Engineering Tech. Writer

Kershaw; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan options

Dental plan options

Vision plan

Paid time off

401k plan

Life/AD&D Insurance

Sick leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pet insurance

Legal insurance

Identity & Fraud Protection Plan

Job summary

Kershaw Equipment in Montgomery, AL, seeks an Engineering Technical Writer to develop and maintain manuals for maintenance and operation of heavy equipment. You will translate complex designs into clear instructions and coordinate with engineers and CAD teams to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The role requires 3–5 years of technical writing experience, a related degree, and proficiency with AutoCAD, AutoDesk Inventor, and PDM/ERP software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in business, technology, or related field; Bachelors preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ technical writing or documentation experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical manuals, maintenance manuals, and parts manuals.
• Translate engineering designs into clear end-user instructions.
• Collaborate with engineers and field personnel to gather information and ensure accuracy.
• Create illustrations, diagrams, and visuals with CAD teams as needed.
• Ensure manuals comply with FRA, AAR, safety guidelines and reflect product changes.
• Support training materials and user guides for operators and technicians.

Skills

Communication

Technical writing

Engineering docs

Education

Bachelor’s or associate degree in business/tech

Tools

AutoDesk Inventor

AutoCAD

PDM/ERP/MRP software

Job description

Kershaw Equipment, located in Montgomery, AL, is a leader in rail maintenance and vegetation management production and a worldwide supplier of maintenance-of-way equipment. Built on our strong commitment to our customers, our company supplies machines to Class I railroads, transit lines and short lines, and many contractors around the globe. Kershaw is part of The Heico Companies LLC, a parent holding company comprised of more than 40 businesses involved in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services. Kershaw joins forces with heavy equipment brands Pettibone, BARKO, and ARDCO as part of the Heavy Equipment Segment of The Applied Solutions Group.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including operator manuals, maintenance manuals, and parts manuals.
• Translate engineering designs, specifications, and procedures into clear and concise instructions for end users.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and field personnel to gather technical information and validate content accuracy.
• Create and manage illustrations, diagrams, and supporting visuals (in coordination with CAD or graphics teams as needed).
• Ensure documentation complies with applicable standards and regulations (e.g., FRA, AAR, safety guidelines).
• Update documentation to reflect engineering changes, product improvements, and field feedback.
• Support development of training materials and user guides for operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
• Review and edit documentation for clarity, consistency, grammar, and technical accuracy.
• Coordinate document releases in alignment with product launches and engineering change processes.
• Participate in design and production reviews to understand product functionality and documentation needs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to documentation quality, usability, and standardization.
• Performs additional job-related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Education Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or associate degree in business, technology, or related field. Bachelors preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and technical writing experience will be considered.

Minimum Skill Requirements

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal communication.
• Technology: Strong working knowledge of MS Office, AutoDesk Inventor and AutoCAD, PDM software and ERP/MRP software preferred.
• Strong understanding of Engineering products (read schematics and understanding of terms).

Physical Requirements

• Is occasionally exposed to high levels of noise, welding operations, non-temperature-controlled environments, and other typical to a heavy-equipment manufacturing and warehouse environment. The use of proper PPE is required.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Engineering Technical Writer position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequently is required to stand and walk, climb, crouch, balance, bend, and stoop or kneel. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel and reach, lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years’ experience with technical writing or documentation experience.

The Heico Companies offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Multiple health plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois,
• Health Savings Account (with company match) or Flexible Spending Accounts, depending on selected health care plan,
• Two Dental plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois,
• Vision plan through VSP,
• Paid-time Off (vacation and 11 paid holidays),
• 401k plan with company match,
• Life/AD&D insurances (both company-paid and additional voluntary options),
• Sick leave, Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability plans (company-paid),
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP, company-paid),
• Three Aflac plans
• Pet insurance plans
• Legal insurance
• Identity & Fraud Protection Plan

EOE M/F/D/V