Technical Author

Qabird; Gorinchem; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days annual leave

Profit sharing

Pension allowance

Damen Academy

International working environment

Social events

Job summary

Damen Services is seeking a Technical Author in the Netherlands to transform complex maritime documentation into clear manuals and guides for ships and crews. You will own authoring tasks from research through to publication, ensuring accuracy and conformance to STE where applicable.

The role emphasizes independent project leadership, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and delivering content that supports safe and efficient vessel operation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Technical Author.
• Educated at HBO level with a technical background.
• Fluent in English with clear writing style.
• Skilled in CCMS, XML and DITA; FrameMaker is a plus.
• Familiar with Simplified Technical English (STE).
• Able to lead documentation projects and work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Create vessel operating manuals and update existing documentation.
• Research and interpret manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Produce precise, unambiguous content in English following the style guide.
• Plan, manage, and budget documentation projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary Damen teams and stakeholders.

Skills

CCMS

XML

DITA

Adobe FrameMaker

STE

English writing

Project leadership

Education

HBO level with technical background

Tools

Adobe FrameMaker

Job description

We offer you an Ocean of Possibilities. Join our family.

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

What we’re made of

We’re made for ships. To design them, build them, finance them and care for them throughout their life. Defined by our values of stewardship, craftsmanship, fellowship and entrepreneurship, we’re everything ship. We’re on a mission to help our clients harvest the oceans of possibilities presented by our waters – for the generations to come. To achieve our goal, we need people who share our vision and drive.

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 will be the voice of clarity in our ship documentation. You’ll transform complex technical information into clear, user-friendly manuals and guides that empower our 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.
• Ability 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.

Does this position sound like the perfect fit for you? We’d love to hear from you! Please apply by submitting your resume and motivation letter.

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Recruiter:

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