Technical Writer

ACTalent; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Technical Writer in Bedford, MA to produce clear manuals, assembly instructions, SOPs, and maintenance procedures for complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems. You will work with engineers to translate technical drawings into user-friendly content and support documentation across multiple projects.

The role emphasizes structured authoring, visual content creation, and collaboration in a manufacturing environment, with on-site duties in Bedford.

Qualifications

• Proven technical writing experience, preferably supporting engineering, manufacturing, automation, or complex equipment.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills; ability to collaborate with engineers and other subject matter experts.
• Ability to read, interpret mechanical and electrical drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience creating assembly instructions, repair manuals, and work instructions for technical products or systems.
• Comfort around electrical cabinets and equipment operating at 200-500V to observe procedures and document SOPs.
• Experience using Jira or similar systems to manage documentation tasks.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain customer-facing manuals, assembly instructions, SOPs, and repair procedures for complex equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to gather detailed technical information and clarify documentation requirements.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings to ensure accuracy of written materials.
• Develop documentation in structured, topic-based format with clear organization and flow.
• Produce technical images and illustrations, preferably using SolidWorks Composer.
• Write operations and maintenance procedures for large systems including safety considerations.
• Observe equipment operation to document SOPs and procedures accurately.
• Plan, prioritize, and track documentation projects across multiple tasks.
• Communicate questions, risks, and updates to stakeholders to ensure timely delivery.
• Adapt documentation to evolving processes and requirements.

Skills

Technical writing

Engineering drawings

Documentation collaboration

Jira

SolidWorks Composer

Microsoft Publisher

Tools

SolidWorks Composer

Microsoft Publisher

Job description

Job Title: Technical Writer

This role focuses on creating clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation for complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems. The Technical Writer will develop customer-facing product manuals, assembly instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and repair and maintenance procedures by working closely with engineers and other subject matter experts. The position requires the ability to understand and interpret technical information, including engineering drawings, and translate it into accessible content for a wide range of users.

This role focuses on creating clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation for complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems. The Technical Writer will develop customer-facing product manuals, assembly instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and repair and maintenance procedures by working closely with engineers and other subject matter experts. The position requires the ability to understand and interpret technical information, including engineering drawings, and translate it into accessible content for a wide range of users.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain customer-facing product manuals, assembly instructions, SOPs, and repair and maintenance procedures for complex equipment and systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other subject matter experts to gather detailed technical information and clarify requirements for documentation.
• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and technical documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness of written materials.
• Develop documentation in a structured, topic-based format, incorporating clear organization and logical information flow.
• Produce technical images and illustrations, preferably using tools such as SolidWorks Composer, to visually support written instructions.
• Write operations and maintenance procedures for large, complex systems that include restricted-access areas and safety-related considerations.
• Observe equipment in operation, including systems with electrical cabinets and components operating in the 200500V range, in order to understand procedures and accurately document SOPs and work instructions.
• Manage documentation assignments independently, including planning, prioritizing, and tracking progress across multiple projects.
• Proactively communicate questions, risks, and project updates to stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely delivery of documentation.
• Adapt documentation to evolving processes and requirements, maintaining flexibility in an ambiguous and changing environment.
• Ensure that all documentation is clear, concise, and understandable to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Use tools such as Jira or similar systems to track documentation tasks, requests, and project status within a manufacturing or production environment.

Essential Skills

• Proven technical writing experience, preferably supporting engineering, manufacturing, automation, or complex equipment.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and other technical subject matter experts.
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, easy-to-follow content for non-expert audiences.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience creating assembly instructions, repair manuals, and work instructions for technical products or systems.
• Comfort working around electrical cabinets and equipment operating at 200500V in order to observe equipment and document related SOPs and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while communicating proactively about progress, questions, and risks.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous environment where processes and requirements may still be evolving.
• Strong general writing skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment, particularly with robotics, automated equipment, or automation systems.
• Proficiency with common office and publishing tools, including Microsoft Publisher.
• Familiarity with using tools such as Jira or similar systems to manage documentation tasks and projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience writing in a structured, topic-based authoring environment.
• Experience using a component content management or structured authoring tool (for example, a modular documentation or topic-based authoring platform).
• Experience creating technical illustrations and visual content using SolidWorks Composer.
• Previous experience writing operations, maintenance, assembly, or repair procedures for large or complex systems.
• Experience documenting equipment that includes restricted-access areas and safety-related procedures.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams in a manufacturing, production, robotics, or automated equipment environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple documentation assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and systems in order to document them effectively

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bedford, MA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bedford, MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bedford,MA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.