Overview:Openings Specialist
Locations: Minneapolis MN; Milwaukee, WI; Boston, MA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, or San Jose, CA
As an
Openings Specialist at HGA, you will serve as the firm’s technical expert in the development and coordination of door hardware specifications across a diverse range of project types. In this role, you will prepare complex hardware specifications, maintain and enhance firmwide master guide specifications, and collaborate with project teams to assess life safety, functional performance, accessibility, and hardware design requirements. The Openings Specialist provides critical technical leadership throughout the design and construction process, ensuring quality, consistency, and accuracy in project documentation and specification development.
In this role you will:
Project Delivery
- Prepare door hardware specifications for complex projects including larger projects with multiple phases and high-security applications with an emphasis on quality design.
- Maintain and refine the firm’s master guide door hardware specifications.
- Review and coordinate hardware specifications with project drawings and design intent.
- Review door hardware submittals during construction administration, and coordinate revisions in specifications and architectural drawings.
Technical Expertise
- Conduct technical research to support criteria for functionality, life‑safety, and hardware design.
- Stay current with industry product literature, best practices, and innovative hardware technologies.
- Apply applicable accessibility requirements, codes, life-safety standards, and state agency requirements, including California-specific requirements where applicable.
- Provide technical guidance on hardware applications and project needs.
Collaboration & Coordination
- Coordinate closely with Project Specifiers and project teams.
- Meet with clients and facilities managers to determine hardware requirements for their facilities.
- Support communication across disciplines for openings requirements.
Quality, Standards & Compliance
- Ensure consistency and accuracy in hardware specifications and related documentation.
- Apply firm and industry standards for openings design, life safety and code compliance.
Professional Growth
- Expand knowledge of complex hardware systems and project‑specific applications.
- Support team members in understanding hardware requirements and workflows.
You will need to have:
- Technical or Bachelor’s degree in construction engineering, construction management, architecture, or similar
- 3+ years of experience with a technical degree or 5+ years of experience in a door hardware consulting or related industry role
- AHC or DHI certification preferred, but not required
- Strong communication across clients, facilities staff, and internal teams
- Advanced problem‑solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple, complex project scopes
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
Software & Systems and Technical Knowledge include:
- Microsoft Office
- VisiSpecs, preferred
- Revit, preferred
- Procore or other Construction Administration tool
- MasterFormat and CSI standards
- Life‑safety codes related to openings
- California accessibility, building codes, life‑safety, and state agency review knowledge (preferred)
- Industry product knowledge and innovation trends
- Experience across diverse project types
Salary Information:
The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $74,000 - $85,000 (Mid-West) and $88,000 - $93,300 (East or West Coast) depending on location, qualifications, and experience.
Additional Information:
At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.
Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers — help us shape what’s next.
Learn more about us here.
Application Requirements & InstructionsPlease submit resume for consideration.
