Technical Writer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Technical Writer (Contract)

Job Description

This Technical Writer role focuses on developing, maintaining, and managing high-quality technical documentation that supports advanced defense and aerospace systems. The position works closely with engineering, systems engineering, logistics, program management, quality, and other functional organizations to transform complex technical information into clear, accurate, and usable publications. The Technical Writer creates and maintains technical manuals, procedures, work instructions, reports, engineering documentation, and other technical data throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring that documentation is precise, consistent, and accessible to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, edit, format, and maintain technical publications and technical data for defense and aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle.
• Work directly with engineers, subject matter experts, program managers, logistics personnel, and other technical staff to gather, validate, and clarify source information.
• Translate complex engineering concepts, system descriptions, operational procedures, and maintenance requirements into clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation for varied audiences.
• Create and maintain a wide range of documents, including technical manuals and user guides that describe system functionality and operation.
• Develop operations and maintenance procedures that support safe and effective use, servicing, and repair of systems and equipment.
• Produce installation and integration procedures that guide the correct setup, configuration, and interfacing of systems and components.
• Author detailed work instructions that provide step-by-step guidance for technical tasks, assembly, testing, and inspection activities.
• Create troubleshooting and fault-isolation procedures that assist users and technicians in diagnosing and resolving system issues.
• Develop training and operator materials that support user education, onboarding, and ongoing proficiency with systems and equipment.
• Prepare logistics and sustainment documentation that supports long-term maintenance, supportability, and lifecycle management of products.
• Write and maintain engineering reports and technical memoranda that capture design decisions, test results, and technical analyses.
• Ensure all publications accurately reflect the current design, configuration, capabilities, and operational requirements of the product.
• Coordinate technical reviews of documentation with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to verify accuracy, completeness, and usability.
• Incorporate review comments, corrections, and design changes into controlled documentation while maintaining consistency and traceability.
• Support document configuration management activities, including revision control, change incorporation, and controlled document release processes.
• Organize and manage multiple documentation projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet schedule, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain a structured, organized documentation repository that supports easy access, version control, and auditability.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in technical writing, technical publications, or documentation development, preferably in defense, aerospace, or another highly regulated technical industry.
• Proven experience producing technical manuals, procedures, work instructions, or engineering documentation for complex technical systems.
• Strong technical writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex technical and engineering concepts into clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and other technical source materials.
• Working knowledge of document configuration management, revision control, and controlled-document release processes.
• Experience using technical publishing and authoring tools such as Adobe FrameMaker, Arbortext, and Microsoft Word.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite for document creation, formatting, and collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple documentation projects simultaneously and meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, program management, logistics, and quality organizations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working within defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated technical environments.
• Familiarity with structured authoring practices and standards-based documentation approaches.
• Comfort working in highly technical environments and quickly learning complex systems and technologies.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in document structure, content accuracy, and formatting consistency.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills to understand system behavior, operational requirements, and maintenance needs and reflect them accurately in documentation.

Work Environment

The role operates in a highly technical, engineering-driven environment that supports advanced defense and aerospace systems. The Technical Writer collaborates closely with engineering, systems engineering, logistics, program management, and quality teams, engaging in regular cross-functional communication and technical reviews. Work is primarily performed in an office or lab setting using modern documentation and publishing tools such as Adobe FrameMaker, Arbortext, Microsoft Word, and the Microsoft Office Suite, alongside configuration management systems that support revision control and controlled document release. The environment emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and adherence to configuration management practices, with a focus on meeting project schedules and quality standards while handling multiple documentation projects concurrently.

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.