Principal Technical Writer

Principal Technical Writer

Location: Germantown, MD, US, 20876

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

About the Role: DRS RADA Technologies is seeking an experienced Technical Writer IV to develop clear, accurate, and highly technical documentation supporting advanced radar, defense, and related technology solutions. This is a full-time, on-site role in Germantown, Maryland. In this role, you will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, program, and other subject-matter experts to transform complex technical information into user-focused equipment manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, technical publications, and supporting materials. You will serve as a key documentation-review resource for the site, ensuring materials are complete, consistent, easy to understand, and aligned with established standards.

What You Will Do:

• Write, revise, and maintain complex technical documentation, including equipment manuals, appendices, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and other product-support materials.
• Organize technical content into clear, concise, and logical documentation that follows established standards for terminology, style, accuracy, and usability.
• Interview engineers, production personnel, and other subject-matter experts to understand product technologies, operating procedures, manufacturing processes, and system requirements.
• Review drawings, specifications, product samples, technical data, manufacturer documentation, and trade publications to develop accurate technical content.
• Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to document operating procedures, assembly sequences, and equipment details.
• Analyze product and technology changes to identify documentation impacts, recommend updates, and develop new materials as needed.
• Edit, standardize, and improve documentation prepared by other writers, engineers, or business personnel.
• Act as the site's documentation-review expert, providing guidance on content quality, clarity, consistency, and publication readiness.
• Coordinate the layout, publication, duplication, distribution, and revision control of technical materials.
• Select or help develop photographs, drawings, diagrams, sketches, charts, and other visual aids that enhance technical understanding.
• Collaborate with customer representatives, vendors, internal leaders, and publishers to clarify technical specifications and determine documentation requirements.
• Work closely with the Configuration Management team to maintain accurate records and files for documentation, revisions, and publication history.
• Support and reinforce the mission, values, and culture of Leonardo DRS and DRS RADA Technologies.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in English, technical communication, engineering, a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least eight years of relevant technical writing, technical publication, or documentation-development experience.
• Experience creating complex technical documentation for equipment, systems, manufacturing processes, engineering products, or similar technical environments.
• Advanced proficiency with desktop publishing and document-development tools, particularly Microsoft Word.
• Strong ability to interpret and synthesize technical drawings, specifications, product data, operating procedures, and engineering information.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other subject-matter experts to gather, validate, and communicate complex information.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, organization, and document-control skills.
• Sound judgment and a detail-oriented approach to documentation review, revision management, and quality assurance.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and collaborate effectively across functions.

What This Role Is Not:

• This is not a general communications, marketing, or proposal-writing role. The focus is on producing detailed, accurate technical documentation that supports complex products, equipment, operations, and maintenance activities.
• This is not a role limited to editing existing content. You will gather information directly from technical experts, analyze source materials, observe processes, and develop new documentation when needed.
• This is not a fully remote position. The role requires close, on-site collaboration with engineering and production teams and may involve observing manufacturing, developmental, or experimental activities.
• This is not an entry-level writing position. Technical Writer IV is expected to work independently, serve as a trusted documentation reviewer, and help establish and enforce high standards for technical communication across the site.

When applying - Please provide a writing sample as part of your application. You are also welcome to attach an example or share a link to your profile of work.

What We Bring At DRS RADA Technologies, your work supports technologies that help protect military personnel, critical infrastructure, and communities around the world. You will join a mission-driven team developing advanced radar technology that supports system performance and real-world defense applications.

We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a company contribution to a health savings account; telemedicine; life and disability insurance; legal insurance; and a 401(k) savings plan. We invest in employee well-being, career growth, professional development, and skill enhancement, and offer a flexible 9/80 schedule, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $107,089.00/year-$144,570.00/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications.

In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S. Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles: - Integrity - Agility - Excellence - Customer Focus - Community & Respect - Innovation We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC