Technical Writer - Engineering & Test Documentation

Job Title: Technical Writer - Engineering & Test Documentation
Duration: 3+ years
Client: Defense Research Lab
Location: Lexington, MA 02421

Description: Prepares, reviews, revises and maintains technical documents, including software and systems engineering, cyber security, system operations, testing, hardware, etc. Develops system level documentation and assembly and test procedures in partnership with technicians, engineers, and program managers. Prepares instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. Participates in project team meetings and project reviews as needed. Maintains document configuration control. Employs photos, diagrams, and tables to enhance technical content.

Background/Need: The Engineering Group requires a Technical Writer with proven technical writing experience, excellent time-management and communication skills, and the ability to function well in a team environment.

Other information relevant to the job requirement?

This is a dynamic engineering environment where design modifications are always in flux. The primary documentation task is to produce comprehensive assembly and test procedures that are clear and easy to use, for an audience of internal technical staff and external program partners.
The technical writer will develop and manage system-level documentation and assembly and test procedures in partnership with technicians, engineers, and program managers, and:
-Employ photos, diagrams, and tables to enhance technical content
-Participate in project team meetings and project reviews as needed
-Maintain document configuration control

The successful candidate will also be expected to assist with maintaining web pages and wikis and to assist with preparation of presentations and reports, including preparing graphical content.

The group is increasing the use of digital tools including Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) and a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool to help generate and maintain documentation. Successful candidates will be expected to work with these tools.

Required:
The technical writer must be experienced in the needs of an engineering and fabrication environment, pay attention to detail, and work with a variety of interdisciplinary staff to determine documentation needs and solutions that meet the rigorous criteria of both group and government standards.

• Minimum education requirements are a BS/BA with proven writing, copy editing, and organizational skills.
• The candidate should have five or more years of experience in technical writing.
• Experience writing manuals, test plans, and procedures in engineering-based environments.
• The candidate must be a self-starter and able to manage a diverse workload.
• Computer skill requirements include MS Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint.

Preferred:

• A background in science and/or technology is preferred
• Experience with hardware documentation
• Experience using of digital engineering methods
• Experience with single sourcing and component content management
• LaTeX experience

Others:

• Clearance: Interim secret sufficient to start. Strong preference for candidates with a current active Secret Clearance. Role will eventually be required at the TS level.
• Work Location: The candidate should expect to be onsite 5 days a week with some flexibility for occasional remote work.
• Interview Process: Initial phone/Zoom screen with hiring manager. Second round interviews will be onsite with a larger group interview.