Technical Writer

Role Purpose

As a Technical Writer, you will create technical documentation that moves custom automation equipment from concept through supplier build and into plant deployment. Partnering closely with mechanical, controls, systems, and process engineers, you will turn complex technical information into clear, accurate documents that suppliers can build from, engineers can maintain from, and program teams can use to make decisions. This role requires the ability to write for a broad audience, not just engineers. You will communicate in clear, plain language that remains technically precise while being accessible to readers with a high school or community college reading level. Over time, you will develop a deeper understanding of common automation mechanisms and build the ability to independently reason through how systems work.

Key Responsibilities

• Author technical specifications for external suppliers, defining the required performance, functionality, design, and interface requirements for custom equipment.
• Author engineering manuals and reports that summarize the design, build, and test results of development and pilot production equipment.
• Interview engineers demonstrate apparatus, drawings, and 3D models, then capture and translate that information into clear, accurate documentation.
• Navigate 3D CAD models in SolidWorks to isolate parts, review assemblies, and create cross-sections. Training will be provided; you will not be expected to create or modify CAD models.
• Partner with engineers on highly technical content by reorganizing and simplifying source material for the intended audience.
• Create 2D block diagrams, flow diagrams, and concept sketches using Microsoft Visio.
• Validate documents through structured review with subject-matter experts, while maintaining version control and consistent formatting.

Education/Experiences- Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication, Journalism, Professional Writing, Science Writing, or English with a concentration in writing, rhetoric, or composition, with 2–4 years of professional writing experience; or a Master’s degree in one of these fields with 0–2 years of experience. Strong candidates from adjacent humanities or social science backgrounds may also be considered with a relevant portfolio.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly for non-expert readers without sacrificing technical accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to interview subject-matter experts and turn complex information into structured, readable documents.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word and comfort producing diagrams in Microsoft Visio or a similar tool.
• Curiosity about how mechanical, electrical, and software systems work, and willingness to learn enough about them to write about them accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Experiences - Desired

• Prior experience writing for industrial equipment, manufacturing systems, automation, or engineering hardware.
• Experience navigating 3D models in SolidWorks, or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with supplier-facing documents such as technical specifications, scopes of work, or RFQ packages.
• Willingness to learn and apply generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Copilot, to support drafting and editing.

Travel/Hours of Work

• Monday through Friday during standard business hours
• Up to 15% international travel, including occasional travel to supplier sites.