Brisbane Defence Tech Illustrator & Writer (Hybrid)

Horsell Consulting Pty Ltd; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Policy

Professional Development fund ($5,000)

Additional Leave Benefits

Defence Reserves Leave

Regular Social Events

Annual Performance Bonus

Early Wage Access (up to $1,000/week)

Job summary

Horsell Consulting Pty Ltd in Brisbane seeks an experienced Technical Writer & Illustrator to support a Defence aviation program. The role combines writing with hands-on illustration, collaborating with engineers and SMEs to produce manuals, guides and diagrams for complex systems.

The successful candidate will be on-site at Brisbane client sites at least three days per week, with some remote work possible on remaining days.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing technical publications for complex equipment or systems.
• Hands-on technical illustration experience, including line drawings, exploded views, diagrams and/or illustrated parts information.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, technical data and/or 3D CAD information.
• Experience with relevant technical illustration, CAD or graphics software.
• Strong technical writing and structured authoring capability.
• Experience working directly with engineers and technical SMEs.
• Excellent attention to detail and document quality.
• Ability to manage multiple documentation priorities and work independently.
• Experience within Defence, aerospace, aviation, or similarly complex engineering environments.
• Previous experience with S1000D, Defence technical publication standards and IETPs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical publications and associated illustrations.
• Produce written and visual technical content supporting operations, maintenance and training.
• Create technical and maintenance manuals, user/operator manuals, training guides and theory‑of‑operation documentation.
• Develop troubleshooting and testing procedures and removal/installation instructions.
• Produce illustrated parts information and breakdowns, line drawings, schematics, exploded views and workflow diagrams.
• Generate draft artwork and illustration mark‑ups for publication.
• Update publications and illustrations following design changes, modifications, technical reviews and customer feedback.
• Review engineering source data and work with SMEs to resolve technical information gaps or inconsistencies.
• Conduct peer reviews to ensure technical accuracy, consistency and compliance with customer requirements.
• Support customer verification and review activities and implement corrective actions where required.
• Manage publication datasets, graphics libraries and associated digital records.
• Prepare reports, presentations and visual communication materials in support of project activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, production, quality, project management and data management teams.

Skills

Technical writing

Technical illustration

Engineering collaboration

S1000D standards

Defence/aerospace experience

Interpreting drawings

CAD/graphics software

Structured authoring

SME coordination

Attention to detail

Tools

CAD software

3D CAD

Graphics software

Job description

Location: Brisbane, QLD
Clearance Required: Baseline minimum
Work Arrangement: Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week on client site in Brisbane
Engagement: Full-time
Start: ASAP

About the Role: Horsell is seeking an experienced Technical Writer & Illustrator to support an exciting Defence aviation program in Brisbane.

This is a hands-on technical publications role combining technical writing with technical illustration, working closely with engineering and technical SMEs to develop high-quality documentation supporting the operation, maintenance and training of complex systems.

The role requires the successful candidate to work on-site with the client in Brisbane for a minimum of three days per week, with flexibility to work remotely for the remaining days.

The initial focus of the role will be technical illustration, so we are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience developing technical graphics and illustrations from engineering source information.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical publications and associated illustrations.
• Produce written and visual technical content supporting operations, maintenance and training.
• Create technical and maintenance manuals, user/operator manuals, training guides and theory-of-operation documentation.
• Develop troubleshooting and testing procedures and removal/installation instructions.
• Produce illustrated parts information and breakdowns, line drawings, schematics, exploded views and workflow diagrams.
• Generate draft artwork and illustration mark-ups for publication.
• Update publications and illustrations following design changes, modifications, technical reviews and customer feedback.
• Review engineering source data and work with SMEs to resolve technical information gaps or inconsistencies.
• Conduct peer reviews to ensure technical accuracy, consistency and compliance with customer requirements.
• Support customer verification and review activities and implement corrective actions where required.
• Manage publication datasets, graphics libraries and associated digital records.
• Prepare reports, presentations and visual communication materials in support of project activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, production, quality, project management and data management teams.

Required Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for someone with a combination of technical writing and hands-on technical illustration experience.

• Demonstrated experience developing technical publications for complex equipment or systems.
• Hands-on technical illustration experience, including line drawings, exploded views, diagrams and/or illustrated parts information.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, technical data and/or 3D CAD information.
• Experience with relevant technical illustration, CAD or graphics software.
• Strong technical writing and structured authoring capability.
• Experience working directly with engineers and technical SMEs.
• Excellent attention to detail and document quality.
• Ability to manage multiple documentation priorities and work independently.
• Experience within Defence, aerospace, aviation, or similarly complex engineering environments.
• Previous experience with S1000D, Defence technical publication standards and IETPs.

Life at Horsell

Join a company where people are the priority, supported by an inclusive and supportive culture. At Horsell, we value each team member and offer a variety of benefits to ensure not only professional development but also personal well-being:

• Flexible Work Policy: Various working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Strong focus on growth with a professional development fund of $5,000.
• Additional Leave Benefits: Enjoy extra privileges such as an additional day off on your birthday.
• Defence Reserves Leave: Paid leave, as applicable.
• Social Events: Two annual celebrations, one held at the state level and another as a national event (EOFY and Christmas), with one of them always being family-friendly.
• Regular Hangouts: Monthly catch-ups, one held in person by state and another online for the whole Horsell team.
• Annual Performance Bonus: Be eligible for an annual bonus that reflects your alignment with our company values.
• Early Wage Access: Financial flexibility with access to up to 50% of your earned salary before payday, up to a maximum of $1,000 per week, through our early wage access program.
• Intellect Mental Health & Wellbeing: Support for you and your family.
• And much more, just ask!

About Us

Founded in 2007, Horsell is a fully Australian-owned, family and veteran-operated professional services firm. We specialise in making better procurement decisions primarily for the Defence sector, offering specialised training, consulting services and innovative technology solutions. We work with both government and industry, delivering practical, trusted and transparent solutions across the capability lifecycle.

What to do next

Apply now to register your interest. Suitable candidates will be contacted as the recruitment process progresses.