Design & Development Specialist (Residential Construction)

Job Summary

At Baker Builders, we believe exceptional projects begin with clear information, thoughtful planning, and a team that is willing to ask the right questions. Since 1982, we've built our reputation on integrity, craftsmanship, and clear communication, and we're looking for someone who shares those values.

As a Design & Development Specialist, you'll work alongside our Project Development Manager to turn a client's developing project into clear, complete, accurately priced, and buildable project information.

You'll work with plans, specifications, selections, trade partners, vendor quotes, estimates, and construction details—making sure the pieces align before Baker Builders makes a commitment to build.

This is not a traditional sales role, and you do not need to come to us as an experienced estimator. We're looking for someone with strong construction and mechanical aptitude who is naturally curious, comfortable with numbers and technology, and compelled to resolve inconsistencies when something doesn't make sense.

The most successful person in this role will be someone who enjoys figuring things out. You notice when information doesn't align, ask good questions, follow through until answers are found, and aren't afraid to respectfully challenge an assumption when needed.

You don't need to know everything about residential construction or estimating—we can teach our systems and processes. What we're looking for is someone who understands how things go together, learns quickly, follows through, and takes ownership of the work they produce.

The PDM decides where the project is going. You will make sure the information supports where it's going.

What You'll Do

• Review plans, scope, specifications, selections, quotes, and estimates to make sure they align.
• Identify missing information, conflicts, assumptions, and uncertainties before they become downstream problems.
• Prepare clear RFQ packages and obtain pricing from trade partners and vendors.
• Follow up on quote questions, missing information, exclusions, and scope gaps.
• Develop and maintain project estimates using trade quotes, quantities, allowances, selections, and internally developed pricing.
• Help ensure client selections are accurately priced, specified, documented, and reflected in the project information.
• Work with designers, trade partners, vendors, the PDM, and Production to resolve constructability and information issues.
• Maintain clear estimate notes, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and project specifications.
• Reconcile project information before it moves into final review.
• Prepare the preliminary-final Design & Development work product for PDM review and respond to questions or corrections before Final Review.
• Support the project through Agreement and Ready to Produce when clarification or updates to DDS-developed information are needed.

You'll Probably Enjoy This Role If You...

• Have strong construction or mechanical aptitude and enjoy understanding how things go together.
• Have critical curiosity and feel compelled to resolve inconsistencies.
• Follow through with friendly persistence when information or answers are incomplete.
• Are comfortable working with numbers, measurements, pricing, spreadsheets, digital plans, and technology.
• Have the confidence to question something that doesn't make sense and the humility to listen when someone has better information.
• Enjoy solving problems and organizing details.
• Take pride in producing accurate, dependable work.
• Learn quickly and are willing to ask questions.
• Prefer getting the information right over simply checking a task off the list.

What You Don't Need to Already Know

You do not need to come to Baker Builders as an experienced residential estimator or preconstruction professional.

We can teach our estimating systems, software, processes, and the Baker way of developing projects.

Experience in residential construction, estimating, drafting/design, truss or component design, building materials, construction management, project coordination, or the skilled trades could all provide a strong foundation.

A college degree is not required.

What Success Looks Like

You're successful in this role when the project information is clear enough that the PDM can confidently review and present it, and Production can rely on it without having to reconstruct what was intended.

Why Baker Builders?

At Baker Builders, you'll have the opportunity to help shape projects before they ever reach the jobsite.

For over 40 years, we've earned the trust of homeowners by combining exceptional craftsmanship with honest communication, careful planning, and genuine care. We believe people are our greatest asset, and we're committed to creating an environment where team members are trusted to think, encouraged to ask questions, and supported as they continue to grow.

If you enjoy construction, problem-solving, technology, and figuring out how all the pieces fit together, we'd love to meet you.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• How comfortable are you reading construction plans, drawings, specifications, or product information?
• Why do you think you would be a good fit for this Design & Development Specialist role?
• What experience do you have that you believe would help you succeed in this role?

Ability to Commute:

• Jackson, MI 49201 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $100,000