Intermediate ILS (Technical Writer) Specialist

DEFSEC Technologies Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KWESST, a DEFSEC Technologies company, seeks an Intermediate ILS Technical Writer to support the Canadian Armed Forces within the LC4ISR group for DND. The role emphasizes technical writing and integrated logistics support, with additional duties in document data and configuration management for the Engineering & Innovation group.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in technical writing, experience in web development and training tool creation, and be able to collaborate with engineers and SMEs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years as a Technical Writer with focus on ILS for defence/ gov projects.
• Experience with creating user manuals, API guides, and help files.
• Experience in web development and training tool development (HTML packages, quick-reference guides, video tutorials).
• Ability to tailor content for diverse audiences including technical and non-technical users.
• Experience with MS Office suite including Word, SharePoint, Visio, and Confluence.
• Experience collaborating with SMEs to translate complex information into accessible content.
• Strong project management and ability to publish documentation under deadlines.
• Knowledge of SAFe Agile is a plus; understanding of DND organization is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and revise technical documents such as CFTOs, LSARs, EFTs, and related reports.
• Assemble material related to web development and training tool development (HTML, guides, tutorials).
• Review data package content with engineers to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Coordinate verification activities and report progress on technical data packages.
• Analyze Change Requests and coordinate Change Packages for data package revisions.
• Implement data package changes and revisions.
• Review changes for accuracy and alignment with national defense specs and customer needs.
• Collaborate with SMEs to gather information and ensure clarity of documentation.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

User Manuals

Monitoring and Logging

Problem Solving

Collaboration and Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, English, Information Technology or Engineering

Tools

SharePoint

Visio

Confluence

MS Word

Job description

Intermediate ILS (Technical Writer) Specialist – LC4ISR

Company Overview:

KWESST (a DEFSEC Technologies company) develops and delivers next generation military and public safety technology for military and first responder customers. The company is proudly Canadian and provides Dismounted/Mounted Domain Expertise in Command-and-Control software development, integration, and support services.

Job Description:

KWESST is seeking a highly skilled and Intermediate ILS Technical Writer to become a part of our team. This position will be to support the Canadian Armed Forces as part of the LC4ISR group for the Department of National Defence (DND).

The ideal candidate should come with a solid background in Technical Writing and Integrated Logistics Support for the Canadian Armed Forces. Core responsibilities will also involve providing document data and configuration management expertise to the Engineering & Innovation group. The candidate would also have experience in web development and training tool development as well as modern technical writing tools. This important role will contribute to our mission of developing and maintaining state-of-the-art software solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare, author, and/or revise technical documents such as the Canadian Forces Technical Orders (CFTOs), Logistical Support Analysis Records (LSARs), Equipment Family Trees (EFTs) and other miscellaneous reports as necessary to support improvements to the technical data package and support solution.
• Assemble reference material around web development and training tool development, such as HTML packages, quick-reference guides and short video tutorials.
• Review products of the technical data package in collaboration with engineers to ensure that the technical data reflects the latest system/equipment configuration, is complete, accurate and consistent across the support solution.
• Coordinate the activities related to the verification of the final technical data package, track progress and report status.
• Analyze Document Change Requests and liaise with technical contributors as appropriate to address the request and prepare or coordinate the development of the Change Package to identify the technical data package changes and revisions.
• Implement the technical data package changes and revisions.
• Review and provide concurrence to changes and revisions of the technical data package ensuring the products are technically accurate, logically presented, consistent with the appropriate national defense specifications, formats, and customer requirements
• A technical writer could likely fill the role, as long as they’re able to handle the larger elements of document change management, data management, etc.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience as a Technical Writer
• Proven ability to create clear, concise, and user-focused documentation (e.g., user manuals, API guides, help files).
• Proven ability in web development and training tool development, such as HTML packages, quick-reference guides and short video tutorials.
• Experience with tailoring content for diverse audiences, from technical experts to non-technical users.
• Experience with MS Office especially MSWord, Sharepoint, Visio, and Confluence.
• Experience working with subject matter experts (SMEs), such as engineers or developers, to gather complex technical information and translate it into accessible content.
• Demonstrated ability to manage documentation projects, including planning, drafting, editing, and publishing, often under tight deadlines.
• Experience in relevant domains like software development, IT and Engineering is an asset
• Strong editing skills to ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to style guides
• Experience incorporating user feedback, usability testing, or UX principles to improve documentation effectiveness.
• An active Secret security clearance is a must.
• Ability to be vetted as part of the Controlled Goods Program is a must
• Be well-versed in Change Management and Data Management best practices
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Knowledge of SAFe Agile principles is an asset
• An understanding of the DND organization is a great asset.

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, English, Information Technology or Engineering is a requirement (or equivalent practical experience)

Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• User Manuals
• Monitoring and Logging
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration and Communication

KWESST (A DEFSEC Technologies company) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability of any other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating a work environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all, including LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Our hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. In every step of the interview procedure, KWESST is committed to providing accommodations.