Cost Segregation Associate

ABOUT LEYTON Leyton is a global innovation funding consultancy founded in 1997, with more than 3,000 employees across 40+ offices in 20 countries, including Boston, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, New York, Montreal, Toronto, Alberta, and Vancouver. We help businesses of all sizes improve their financial performance without disrupting core operations. In the U.
S., our services include:
• R&D Tax Credit
• Energy Efficiency Incentives (§45L and §179D)
• State and Local Tax (SALT)
• Grants and Incentives
• Orphan Drug Tax Credit
• VAT Services
• Custom Duty Drawback / Duty and Tariff Recovery
• Cost Segregation
• Corporate Finance Advisory (including M&A Advisory Services)
• Property Tax Our team of financial strategists, consultants, and industry experts helps clients capture every incentive available to them and grow sustainably. THE OPPORTUNITY We’re looking for a Cost Segregation Associate with an engineering or construction background to join our growing national Cost Segregation practice. This is an ideal role for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who wants to apply technical skills in a specialized, high-value advisory field. Working closely with our Engineering Lead and senior consultants, you’ll help prepare engineering-based cost segregation studies for acquired, newly constructed, and renovated properties. You’ll receive structured training and hands-on mentorship, with a clear path to taking on studies independently as you grow. WHAT YOU’LL DO Cost Segregation Studies
• Assist in preparing engineering-based cost segregation studies for acquired, newly constructed, and renovated properties
• Review construction drawings, specifications, contractor pay applications, invoices, closing statements, and fixed-asset records
• Help identify, quantify, and classify building components for tax depreciation purposes
• Support the evaluation of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural, interior finish, and site improvement systems
• Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare cost estimates using actual cost documentation and recognized estimating resources
• Build calculations, supporting schedules, and draft sections of technical reports
• Document assumptions and sources clearly so work can be reviewed and defended Quality & Accuracy
• Self-review your workbooks and calculations before submitting them for review
• Check that source documents, cost allocations, and depreciation schedules are consistent
• Flag missing documentation, unclear data, or potential classification issues to senior team members
• Apply feedback from reviewers and follow standardized QC checklists and procedures Construction & Building Systems Analysis
• Read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings
• Help allocate construction costs across building systems and individual assets
• Support analysis of acquisition, renovation, and new construction projects
• Join site inspections, or review remote walkthroughs and property photographs, when appropriate Project Support & Collaboration
• Support assigned studies from technical intake through internal review
• Coordinate with project managers and consultants on missing documentation or questions
• Communicate progress, delays, and issues promptly
• Keep project files and documentation organized and up to date
• Meet assigned production deadlines Learning & Continuous Improvement
• Build expertise in IRS cost segregation guidance, MACRS depreciation, and property classifications
• Use standardized engineering workbooks, templates, and procedures, and suggest improvements
• Help test automation and AI-assisted document analysis tools
• Take part in team training and knowledge-sharing sessions WHAT YOU BRING Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field (required)
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply Required
• 0–2 years of experience in engineering, construction, cost estimating, or a related technical field (internships and co-ops count)
• Basic understanding of commercial building construction, building systems, and construction materials
• Ability to read architectural and engineering drawings, or strong coursework in this area
• Solid Excel skills, including formulas and organizing data in structured workbooks
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Eagerness to learn, take feedback, and grow in a technical consulting role
• Ability to manage several tasks and meet deadlines Preferred
• Internship or co-op experience in construction, estimating, engineering design, or real estate
• Exposure to quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, or RSMeans
• Interest in tax, depreciation, or commercial real estate
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit, or other construction document software
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward it HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED
• Producing accurate, well-documented calculations and workbooks
• Meeting assigned production deadlines
• Steadily reducing review comments and rework over time
• Asking the right questions and flagging issues early
• Growing toward preparing complete studies independently COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• $60,000 – $78,000 base salary, depending on experience
• Eligible for variable compensation based on completed study delivery (details discussed during the interview process)
• 18 days (144 hours) of accrued PTO per year
• 5 days (40 hours) of accrued sick leave
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription, and paramedical coverage GROWTH & CULTURE
• Launch your career in a global consultancy with a clear path to Consultant and Senior Consultant roles
• Structured training and direct mentorship from an experienced Engineering Lead
• International training through Leyton Academy
• Work From Anywhere: up to one month per year (subject to approval)
• Work From Any Leyton Office: up to two weeks per year (subject to approval)
• Quarterly team events, volunteer opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive workplace EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Leyton is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We value skills, potential, and merit, because we believe talent has no boundaries. Ready to start your career in engineering-based tax incentives? Apply now.