Sr. Technical Writer

System One; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 171,924,000 - 186,252,000; Full time

Job summary

System One is seeking a Sr. Technical Writer to create and maintain documentation for GEOINT systems and software in Gaithersburg, MD.

Hybrid options are available and candidates must be able to pass a polygraph with an active TS/SCI clearance. You will translate complex technical concepts into user guides, SOPs, release notes, and architecture documents, collaborating with engineers, analysts, and SMEs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional technical writing experience in complex tech/software
• Experience documenting software, systems, cloud, or DevSecOps environments
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and information-organization skills

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, edit, and maintain technical documentation for GEOINT systems, software, and mission capabilities
• Turn complex technical content into clear, audience-appropriate documentation
• Collaborate with engineers, developers, architects, analysts, and subject matter experts to gather/validate information
• Produce deliverables such as: User guides and technical manuals, SOPs, Release notes/documentation, Architecture descriptions and system documentation
• Establish and maintain documentation standards, templates, and style guides
• Review existing documentation for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and completeness
• Manage multiple documentation efforts and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Work within controlled (potentially classified) environments while following security/documentation requirements
• Contribute to improving technical communication processes and best practices

Skills

Technical writing

Documentation standards

Editing and proofreading

Information architecture

Education

Bachelor's in English/Engineering/CS/IT or related field

Tools

Confluence

Jira

Markdown

XML

DITA

Git

Job description

Sr. Technical Writer (GEOINT Systems) — Contract-to-Hire

Location: Gaithersburg, MD (Hybrid options)
Compensation: $60-65/HR
Clearance: Active TS/SCI (must be able to pass a polygraph)

Overview

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Technical Writer to create and maintain high-quality documentation for complex GEOINT (geospatial intelligence) systems and software. You’ll partner closely with engineers, developers, architects, analysts, and other SMEs to translate technical and mission-focused concepts into clear, usable documentation for multiple audiences.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, write, edit, and maintain technical documentation for GEOINT systems, software, and mission capabilities
• Turn complex technical content into clear, audience-appropriate documentation
• Collaborate with engineers, developers, architects, analysts, and subject matter experts to gather/validate information
• Produce deliverables such as:
  • User guides and technical manuals
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Release notes/documentation
  • Architecture descriptions and system documentation
• Establish and maintain documentation standards, templates, and style guides
• Review existing documentation for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and completeness
• Manage multiple documentation efforts and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Work within controlled (potentially classified) environments while following security/documentation requirements
• Contribute to improving technical communication processes and best practices

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years professional technical writing experience (complex tech/software/systems, ideally defense or intel programs)
• Experience documenting software, systems, cloud, or DevSecOps environments
• Strong experience creating system documentation, architecture docs, SOPs, user guides, and release documentation
• Hands-on experience with Confluence and Jira (or similar tools)
• Ability to work directly with engineers and quickly learn unfamiliar technologies
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and information-organization skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy
• Comfortable interviewing technical experts and asking strong follow-up questions

Education

• Bachelor’s in English, Engineering, CS, IT, Technical Communication OR equivalent experience (advanced degree or additional years of experience accepted in lieu of degree)

Nice-to-Have

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community / DoD / federal programs
• Experience working in classified environments
• Technical communication certification (e.g., CPTC)
• Familiarity with Markdown, XML, DITA, Git or similar documentation workflows
• Experience documenting Agile / DevSecOps teams

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.