Technical Author

OpenWorks Engineering Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking a Technical Author to enhance their Production Engineering team. This role involves writing and updating technical documents, creating clear instructions, and ensuring accuracy in documentation. Candidates should possess excellent English skills and a keen attention to detail, capable of managing multiple projects. The position offers a competitive remuneration package, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

25 days' holiday + public holidays

Free breakfast and lunches

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Salary sacrifice schemes

Paid team socials

Pension plan with employer match

Empowering culture

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail with strong English grammar.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical information.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Write and update internal technical documents.
• Create annotated images and diagrams from technical drawings.
• Lead collection of information from engineering design.
• Analyze technical documents for data extraction.
• Conduct technical reviews and ensure document accuracy.

Skills

Excellent English grammar

Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly

Skilled at writing instructions

Project Management

Detailed knowledge of technical documents in MS Word

Ability to create complementary graphics

Curiosity and creativity

Experience in revision control

Experience in defence sector (desirable)

Degree in a STEM subject (desirable)

Education

Degree in a STEM subject

Tools

MS Word

Job description

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Author to join our Production Engineering team and make a real impact on operations. This role offers the chance to work in a meaningful industry and support some of the most important projects in the defence sector. You will produce build procedures, training materials, annotated images and diagrams, working closely with design engineers to capture key steps, highlight critical points and translate complex technical detail into clear practical instructions. You will also lead technical reviews and document validation, shaping how information flows through the business and directly supporting consistent, high-quality production.

Who We Are

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

Join a high-energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.

Here’s what our benefits have to offer:

• Competitive remuneration package, with performance-related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday + public holidays with long-service rewards and option to buy up to 5 additional days.
• Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.
• Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.
• Life assurance for peace of mind.
• Salary sacrifice schemes - including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.
• Paid team socials - from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.
• Pension plan with up to 4% employer-matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
• A culture that empowers - we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.

What you'll be doing:

• Technical Documentation: Write and update internal technical documents such as build procedures and training materials.
• Visual Documentation: Create annotated images from photos or CAD drawings and develop illustrative diagrams.
• Information Gathering: Lead the collection of information from the engineering design team to understand the intended build process, critical steps, and inspection points.
• Data Interpretation: Analyse technical documents and drawings to extract essential data for accurate and clear documentation.
• Technical Review & Validation: Lead technical reviews and validation of documentation to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance.

What we're looking for:

• Language & Accuracy: Excellent English grammar with strong attention to detail.
• Technical Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.
• Instruction Writing: Skilled at writing clear and succinct instructions in English.
• Project Management: Capable of managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Technical Documentation: Detailed knowledge of creating technical documents in MS Word.
• Visual Communication: Ability to create graphics that complement documentation.
• Creativity & Curiosity: Naturally curious and creative in approach.
• Document Control: Experience in revision control of technical documents.
• Sector Experience: Experience working in the defence and security sector (desirable).
• Qualifications: A degree in a STEM subject (desirable).

More about us:

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.

Values

• Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest.
• Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done.
• Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility.
• We are one team: Look out for each other and the team.
• Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on.
• Have fun: We're doing amazing things with passionate people.