Senior Technical Writer: Defense-Grade Tech Manuals

Horizontal Talent; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent seeks a technical writer to translate complex engineering information into clear documentation supporting product marketing, operation, maintenance, and repair. Collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams on detailed technical content for defense-related applications.

Responsibilities include creating operating procedures, maintenance instructions, troubleshooting content, and illustrated parts breakdowns while ensuring compliance with standards and government

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience in mechanical, electrical, or operator technical writing.
• Knowledge of interactive electronic technical manuals and related development processes.
• Content management system experience.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise detailed technical documents such as operating procedures, maintenance instructions, troubleshooting content, illustrated parts breakdowns, proposals, marketing materials, and related technical publications.
• Ensure all documentation aligns with applicable company standards, customer requirements, government specifications, and language usage principles.
• Work closely with engineering teams to interpret technical drawings, system data, and equipment details for accurate documentation.
• Review illustrations and graphics to determine how they should be used in technical materials, and request updates or new artwork when needed.
• Support project planning by helping estimate time and cost for documentation efforts.
• Participate in content reviews and validation activities, both onsite and offsite, to ensure accuracy and usability.
• Contribute to the design, formatting, and style of technical documentation.
• May lead smaller technical writing assignments or specific portions of larger projects.
• May assist with testing activities related to interactive electronic technical manuals.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry practices, tools, and documentation methods while supporting a safe and compliant work environment.

Skills

Technical writing

Hydraulics

Mechanics

Electronics

Systems operations

Engineering drawings

XML authoring

Arbortext Epic Editor

Oxygen

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

MS Access

PDF markup

Communication

Collaboration

Time management

Defense industry experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline

Tools

XML authoring tools

Arbortext Epic Editor

Oxygen XML Editor

Job description

Horizontal Talent seeks a technical writer to translate complex engineering information into clear documentation supporting product marketing, operation, maintenance, and repair. Collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams on detailed technical content for defense-related applications.

Responsibilities include creating operating procedures, maintenance instructions, troubleshooting content, and illustrated parts breakdowns while ensuring compliance with standards and government