Manufacturing Technical Writer I

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero); San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 70,400 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness plans

120 hours of PTO

Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Work environment perks

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering firm in San Luis Obispo, CA is looking for a Manufacturing Technical Writer I to develop, standardize, and maintain vital manufacturing documentation. This role will support production and assembly operations, ensuring all documentation aligns with operational efficiency and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a minimum of one year of technical writing experience, and strong organizational skills. This is a fully on-site position offering competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in technical writing within a manufacturing or regulated environment.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical processes into clear documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, edit, and publish work instructions, SOPs, and technical reference materials.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to define documentation requirements.
• Identify documentation gaps and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Technical communication

Technical writing

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Technical Communication, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Document control systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Technical Writer I develops, standardizes, and maintains manufacturing documentation supporting production and assembly operations. This role performs non-manual work directly related to business operations and quality systems and exercises independent judgment in organizing, interpreting, and publishing technical documentation. The position partners with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure documentation supports operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and product quality objectives.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop, edit, and publish work instructions, SOPs, test procedures, and technical reference materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing specifications into structured documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to define documentation requirements aligned with operational and regulatory standards.
• Apply and maintain document control procedures, revision tracking, and formatting standards.
• Identify documentation gaps and recommend process improvements to reduce variability and improve clarity.
• Exercise discretion in determining documentation structure, content organization, and prioritization of assignments.
• Support internal and external audit readiness by ensuring documentation accuracy and compliance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to documentation workflows and systems.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Technical Communication, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• 1+ years of experience in technical writing within a manufacturing or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical processes into clear, scalable documentation.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document control systems; familiarity with ERP or manufacturing software.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Knowledge of ISO9001, AS9100, or other regulated quality standards.
• Familiarity with manufacturing equipment and production environments.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.

E-Verify participation required for employment.

Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Pay Range: $70,400 - $80,000 Salary Exempt