Entry Level Architectural Designer Jobs in Kansas

Apprentice, Specification Program
Are you an enthusiastic and solution-driven professional ready to make an impact with a global leader in safety and security? Do you get energized by helping customers, building relationships, and being part of a mission that keeps people and places protected? If that sounds like you, the Specification Apprentice program at ASSA ABLOY might be perfect for you!
This paid apprentice program begins in October 2026 and requires training for a 12 - 18 month period in the Kansas City market area. The program is designed to prepare you for a successful transition into a Specification Writer position with ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.
Location: This is an onsite position based in Kansas City, KS/MO
Training experience:
During the training period, you will train out of our facility in the Kansas City metro area and participate in an in-depth development program with a small group of classmates. You will learn about our industry, the innovative products and solutions we manufacture, the standards and codes that guide life safety in the built environment, and the software skills needed to design openings effectively.
The Apprentice program includes 12 months of focused classroom training followed by 6 months of supervised, mentored, entry-level specification-writing with continued education and support.
Specification Writer role:
As a Specification Writer, you will work with a committed team of specialists supporting many of the top architectural firms in the country. In this role, you will prepare technical door and hardware specification documents, serve as a trusted resource to design professionals on innovative, functional, and code-compliant opening applications, and use Openings Studio to strengthen productivity and project management.
Key areas you will contribute to in the role include:

• Creating, engineering, and producing door and hardware specifications for all types of commercial building applications - schools, hospitals, offices, multifamily housing, entertainment, hospitality, and more.
• Recommending door and hardware solutions to meet the design requirements for security, aesthetics, sustainability, and accessibility.
• Designing electrified access control product and software systems for door openings.
• Working in tandem with our Architectural Sales Representatives to foster positive customer experience and deliver on time project deliverables.
• Assisting with project submittal reviews and substitution approval processes to ensure specifications are held in the bid process.
• Utilizing Salesforce.com as a customer relationship, project tracking and time management tool.

What we are looking for:

• You have an entrepreneurial spirit and are excited about selling a full range of door opening solutions.

• You are self-motivated, organized, and attentive to detail, with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage time and multiple projects effectively while contributing as a collaborative team member.
• You have strong communication and listening skills.
• You can work independently but believe in teamwork.
• College or University degree preferred, ideally in architectural design, engineering, drafting, construction science, construction management, business, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools required; Technical and electronic aptitude is a plus.
• Ability to perform responsibilities in a home office environment.

What you can look forward to:
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including bonus, a 401(k) plan, education assistance, and numerous growth opportunities as part of an environment that reflects our commitment to our employees. The wage range for this role considers a broad scope of factors that are considered when making compensation decisions. Pay within each range is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, to primary work job-related knowledge, skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications, business requirements, geographic location and other business and organizational needs. This salary range is a reasonable estimate for this position at the time of posting. ASSA ABLOY conducts regular review of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.
"Let's open the doors to the future - together!"
Interested in learning more? If so, contact Tracie Ortega at Tracie.Ortega@assaabloy.com.
ASSA ABLOY is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veteran
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We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces - physical and virtual - safer, more secure, and easier to access.
As an employer, we value results - not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions - supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.
As we welcome new people on board, it's important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.