Technical Author

Oxford Instruments; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a talented Technical Author to join their dynamic team in Bristol. This role focuses on creating and refining technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and excellence. You'll collaborate with engineers and diverse stakeholders, producing clear documentation for high-tech products. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, this position is crucial for maintaining robust documentation systems. Enjoy a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values diversity and equal opportunity. If you have a passion for technical writing and a keen eye for detail, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Share Incentive Plan

25 Days Annual Leave

Half-Days on Fridays

Pension Plan

On-Site Canteen

Flexible Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in a technical author role.
• Strong technical writing skills and familiarity with document review processes.

Responsibilities

• Produce and maintain clear technical documentation for high-tech products.
• Collaborate with engineers to clarify technical queries.
• Manage files for translation and oversee external providers.

Skills

Technical Writing

Document Review

Communication Skills

Research and Analysis

Attention to Detail

Education

Technical Authoring Qualification

Experience in Scientific Documentation

Tools

MadCap Flare

Adobe Acrobat

SolidWorks/Solid Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

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We are excited to announce a job opportunity at our Severn Beach, Bristol location! We are seeking a talented Technical Author to join our global team on a permanent basis. In this role, you will create and refine highly technical documentation, focusing on content validation and review. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and will collaborate effectively across departments with diverse stakeholders. At Oxford Instruments, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes this position crucial for ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and excellence in our documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce, develop, and maintain clear technical documentation for our high-tech products.
• Peer review work by other authors, adhering to internal editing and accuracy standards.
• Research and understand the technology and applications relevant to the documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers and managers to clarify technical queries professionally.
• Create photographs or illustrations as needed.
• Coordinate with subject-matter experts, including Sales and Marketing, for project launches and support documentation.

Test and update documentation, including working in our engineering lab to validate procedures. Understand system requirements and limitations.

Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including engineers, technicians, and software developers, tailoring the message appropriately.

• Maintain robust documentation systems with version control, accuracy, and up-to-date technology information.
• Ensure documentation is organized, managed, and published on time.
• Manage files for translation into different languages.
• Oversee external providers like printers and translators to ensure quality.
• Demonstrate strong technical writing skills.
• Possess excellent technical comprehension of complex products and systems.

Education/Qualifications:

• A recognized technical authoring qualification or equivalent.
• Proficiency in PC applications, including MadCap Flare, Adobe Acrobat, SolidWorks/Solid Edge, and Microsoft Office.
• Background in semiconductor, electro-mechanical, or scientific sectors is preferred, especially scientific instrumentation documentation experience.
• Minimum of three years in a technical author role.
• Experience with Simplified Technical English is a plus.

Professional Skills/Abilities:

• Strong technical writing skills and familiarity with document review processes.
• Ability to follow company documentation procedures and style guides.
• Good proofreading, peer review, and presentation skills.
• Experience writing procedural documentation for products.
• Ability to research and analyze complex technical information.
• Understanding of manufacturing and design practices.
• Ability to understand product functions and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication of technical details and discussion at technical levels.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with engineers, technicians, and staff.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Methodical, thorough, and detail-oriented.
• Team player with emotional intelligence.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Minimum of three days on-site work required.

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we develop tools for micro- and nano-structure engineering, serving customers in research and manufacturing of materials and semiconductors for medical devices, diagnostics, electric vehicles, and quantum computing.

We offer a competitive salary, career development opportunities, work-life balance, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, 25 days annual leave, half-days on Fridays, a pension plan, on-site canteen, and flexible benefits tailored to your needs.

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to assist if you face barriers during the application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List and does not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert or to any employees or locations. We are not responsible for fees related to unsolicited CVs.