Technical Author

EMBS Engineering; Redditch; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Early finish on a Friday

Career development and succession

Job summary

EMBS Engineering is seeking a Technical Author to bridge engineering data and clear documentation on the shop floor in Redditch. You will produce set-up packs, SOPs and work instructions, ensuring controlled revisions and sign-off across QMS.

You will translate CAD data, BOMs and shop-floor observations into intuitive instructions, with strong writing and visual aids. This role is on-site with opportunities for career development and a Friday finish.

Qualifications

• Proven author of manufacturing documents such as SOPs and work instructions.
• Experience in regulated sectors (aerospace, automotive, defence or nuclear).
• Knowledge of document control and approval processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and CAD data.
• Strong written communication and on-floor engagement ability.
• Confident on the shop floor with operators and engineers.
• Proficient in MS Office and SharePoint/PLM environments.
• Capable of capturing photos and creating simple diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Author manufacturing docs including SOPs and work instructions with clear revision control.
• Translate CAD data, BOMs and shop-floor observations into step-by-step instructions.
• Create visual aids: photographs, illustrations, flowcharts for operator use.
• Work with operators, engineers and quality teams to verify accuracy and gain sign-off.
• Manage document lifecycle from revision to release into production and QMS.
• Own documentation actions across Production, NPDI, Purchasing and Quality.
• Support EHS, quality, cost and delivery objectives in operations meetings.
• Contribute to PFMEA and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing document authoring

Regulated manufacturing experience

Document control / revision management

Reading drawings / CAD data

Clear technical communication

Shop floor collaboration

Microsoft Office / SharePoint / PLM

Photography and diagram basics

Education

Engineering qualification or technical communication background

Tools

SharePoint

PLM systems

CAD tools

Job description

Role: Technical Author - Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Redditch

Contract: Permanent

Salary: DOE

Role Overview

EMBS Talent are recruiting a Technical Author to join the Manufacturing Engineering function of a well-established manufacturing business. The role bridges the gap between complex engineering processes and clear, usable documentation, producing the instructions that operators rely on every day on the shop floor.

Working closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality, production teams and subject matter experts, you will turn engineering data and shop-floor observations into accurate, easy-to-follow documentation, and keep it controlled, current and compliant.

What's in it for you

• Strong order book of projects
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Early finish on a Friday
• Genuine career development - Succession plans in place from day one

Key Responsibilities

• Author manufacturing documentation including set-up packs, stage drawings, work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring every document is controlled to the correct revision.
• Translate engineering data, CAD drawings, bills of materials and shop-floor observations into clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Create and edit photographs, technical illustrations, flowcharts and diagrams so that instructions are intuitive for operators.
• Work directly with operators, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality and subject matter experts to verify accuracy and secure operator engagement and approval.
• Manage the document lifecycle, including revisions, change notices and approval loops, through to release into production and the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Take ownership of documentation actions and milestones that need Manufacturing Engineering support across Production, NPDI, Purchasing and Quality.
• Support the Manufacturing Manager by contributing to agreed EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery objectives, attending daily operations meetings and resolving documentation issues assigned to the ME function.
• Contribute to safe working practices, internal and external audits and continuous improvement, including input to PFMEA activities and closing out any gaps identified.

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience as the author (not only the approver or reviewer) of manufacturing documents such as SOPs, Special Work Instructions and assembly guides.
• Experience of authoring in a regulated manufacturing sector, such as aerospace, automotive, defence or nuclear.
• Working knowledge of document control, including version control, change notices and the approval process required to release documents into production or a QMS.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD data and bills of materials.
• Strong written communication skills, with a clear approach to making instructions accessible and gaining operator buy-in
• Confident working on the shop floor with production operators, engineers and quality teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and controlled document environments such as SharePoint or PLM systems.
• Practical skills in capturing and editing photographs and producing simple diagrams or flowcharts.

Desirable

• Qualification in engineering, technical communication or a related discipline.
• Experience with PLM or CAD document management tools.
• Familiarity with quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Understanding of PFMEA and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience producing visual work instructions or component maintenance manuals.

EMBS is a specialist talent consultancy connecting exceptional engineering and technology professionals with some of the UK’s most prestigious advanced engineering businesses across Transportation, Energy and Defence. With deep sector expertise and a strong network of industry-leading employers, we'll provide expert advice and support throughout the process, helping you secure the right opportunity and take the next step in your career.

Please note, due to the nature of the markets our clients supply into, all candidates must be UK residents; we cannot offer visa sponsorship for overseas candidates