Technical Author / Technical Documentation Writer

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation seeks an experienced Technical Author to join their Technical Publications department in Bristol. This role focuses on analysing, developing, and delivering technical publications for a wide range of products in Air, Land, and Sea domains. The candidate should have expertise in complex engineering documentation and proficiency in S1000D authoring tools. A hybrid working model allows flexibility, with possible travel for the role. Additional benefits include substantial pension contributions and training opportunities.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime

Flexi leave – up to 15 additional days

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Training and development for career progression

Qualifications

• Skilled in authoring complex engineering documentation.
• Experience with SGML and adaptability to other formats.
• Ability to travel across the UK and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Analyse, develop and deliver technical publications.
• Support engineering documentation and ensure publication quality.
• Guide design teams through publication processes.

Skills

Complex engineering descriptive documentation

Technical authoring experience

Proficiency with S1000D authoring tools

Strong interpersonal skills

Technical expertise in publication development

Liaising with product suppliers

Tools

S1000D authoring tools

CSDB environment

Job description

Location

Bristol

Salary

Up to £43,000 depending on experience.

Working style

Hybrid: blend of on‑site and remote. Your office days will be 2‑3 per week.

Security clearance

British citizen or dual UK national. All successful candidates must undergo BPSS checks.

Benefits

• Company bonus up to £2,500 (based on company performance).
• Pension contribution up to 14% of salary.
• Paid overtime.
• Flexi leave – up to 15 additional days.
• Enhanced parental leave – up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and enhancements for paternity, neonatal and fertility.
• Subsidised meals, free car parking and other site facilities.
• Training and development for career progression.
• Possible relocation support.

The opportunity

Transformational role within MBDA’s Technical Publications department. You will analyse, develop and deliver technical publications for a complex portfolio of MBDA products across Air, Land and Sea domains. You will work with multi‑disciplinary internal and international teams, supporting engineering documentation and ensuring publication quality.

What we’re looking for

• Authoring specialists skilled in complex engineering descriptive and procedural documentation.
• Experience in technical authoring, especially with SGML. Ability to adapt to other formats is desirable.
• Proficiency with S1000D authoring tools, BREX rules and Guidance Documents, and a CSDB environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a calm professional manner.
• Technical expertise to guide design teams through publication development, production and upkeep.
• Willingness to demonstrate or prove processes at alternative MBDA sites or customer locations in the UK or overseas.
• Preferable, but not essential, a working knowledge of military operation and maintenance technical publications.
• Capacity to liaise with product suppliers and maintain high‑standard technical publishing records.
• Ready to travel within the UK and overseas.

About MBDA

MBDA is a leading defence organisation supporting armed forces worldwide. We champion gender equality, Pride, parental care, diversity and neurodiversity. We invite you to speak to us for adjustments during recruitment.