Technical Author

Rapiscan Systems; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading security technology company in the UK is seeking a Technical Writer for their Cargo Vehicle Inspection team. The role involves creating user-friendly documentation across the product lifecycle, collaborating with engineers, and ensuring all information is clear and concise. Ideal candidates will have experience in technical writing and a background in engineering. Proficiency in tools like Adobe FrameMaker and Microsoft Office is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills for creating user-friendly documentation.
• Experience in communicating technical information effectively.
• Ability to work with complex electro-mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Create clear, user-friendly documentation to support system operators.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams.
• Ensure all documentation meets project deadlines.

Skills

Research

Technical Writing

Time Management

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Simplifying Technical Jargon

Education

HNC in Engineering or Equivalent

Apprentice-trained in Electrical/Mechanical

Tools

Adobe FrameMaker

Microsoft Office Suite

Photoshop

Acrobat Pro

InDesign

Job description

Rapiscan Systems is an industry leader in detection technology, providing cargo and vehicle inspection systems and services for ports, borders, military, high-threat facilities, and checkpoints to help customers combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and trade fraud. We offer a broad array of scanning system configurations that leverage low-, medium-, and high-energy X-ray technology-or multiple X-ray technologies-to address each customer's unique security application requirements. Our commitment to excellence in imaging performance, innovative design, and uncompromising quality ensures our solutions consistently deliver best-in-class imaging, high reliability, and operator satisfaction, to help customers find threats and contraband with ease and confidence.

Role Overview

As a Technical Writer within our Cargo Vehicle Inspection (CVI) Engineering team, you\'ll play a key role in the full product lifecycle—from concept development to manufacturing, service, and aftersales. You\'ll create clear, user-friendly documentation that supports system operators, service engineers, and internal teams. Your work will span user guides, technical manuals, training materials, and more-helping translate complex technical information into accessible content.

Responsibilities

• Researching and information gathering to understand the CVI business and product applications.
• Communicating and collaborating information with Engineering Design, Manufacturing, Production Engineering, Service Engineers and other related subject matter experts.
• Writing, editing and presenting information in clear and concise English including coordinating and preparing illustrations and images, document indexing, cataloguing and copy-editing. Including:
• System Operators documents.
• Service & Warranty documents.
• Technical Reference documents.
• Work Plan and/or Build Process documents.
• Electrical Wiring and Mechanical Drawing packages.
• Course Training or Presentation material or documents.
• Ensuring that the written documentation is completed to advised and agreed deadlines to the satisfaction of the project owners.
• Presenting and/or delivering of written documentation through the appropriate internal publication and authorising process.
• Maintaining a document amendment process for the CVI division related to System Operator, Technical Reference and/or Maintenance, Training and Service Documentation.
• Managing a publication and document library within the CVI Division
• A clear, concise writing style with the ability to simplify technical jargon.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Experience working with complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and a collaborative mindset.
• Background in manufacturing is a plus.

Knowledge, Training and Qualifications

• Ideally apprentice-trained in electrical, mechanical, or manufacturing disciplines.
• HNC or higher in engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical/electronic control systems.
• Proficiency in Adobe FrameMaker, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, InDesign.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.