Our client’s Cost Segregation Technician plays a critical technical role in the delivery of high-quality, defensible cost segregation studies for commercial real estate owners nationwide. This position supports the firm’s mission of maximizing tax incentives and accelerating depreciation benefits for clients by combining engineering analysis, construction knowledge, and tax-based asset classification into IRS-compliant work products.
Working on-site in Huntsville, Alabama, the Cost Segregation Technician collaborates closely with engineers, tax professionals, and project managers to analyze building systems, review construction documentation, and perform detailed property component classifications. The role requires both analytical precision and strong communication skills to translate technical findings into clear, audit-ready reports that withstand IRS scrutiny.
Key Responsibilities of the Cost Segregation Technician include:
The Cost Segregation Technician is responsible for producing thorough, accurate, and defensible technical documentation that supports federal and state depreciation strategies. This includes:
- Performing detailed reviews of architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans; construction drawings; contractor pay applications; and fixed asset records to identify and classify building components into appropriate tax lives (5-, 7-, 15-, and 39-year property).
- Conducting on-site field inspections across the United States to verify construction details, observe installed systems, photograph assets, and document building layouts for engineering-based cost segregation studies.
- Applying knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building systems to quantify asset costs using engineering estimation techniques, take-offs, and cost allocation methodologies.
- Preparing comprehensive written technical reports that clearly explain methodology, asset classifications, and conclusions in a manner that is both client-ready and fully defensible under IRS audit standards.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of federal and state depreciation rules, bonus depreciation, cost segregation case law, and applicable tax guidance.
- Ensuring all project data, calculations, and documentation are securely stored and managed using internal software platforms and servers in compliance with data protection protocols.
- Meeting project timelines and internal production schedules while managing multiple studies simultaneously.
- Supporting continuous improvement by completing assigned technical and compliance training and assisting with process refinement within the Engineering department.
- Developing and maintaining professional relationships with internal team members, CPA partners, and clients through responsive communication and high-quality deliverables.
Qualifications and Skills of the Cost Segregation Technician:
The ideal candidate brings a combination of technical aptitude, attention to detail, and professional discipline:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related technical field preferred (or equivalent practical experience in building systems analysis or cost segregation).
- Prior experience in cost segregation, construction estimating, engineering design, property condition assessments, or forensic construction analysis is preferred but not required for the role.
- Strong working knowledge of construction terminology, building assemblies, and trade sequencing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for technical reporting and cost modeling; experience with SegStream or similar fixed-asset / cost segregation software is a plus.
- Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce structured, audit-defensible technical narratives.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and travel schedules.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented professional services environment.
Physical and Travel Requirements:
- Ability to sit for extended periods while performing detailed computer-based analysis and report preparation.
- Capability to lift up to 25 pounds for field equipment and documentation.
- Willingness to travel frequently nationwide to perform site inspections at commercial and industrial properties.
This full-time, on-site role in Huntsville offers the opportunity to build deep technical expertise in one of the most specialized and high-impact areas of tax engineering, contributing directly to client cash-flow improvements and audit-ready tax positions through rigorous, engineering-based cost segregation studies