Intern - Technical Writer

Umicore; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Umicore is seeking a Technical Writer Intern to join our Pasadena facility. You will help develop, revise, and standardize SOPs, JSAs, and Safe Work Permits while learning industrial documentation practices.

You’ll interview staff, observe operations, photograph processes, and format docs per company standards. You will work with cross‑functional teams in a plant environment, gaining exposure to OSHA‑compliant documentation, process mapping, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Enrolment in an associate or bachelor program related to technical writing or manufacturing.
• Good command of English or professional writing with technical experience.
• Minimum GPA around 3.0 preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and standardize SOPs for manufacturing and maintenance tasks.
• Create and update JSAs for routine and non‑routine activities.
• Assist with Safe Work Permits documentation (Hot Work, Lockout/Tagout, etc.).
• Interview operators and technicians to document work processes.
• Observe field activities and photograph equipment for docs.
• Format documents to company standards and maintain revision history.
• Organize electronic files and participate in safety/process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Technical writing

Documentation

SOP development

OSHA awareness

Process mapping

Visio

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Education

Associate degree in Technical Communication

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Technology

Tools

Visio

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Purpose

We are seeking a motivated Technical Writer Intern from a local college or university to assist with developing, revising, and standardizing operational documentation for our manufacturing facility. The intern will primarily focus on creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and Safe Work Permits while gaining exposure to industrial manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing and maintenance activities.
• Create and update Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) for routine and non-routine tasks.
• Assist in developing and improving Safe Work Permit documentation, including:
  • Hot Work Permits
  • Confined Space Entry Permits
  • Lockout/Tagout documentation
  • Line Break Permits
  • Excavation Permits
  • Working at Heights documentation
• Interview operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, and supervisors to accurately document work processes.
• Observe field activities to ensure procedures reflect actual work practices.
• Photograph equipment and work processes for inclusion in technical documentation.
• Format documents using company standards and document control requirements.
• Ensure documents comply with OSHA regulations, company safety standards, and quality requirements.
• Maintain document revision history and version control.
• Organize electronic files and maintain document libraries.
• Participate in safety meetings and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist with special projects related to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in:
  • Technical Communication
  • Engineering
  • Industrial Technology
  • Occupational Safety
  • Manufacturing Technology
• English or Professional Writing with technical writing experience.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to learn technical processes quickly.
• Comfortable working in both office and industrial plant environments.
• Ability to organize multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills

• Technical writing experience through coursework or previous internships.
• Familiarity with OSHA safety concepts.
• Experience creating flowcharts or process maps.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Experience using Visio or other diagramming software is a plus.

Learning Opportunities

• Industrial manufacturing operations
• Technical writing and document control
• Process mapping
• OSHA safety documentation
• Risk assessment and hazard analysis
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Cross‑functional teamwork with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and EHS

What We Offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world‑leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits.