Technical Writer

National Oilwell Varco; Forfar; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global energy services company in Scotland seeks a Standardisation Technical Writer to create and maintain accurate technical documentation. The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical engineering knowledge and excellent communication skills in English. Responsibilities include collaborating with engineering teams, authoring documents for complex equipment, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role offers a collaborative environment focused on quality and continuous improvement.

Benefits

A technically challenging role

Exposure to complex equipment and standards

Opportunities for continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Ample experience in an engineering or mechanical environment.
• Experience in the Oil and Gas industry is a plus.
• Project Management training or knowledge is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with technical experts.
• Author user-friendly documents for complex equipment.
• Verify compliance with industry standards.

Skills

Strong understanding of mechanical engineering drawings

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Computer literacy with Microsoft Office Suite

Attention to detail

Education

Qualification in an Engineering-related discipline

Tools

Document Management Systems (DMS)

Job description

About the Role

As a Standardisation Technical Writer operating within the Standardization team, you will be responsible for writing, maintaining, and revising standardized, technically accurate documentation supporting NOV Rig Technologies Aftermarket Division. This role requires you to solicit, collate, and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, industry standards, and requestor requirements.

You will work closely with multiple technical and engineering experts, communicating effectively in English to understand their objectives and translate complex technical information into user-friendly, accurate documentation. You will have authorship of documents including, but not limited to, parts lists, condition assessments, and inspection procedures for large drilling, hoisting, and pressure control equipment. These documents will be used by office-based, offshore, and workshop-based colleagues.

About the Company

NOV is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and support of advanced energy equipment and technologies. Through our Rig Technologies business, we deliver innovative solutions that support safe, reliable, and efficient drilling operations worldwide. Our commitment to quality, standardization, and continuous improvement underpins everything we do.

What We Offer

• A technically challenging role within a global engineering organisation
• Exposure to complex equipment and international standards
• Opportunities to contribute to standardization and continuous improvement initiatives
• A collaborative, professional, and safety-focused working environment

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively in English with multiple technical and engineering experts to understand their needs and objectives
• Solicit, collate, interpret, and organize engineering drawings, specifications, industry standards, user manuals, and internal customer requirements provided verbally and in writing
• Author user-friendly documents (including but not limited to parts lists, condition assessments, and inspection procedures) that incorporate all required technical requirements with appropriate clarity, terminology, and writing style
• Verify that authored documents conform to legislative, industry, and NOV standards
• Carry out Document Control / Checker tasks daily for peers as part of the formal document approval workflow
• Identify, report, and where feasible resolve problematic issues or conflicts within documentation
• Provide verbal and written updates to your Supervisor regarding progress, risks, issues, and opportunities related to assigned tasks
• Propose improvements to processes and working practices
• Perform additional tasks as reasonably expected, assigned, or required by business needs
• Perform other work-related tasks when assigned
• Comply fully with all NOV company and HSE policies and procedures

Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications:

• Qualification in an Engineering-related discipline or equivalent experience (Desirable)

Experience:

• Ample experience working in an engineering or mechanical environment (Essential)
• Experience working in the Oil and Gas industry (Desirable)
• Experience working on projects and within teams (Desirable)

Skills, Training & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and user manuals (Essential)
• Background knowledge of overhaul, inspection, and/or repair of heavy machinery (Essential)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in the English language (Essential)
• Computer literacy with a good command of the Microsoft Office Suite (Essential)
• Project Management training or knowledge (Desirable)
• Document Control experience and understanding of Document Management Systems (DMS) (Desirable)
• Background knowledge of electrical/instrumentation, pneumatic, and hydraulic controls (Desirable)

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional technical teams
• Strong attention to detail with a structured and methodical approach
• Proactive mindset with the confidence to challenge, clarify, and improve documentation quality