Sr. Technical Writer

Position Description

Develops, writes and edits material for reports, manuals, briefs, proposals, instruction books, catalogs and related technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods, procedures, installation, operation and maintenance of machinery and other equipment. This includes observing production, development and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail. Also coordinates the efforts of writers, illustrators and photographers to produce technical documents and manuals through all project phases. May direct the work of lower level employees.

Job Responsibilities

1. Writes technical copy for the most complex technical reports, brochures and manuals for company products, operations and maintenance systems
2. Gathers complex technical information by reading drawings, design reports, test specifications and other technical documents to gain an understanding of systems or product operations
3. Researches available engineering information such as drawings, design reports, equipment and test specifications
4. Analyzes available technical literature, writes descriptive copy, and verifies documentation with related departments
5. Writes copy for difficult procedures, requiring excellent organizational ability and an understanding of the product or process
6. Coordinates the efforts of writers, illustrators and photographers through all project phases to produce technical documents and manuals
7. Maintains an extensive knowledge of all company products and technical operations
8. Interacts with engineering, product managers, and other personnel for information; may collaborate with artists/illustrators to enhance appearance of graphic manual elements
9. Acts as department liaison with the Information Technology department to maintain software at peak operating efficiency
10. Assists manager with employee development, education, and training plans
11. Performs other duties as required

Job Skills Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to deal with a varied workforce and changing conditions
• Well-developed understanding of technical concepts, terms and procedures
• Extensive familiarity with product documentation standards and specifications
• Excellent computer skills with a working knowledge of software packages for word processing(such as Google Apps), photo editing (such as Photoshop)
• Extensive knowledge of XML and publishing documentation for print and web
• Fluent in English and primary language used in area of responsibility and/or location

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of five years of experience involving technical writing in an engineering environment
• DITA-XML experience
• Simplified Technical English or other structure language experience preferred
• Small engine/power equipment experience preferred