Technical Writer

Short Partners LLC; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Short Partners LLC seeks a detail-oriented Technical Writer to create and maintain manufacturing work instructions, customer-facing manuals, and technical bulletins. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales and Marketing, and spend time on the production floor to ensure accuracy and currency.

The role involves updating documentation for engineering changes, developing training materials, and maintaining revision control within the document system, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred in Technical Writing or related field.
• 3+ years of technical writing, documentation, or engineering-support experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with implementation and maintenance of document control systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with quality management, ERP, or engineering change systems is a plus.
• Self-motivated, with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain manufacturing work instructions, SOPs, and process procedures.
• Develop installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting manuals and bulletins.
• Update documentation to reflect engineering changes and new product introductions.
• Develop work aids and training materials for onboarding and development.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Marketing to gather information.
• Create and revise technical documentation within the document control system and coordinate updates.
• Identify opportunities to standardize and improve documentation as part of QMS initiatives.

Skills

Technical Writing

Manufacturing Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Communication

Project Management

Computer Skills

Visual Communication

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing or related field

Tools

Document Management Systems

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented Technical Writer to create and maintain the technical documentation that keeps manufacturing, engineering, quality, sales, and their customers aligned. Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role writes and updates manufacturing work instructions, customer-facing manuals, and technical bulletins, working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Technical Services, Sales, and Marketing to keep information clear, accurate, and current. In addition, the successful candidate will spend regular time on the production floor. The role may also evolve as business needs develop.

Responsibilities

• Work Instructions & SOPs: Write and maintain manufacturing work instructions, SOPs, and process procedures that support quality and production consistency.
• Customer & Technical Publications: Develop installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting manuals, plus technical service and dealer bulletins.
• Engineering Change Support: Update documentation to reflect engineering changes, product improvements, and new product introductions.
• Training Materials: Develop work aids, assemble references and training materials for onboarding and ongoing development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Marketing to gather information and produce accurate documentation, including sales literature and installation guides as needed.
• Documentation Maintenance: Create and revise technical documentation within the company's document control system, managing revision control and coordinating updates with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Managers.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to standardize and improve documentation, supporting broader QMS initiatives.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Technical Writing: Produces clear, accurate documentation for manufacturing personnel and customers alike.
• Manufacturing & Technical Knowledge: Understands manufacturing processes, assembly methods, engineering drawings, bills of material, and mechanical/electrical products.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains strong focus on accuracy and consistency across documentation.
• Communication: Translates technical concepts into clear, user-friendly writing.
• Project Management: Manages multiple documentation projects and shifting deadlines.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office and document-management systems.
• Visual Communication: Experience with photos, illustrations, and diagrams a plus.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred. Degrees in English or Communications will be considered with manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years of technical writing, documentation, or engineering-support experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with implementation and maintenance of document control systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with quality management, ERP, or engineering change systems is a plus.
• Self-motivated, with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.