFLC Wage Search to find which employers have filed Labor Condition Applications for this exact occupation, then prioritize those companies in your job search on Migrate Mate.
Target industries with high documentation demand
Defense contractors, medical device manufacturers, and aerospace firms produce the dense technical documentation that justifies a dedicated Specifications Writer headcount. These sectors file H-1B petitions for this role far more consistently than general tech or consulting firms.
Request premium processing before your start date
Standard H-1B adjudication can run several months. Ask your employer to file Form I-907 for premium processing, which guarantees a USCIS decision within 15 business days and prevents gaps between your OPT or current status expiration and your start date.
Verify employer E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer
If you're on STEM OPT extension when you receive an H-1B offer, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to legally employ you during cap-gap. Confirm enrollment status through E-Verify before signing an offer letter.
Document samples that demonstrate specialty occupation depth
Compile a portfolio of specifications, standards documents, or regulatory submissions you've authored. USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence questioning whether the role requires a degree, and employer-submitted work samples tied to your credentials directly counter that challenge.
H-1B Visa Specifications Writer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Specifications Writer job qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the employer's position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as technical communication, engineering, or computer science. Roles that accept any degree or substitute experience for a degree can face USCIS scrutiny. The job description should explicitly state a degree requirement tied to the technical subject matter of the specifications being written.
Which industries most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Specifications Writers?
Defense and aerospace, medical devices, semiconductor manufacturing, and enterprise software companies generate the volume of regulatory and engineering documentation that justifies dedicated Specifications Writer roles. These industries file H-1B petitions for this occupation at higher rates than general industries because their documentation work is both complex and compliance-driven. Browse verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate filtered to this role.
What SOC code does a Specifications Writer fall under, and why does it matter?
Most Specifications Writer roles are classified under SOC code 27-3042 (Technical Writers) by the DOL. Your employer uses this code when filing the Labor Condition Application, which sets the prevailing wage your offer must meet. If the employer uses a different SOC code, the prevailing wage obligation and USCIS occupational analysis both change, so confirm the classification before your LCA is filed.
Can a Specifications Writer position support an H-1B if I hold a three-year bachelor's degree?
A three-year degree from certain countries can be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree through a credential evaluation by a NACES-approved service. USCIS accepts these evaluations for H-1B petitions. The equivalency assessment is stronger when your degree field directly matches the technical domain of the specifications you'll be writing, such as engineering documentation or medical device standards.
How do I find Specifications Writer employers who have an established H-1B filing history?
DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data is publicly available and shows which employers have filed for Technical Writer roles by SOC code, location, and wage level. Reviewing this data before applying lets you prioritize companies that have already navigated the H-1B process for this occupation. Migrate Mate surfaces this filing history by employer so you can filter your job search to verified H-1B sponsors for Specifications Writer positions.