Technical Author

Damen Shipyards Group; Gorinchem; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days annual leave

Profit sharing

Pension allowance

Damen Academy

Social events

Job summary

Damen Services is seeking a Technical Author to transform complex technical information into clear, user-friendly manuals and guides for our vessels. You will produce and customize operating manuals, use STE where applicable, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.

You will manage documentation projects, lead planning and budgeting, and ensure timely delivery aligned with customer expectations, while maintaining high writing quality in English

Qualifications

• Educated at HBO level with a technical background.
• At least 3 years of experience as a Technical Author.
• Familiar with STE (preferred).
• Skilled in CCMS, XML and DITA; Adobe FrameMaker is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop new vessel operating manuals and enhance existing documentation.
• Customize content to meet specific customer and vessel needs.
• Gather information through literature review, expert interviews, and technical analysis.
• Interpret manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Create precise, unambiguous content in English and apply the writing style guide (STE where applicable).
• Lead your own documentation projects, including planning and budgeting, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with customer expectations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Damen and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Technical writing

CCMS

XML

DITA

Adobe FrameMaker

STE

Education

HBO-level technical background

Tools

Adobe FrameMaker

Job description

Career at Damen

Join Damen Services as a Technical Author – Shape the future of maritime documentation

About Damen Services

Damen Services is a dynamic team of creative, entrepreneurial, and motivated professionals who support each other and enjoy coming to work every day. We interact directly with Damen customers around the world, helping them solve complex challenges and improve fleet performance. Our strength lies in our ability to bring together skilled, ‘can‑do’ team members to deliver smart, effective solutions.

We provide lifecycle support services with a strong focus on Damen‑built vessels. From reactive and corrective services to proactive and predictive maintenance, we cover it all. The Asset Management Design (AMD) department plays a key role in this, developing and delivering asset management solutions such as spare part packages, vessel operating manuals, maintenance plans, and performance analyses.

Your role: Create clarity, drive quality

As a Technical Author, you’ll transform complex technical information into clear, user‑friendly manuals and guides that empower customers and crews to operate safely and efficiently.

What you’ll do

Document:

• Develop new vessel operating manuals and enhance existing documentation.
• Customize content to meet specific customer and vessel needs.

Research:

• Gather information through literature review, expert interviews, and technical analysis.
• Interpret manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Write:

• Create precise, unambiguous content in English.
• Apply and refine our writing style guide, including Simplified Technical English (STE) where applicable.

Manage:

• Lead your own documentation projects, including planning and budgeting.
• Ensure timely delivery and alignment with customer expectations.

Collaborate:

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across Damen.
• Communicate respectfully with internal and external stakeholders.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for detail‑driven communicators who thrive in technical environments.

You are:

• Educated at HBO level with a technical background.
• Experienced – at least 3 years as a Technical Author.
• Skilled in CCMS, XML and DITA; Adobe FrameMaker is considered a plus.
• Fluent in English, with a knack for clear writing.
• Familiar with STE (preferred).
• Independent yet collaborative; you can lead projects and work in teams.
• Adaptable; you handle shifting priorities with ease.
• Able to read and interpret engineering (P&ID) drawings.

Why Damen?

At Damen, we believe that supporting and managing talented individuals is essential to our success. Finding the right person for the right role is key, and that’s why we continuously invest in your development.

If you join us full‑time, you can expect:

• A dynamic, international working environment focused on technology and innovation.
• A competitive salary.
• At least 40 days of annual leave.
• Profit sharing and pension allowance.
• Continuous professional and personal development through our Damen Academy.
• An active social environment, including events and sports activities.