Technical Editor

Aptive; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401K

PTO

Job summary

Aptive seeks a Technical Editor II to support federal research and transportation communications programs, delivering publication-ready documents that meet agency standards. The role requires transforming complex technical data into clear, accessible content and managing the full lifecycle of documents from outline to publication.

The position is hybrid, onsite about two days weekly, primarily at Turner‑Fairbank HFRC in McLean, VA, with security requirements and potential work at FHWA HQ in DC.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in technical writing or documentation.
• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, or related field.
• Expert-level command of the GPO Style Manual.
• Experience ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Edit technical brochures, SOPs, research reports, and other FHWA documents.
• Transform data and jargon into publication-ready documents.
• Ensure consistency with GPO and Chicago style guides.
• Integrate schematics and data tables with narrative text.
• Manage full document lifecycle from outline to publication.
• Perform copyediting, proofreading, and formatting for print and online.
• Ensure compliance with 508 accessibility requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to simplify complex concepts.

Skills

Technical editing

GPO Style Manual

Section 508 accessibility

Publish standards

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing

Tools

Chicago Manual of Style

Accessibility guidelines

Job description

Job Summary

The Technical Editor II role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with previous experience in technical editing and publications support for federal research or transportation communications programs. This position needs an individual that is committed to providing superior service, poised under pressure and has a positive and flexible attitude.

This is a contingent hire position.This is a hybrid role and expected onsite about 2 days a week, Monday through Thursday, primarily at Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, VA (onsite work may also be at FHWA HQ in DC).

Offers will be contingent upon client approval and ability to meet security requirements.

The expected compensation at the time of requisition creation, is around $115,000. The position offers with medical, dental and vision coverage. Additional benefits such as 401K, disability insurance and PTO are provided as well.

Primary Responsibilities

• Edit technical brochures, standard operating procedures, research reports, technical summaries, and other highly technical Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) documents for accuracy, clarity, and compliance.
• Transform raw data and engineering/technical jargon into authoritative, publication-ready documents that meet agency standards, including reference checking, fact-checking, and copyright compliance.
• Apply expert-level command of the GPO Style Manual, and working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style, to ensure consistency across all deliverables.
• Ensure complex schematics and data tables are seamlessly integrated with narrative text to support both technical review and public transparency.
• Work closely with engineers, researchers, and technical staff to distill complex technical concepts into clear, accessible communications.
• Independently manage the full lifecycle of assigned documents, from outline through final publication, including online and web publishing.
• Perform copyediting, proofreading, substantive editing/rewriting, and formatting across print and electronic deliverables, correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and logical flow.
• Ensure all deliverables comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements and conform to the current Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) R&D Communication Reference Guide (CRG).

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in technical writing or documentation; experience in highway or surface transportation research is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Expert-level command of the GPO Style Manual, with working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Demonstrated experience ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance for technical publications.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach to marketing trends and technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Experience supporting complex projects and transformation efforts within the federal government.
• Comfortability with supporting complex client relationships.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong critical thinking, analytical and time management skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize and work well with others.
• Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas and solutions logically both written and orally.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

About Aptive

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.