Aerospace Technical Writer / Engineering Technician

Socket.dev; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an Aerospace Technical Writer / Engineering Technician in Newport News, VA. The role blends hands-on engineering support with technical documentation for testing, maintenance, certification and internal engineering tasks.

You will produce SOPs, procedures, reports and instructions while ensuring compliance with FAA, EASA, DO-178/DO-254 and AS9100 standards; participate in data analysis, root cause investigations, and document control activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or technical certification in aerospace/avionics or related field.
• 3+ years as an engineering technician in aerospace or aviation.
• Experience writing procedures, test reports, and maintenance docs in regulated env.
• Familiarity with FAA, EASA, AS9100, DO-178/DO-254, ATA iSpec 2200.
• Hands-on skills: mechanical assembly, wiring, soldering, bench testing.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; document control systems.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, wire, bench test, verify and calibrate aerospace components.
• Set up test rigs, collect data, analyze results, and document findings.
• Create and update SOPs, test procedures, reports, and maintenance docs.
• Ensure docs meet FAA/EASA/AS9100/DO-178/DO-254 requirements.
• Convert specs and test results into clear docs for technicians and auditors.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing and product teams.
• Support investigations and prepare technical summaries and corrective actions.

Skills

Technical writing

Procedures & reports

Regulatory standards

MS Office suite

Document control

MadCap Flare

FrameMaker

Engineering drawings interpretation

Electrical testing

Soldering & bench testing

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Eng Tech / Avionics / MET

Tools

SharePoint

Windchill

Teamcenter

PDM/PLM

MadCap Flare

FrameMaker

Job description

Aerospace Technical Writer / Engineering Technician

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Starting Pay: $40.00/hour — higher depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an Aerospace Technical Writer / Engineering Technician with experience in aviation, aerospace, or avionics. This position combines hands‑on engineering support with technical documentation for testing, maintenance, certification, and internal engineering activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on work including assembly, wiring, bench testing, functional verification, calibration, and inspection of aerospace or aviation components and subsystems.
• Set up test rigs, instrument systems, collect and analyze data, document results, and maintain test hardware.
• Create and update technical documents, including:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Test procedures and reports
  • Maintenance instructions and work cards
  • Engineering Change Notices (ECNs)
  • Installation and troubleshooting guides
  • Materials and Process (M&P) documentation
  • Ensure documentation follows applicable regulatory and quality requirements, including FAA, EASA, DO-178, DO-254, and AS9100 standards.
  • Convert engineering specifications and test results into clear technical documentation for technicians, engineers, and auditors.
  • Work with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and product teams to gather technical information and manage revisions.
  • Support root cause investigations and prepare technical summaries and corrective action reports.
  • Maintain test equipment calibration records, spare‑parts inventory, and laboratory safety documentation.
  • Organize certification records, test evidence, and controlled documents for audits and certification activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, technical diploma, or equivalent technical certification in Aerospace Engineering Technology, Avionics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience as an engineering technician in aerospace, aviation, or avionics.
• Technical writing experience creating procedures, test reports, and maintenance documentation in a regulated environment.
• Familiarity with FAA, EASA, AS9100, DO-178/DO-254, ATA iSpec 2200, or equivalent standards.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly, wiring/harnesses, soldering, bench testing, and test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, torque tools, and calipers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with document control systems such as SharePoint, Windchill, Teamcenter, or PDM/PLM.
• Experience with technical authoring tools such as MadCap Flare or FrameMaker is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work within schedule and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Supporting certification programs or regulatory audits.
• Schematic capture, basic circuit troubleshooting, and avionics systems such as communication/navigation, flight controls, and sensors.
• Configuration management and revision control.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one, if required.