Technical Writer

NCBiotech; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning seeks a Technical Writer to craft clear, accurate documentation for custom automation equipment, bridging concepts from engineers to suppliers and program teams. You will write for a broad audience, expanding your understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software systems as you progress.

Collaborating with mechanical, controls, and process engineers, you will produce specifications, manuals, and reports.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional writing experience; or a Master’s with 0–2 years in writing, rhetoric, or composition.

Responsibilities

• Author technical specifications for external suppliers and define performance, functionality, and interfaces.
• Author engineering manuals and reports summarizing design, build, and test results.
• Interview engineers to understand apparatus, drawings, and 3D models, then translate them into clear docs.
• Navigate 3D CAD models in SolidWorks to isolate parts and review assemblies (training provided).
• Collaborate with engineers to simplify source material for non-expert readers.
• Create 2D diagrams and flow charts using Visio.
• Validate documents through SME reviews and maintain version control.

Skills

Technical writing

Clear writing for non-experts

Interviewing subject-matter experts

Attention to detail

Microsoft Word proficiency

SolidWorks navigation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication/Journ.

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Visio

SolidWorks

Job description

Requisition Number: 76284

The company built on breakthroughs. Join us.

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.

Come break through with us.

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry. This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Purpose

As a Technical Writer, you will create technical documentation that moves custom automation equipment from concept through supplier build and into plant deployment. Partnering closely with mechanical, controls, systems, and process engineers, you will turn complex technical information into clear, accurate documents that suppliers can build from, engineers can maintain from, and program teams can use to make decisions. This role requires the ability to write for a broad audience, not just engineers. You will communicate in clear, plain language that remains technically precise while being accessible to readers with a high school or community college reading level. Over time, you will develop a deeper understanding of common automation mechanisms and build the ability to independently reason through how systems work.

Key Responsibilities

• Author technical specifications for external suppliers, defining the required performance, functionality, design, and interface requirements for custom equipment.
• Author engineering manuals and reports that summarize the design, build, and test results of development and pilot production equipment.
• Interview engineers demonstrate apparatus, drawings, and 3D models, then capture and translate that information into clear, accurate documentation.
• Navigate 3D CAD models in SolidWorks to isolate parts, review assemblies, and create cross-sections. Training will be provided; you will not be expected to create or modify CAD models.
• Partner with engineers on highly technical content by reorganizing and simplifying source material for the intended audience.
• Create 2D block diagrams, flow diagrams, and concept sketches using Microsoft Visio.
• Validate documents through structured review with subject-matter experts, while maintaining version control and consistent formatting.

Education/Experiences- Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication, Journalism, Professional Writing, Science Writing, or English with a concentration in writing, rhetoric, or composition, with 2–4 years of professional writing experience; or a Master’s degree in one of these fields with 0–2 years of experience. Strong candidates from adjacent humanities or social science backgrounds may also be considered with a relevant portfolio.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly for non-expert readers without sacrificing technical accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to interview subject-matter experts and turn complex information into structured, readable documents.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word and comfort producing diagrams in Microsoft Visio or a similar tool.
• Curiosity about how mechanical, electrical, and software systems work, and willingness to learn enough about them to write about them accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Experiences - Desired

• Prior experience writing for industrial equipment, manufacturing systems, automation, or engineering hardware.
• Experience navigating 3D models in SolidWorks, or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with supplier-facing documents such as technical specifications, scopes of work, or RFQ packages.
• Willingness to learn and apply generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Copilot, to support drafting and editing.

Travel/Hours of Work

• Monday through Friday during standard business hours
• Up to 15% international travel, including occasional travel to supplier sites.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $68,723.00 - $94,495.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail].