Technical Writer

Technical Writer

Duration: 12 Months

Location: Hershey PA 17033

Shift: 1st Shift, 7:00AM - 3:30PM

Job Description

The Technical Writer will be responsible for creating Pilot Plant equipment training documentation and work instructions that safely and effectively educate operators on Pilot Plant equipment. This role will collaborate with R&D, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Environmental Health & Safety to ensure training materials comply with existing policies and procedures.

Main Duties:

1. Create training materials, including process procedures, step-up cards, one-point lessons, and other documentation in collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety.

• Capture video and photographic documentation to support the development of a comprehensive learning program within the LMS platform and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Assist with the creation and review of Job Safety Analysis documentation, as needed.
• Standardize content structure, instructional format, and operator competency requirements.
• Provide periodic follow-up evaluations of machine operators to confirm skill retention and support refresher training for higher-complexity equipment.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned to support Tech Center training and operational needs.
• Work with SMEs to simplify complex content, remove unnecessary detail, and consistently focus on what the learner needs to know.
• Prioritize content creation work to meet training development milestones.
• Observe and document SME operational procedures to verify accuracy, identify procedural gaps, and create training content development.

Typical Day:

Daily huddle with leader to review status of projects. Read & respond to emails throughout the day. Content creation in an office setting. Validate training and gather information / research equipment. Shadows SMEs on production floor to document process flow. Monitor, capture photographs and video of equipment while in use, during breakdown and reassembly.

Top Three Technical Skills:

1. Technical writing and procedure development
2. Manufacturing equipment / process documentation
3. Mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting awareness

Pre-Screening Questions:

1. Have you ever worked in food manufacturing environment?
2. What tools or software have you used to create documentation, training materials, photos, videos, or learning content?
3. Have you ever documented equipment operation, cleaning, setup, troubleshooting, or changeover procedures? If yes, please provide an example.
4. Describe in detail the types of equipment you have experience building documentation for.
5. Who is the audience the content was built for?
6. Describe your level of mechanical aptitude. How do you approach understanding how a machine or process works?
7. Explain how you validate the documentation you've created.
8. How do you ensure technical documentation is accurate, easy to follow, and appropriate for the intended audience?
9. Tell us about a time you had to work with subject matter experts to gather information.
10. Are you comfortable spending time on a production floor, wearing required PPE, and observing equipment during operation, breakdown, and reassembly?
11. Do you have experience incorporating safety, quality, or compliance requirements into training or procedural documentation? If yes, please provide an example.

Must Haves (i.e., years of experience?):

Three consecutive years of food manufacturing experience at the same facility if possible (not broken into multiple companies and roles). Training content creation is a must. Technical, mechanical or operational skills it's a plus.

Software Skills and Purpose (if applicable):

Highly proficient in Microsoft programs, Excel, Word, Office, PowerPoint. Moderate experience in Snagit, Copilot and Adobe content creation. Must be able to operator an iPad.

Industry Experience:

Food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, R&D pilot plant or other regulated manufacturing environments. Preference for candidates with hands-on experience supporting operations, training, technical documentation, equipment procedures, sanitation, quality, or safety requirements.

Training

How long is training?

There is not a set training period. The leader will work with the employee daily, with the expectation that the employee will reach a comfort level of independence within the first 30 days.

What is involved?

Training will include learning the Pilot Plant's traceability and documentation systems, reviewing existing equipment training content, identifying outdated or missing materials, and understanding where equipment information is stored. The employee will also be introduced to key Technical Center teams and will shadow SMEs on the production floor to learn equipment processes, documentation expectations, and safety requirements.