[Hiring] Construction Subject Matter Expert @Accela

Role Description

The Construction Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide plan review expertise and validation services to support AI-driven plan review systems. This role ensures that AI-generated outputs align with jurisdictional standards, building codes, and real-world permitting workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• AI Output Validation & Testing
  • Test AI-generated plan review outputs for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
  • Execute hands-on validation using sample datasets, sandbox environments, and real agency scenarios.
  • Verify that AI-generated comments align with:
    • Applicable jurisdictional standards
    • Relevant code references
    • Established plan review workflows
  • Validate AI findings against adopted code editions, local amendments, and agency-specific review standards.
• Domain Expertise & Issue Diagnosis
  • Provide cross-disciplinary expertise spanning architectural, structural, and MEP reviews.
  • Analyze discrepancies and determine root cause, including:
    • AI model errors
    • Incorrect prompts or assumptions
    • Ambiguous, incomplete, or incorrect requirements
• Model Improvement & Feedback
  • Deliver structured, iterative feedback to support:
    • Model refinement
    • Prompt engineering improvements
    • Rule and requirement clarity
  • Define validation criteria and success metrics for AI review results.
• Reporting & Insights
  • Produce weekly findings summaries, including:
    • Defect patterns and recurring issues
    • Missing conditions or validation gaps
    • False positives and false negatives
    • Actionable recommendations and suggestion logs for system improvement
• Test Case Development
  • Create and maintain plan review test scenarios.
  • Develop edge-case and exception scenarios to evaluate AI performance.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in construction plan review, permitting, or design (AEC industry).
• Licensed Architect, Professional Engineer, ICC Certified Plans Examiner, State Certified Plans Examiner, Certified Building Official, or equivalent professional credential.
• Deep understanding of building codes and jurisdictional requirements.
• Experience reviewing construction drawings and specifications.
• Ability to translate real-world review practices into structured validation logic.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written communication skills for documenting findings and recommendations.
• Experience using electronic plan review platforms and permitting systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with permitting agencies or municipal plan review.
• Exposure to AI/ML systems, automated review tools, or digital plan workflows.
• Familiarity with IBC, IRC, FBC, or other U.S. building codes.
• Experience in testing, QA, or validation workflows.
• Experience with digital plan review platforms such as ePermitHub, or similar systems.

Compensation and Well-Being

• The annual base salary range for this full-time position is $120,000 (less applicable taxes).
• The actual annual base salary offered may be adjusted based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, training, and experience.
• This position is eligible for an annual bonus target, which is a discretionary bonus awarded based on company and individual goal achievement.
• Accela’s U.S. team members will receive a generous benefits package consisting of options including:
  • Flexible time off
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Family planning benefits
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health savings account with company contributions
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life, accident, and disability coverage
  • Business travel insurance
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Other well-being benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

Accela is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and will respond to requests for job accommodations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.