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Specifications Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$35 - $42.12/hr

Translate customer needs into engineering requirements into specific product, packaging and process specifications. Engineer robust and manufactural products through strong understanding and ...

For over 90 years, we have been a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and interior ... The Specifications Writer is responsible for preparing, editing, and maintaining technical ...

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Specifications Engineer information

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$38K

$115.9K

$191.5K

How much do specifications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for specifications engineer in the United States is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Specifications Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSpecifications EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in specifications or quality standardsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, quality assuranceDesign, analysis, testing, manufacturing
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, aerospace, oil & gasAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

The Specifications Engineer focuses on defining and managing technical specifications for projects and products, ensuring compliance and quality. Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and test mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering backgrounds, Specifications Engineers emphasize documentation and standards, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on design and development.

What does a specifications engineer do?

A Specifications Engineer is responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating technical specifications for products, systems, or projects. Their work ensures that all requirements and standards are clearly defined and communicated to engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. They collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and stakeholders to guarantee compliance with industry regulations and client needs. Specifications Engineers play a key role in minimizing errors, reducing costs, and ensuring the final product meets all necessary criteria.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specifications engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Specifications Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, technical writing, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with CAD software, building codes, and project management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate, clear specifications that guide teams, support compliance, and contribute to successful project outcomes.

How does a specifications engineer typically collaborate with design and project management teams during a project's lifecycle?

A Specifications Engineer works closely with design and project management teams to ensure that project requirements are clearly defined, feasible, and aligned with client and regulatory standards. Throughout the project lifecycle, they participate in design reviews, clarify technical requirements, and update documentation as changes occur. Effective collaboration involves frequent communication, resolving discrepancies, and providing technical guidance to help teams make informed decisions. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between conceptual design and practical implementation, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page.
More about Specifications Engineer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Specifications Engineer jobs? The top employers for Specifications Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Specifications Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Specifications Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Specifications Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Specifications and Estimates Engineer (BE5)

State of Washington

Olympia, WA • On-site

$102K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


State Of Washington rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation.

The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Bridge Engineer 5 to support the successful delivery of transportation improvement projects across Washington State. In this role, you will develop complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages for a wide range of bridge and transportation structure projects, including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, rehabilitation, movable and floating bridges, and other complex infrastructure. Responsibilities include preparing project-specific specifications, construction cost estimates, and working day schedules, participating in constructability and value engineering reviews, and collaborating with project teams to ensure contract documents are accurate, comprehensive, and ready for advertisement.

By providing high-quality PS&E packages, this position directly supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and support Washington's economy. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Specifications and Estimates Engineer will: Assemble all applicable general special provisions, write pertinent project specific special provisions, and prepare cost and working days estimates for all types of transportation structures. Review all available data including final design plans, geotechnical report, job file, electrical and mechanical rehabilitation inspection reports, special provision checklist, and quantity calculations.

Research and write project specific special provisions for new and unique items of work. Develop cost estimates by determining unit prices for bid items and review the cost estimates for electrical and mechanical rehabilitation work. Develop construction working days schedules by analyzing the number of work items, the quantity of work in each work item, and the order of work.

Assemble the complete specifications, cost estimate and bid items and furnish plans for distribution to the Region and others. Review the civil and bridge contract plans, specifications, and estimate for all assigned projects. Coordinate the resolution of review comments pertaining to Bridge PS&E.

Attend task force meetings for projects as a Bridge Office representative. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Bridge Specifications and Contract Documents: Demonstrated expertise preparing and reviewing specifications, engineer's estimates, bid items, and construction schedules for bridge and transportation structure projects. Transportation Standards and Specifications: Demonstrated familiarity with the WSDOT Standard Specifications, General Special Provisions, and project-specific special provisions.

Bridge Engineering Principles: Demonstrated experience applying the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications and sound engineering judgment to bridge and transportation structure projects. Construction Estimating and Quantification: Demonstrated experience preparing quantities takeoff calculations, working day schedules, and construction cost estimates for transportation structure projects. Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. The following qualifications are also required: A Bachelor of Science degree in civil or structural engineering. Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed in another state and able to obtain Washington licensure through reciprocity within six (6) months of appointment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have: Complex Bridge Project Delivery: Experience supporting delivery of complex bridge projects such as movable, floating, curved, rehabilitation, or Design-Build structures. Project Risk and Value Analysis: Experience participating in Value Engineering (VE), Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP), Cost Risk Assessment (CRA), or similar project risk reviews. Bridge Inspection and Construction Support: Experience performing bridge inspections or supporting bridge construction.

Bridge Design Standards and Practices: Familiarity with the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, Bridge Design Office policies, and bridge construction practices. Engineering Software and Technical Documentation: Demonstrated proficiency using engineering and business software to prepare specifications, estimates, technical documentation, and project coordination materials including Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat or similar applications. *To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions. Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year

Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more.

Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT. How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically.

Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.

An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00209 in the subject line.


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About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889