Technical Writer

Darkblade Systems; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Medical insurance

Health Savings Account option

Flexible Spending

Vision insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holiday pay

Job summary

Darkblade Systems is seeking a Technical Writer to support a crucial customer environment in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The ideal candidate will have expertise in creating and maintaining technical documentation for software applications and operational procedures while collaborating closely with software developers and technical experts.

This full-time position requires an active Top Secret clearance. Key responsibilities include preparing user guides and technical manuals, ensuring accuracy and clarity in documentation, and maintaining a comprehensive documentation library.

Qualifications

• Experience creating technical documentation in support of software, systems, or technology-focused environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to gather information from multiple technical sources and produce clear, accurate documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and maintaining operations documentation, user guides, manuals, and technical publications.
• Transform technical information into clear and concise documentation.
• Support all phases of the documentation lifecycle.

Skills

Technical documentation creation

Communication skills

User guide development

Microsoft Office proficiency

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Technical Writing, Journalism, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Visio

Job description

Darkblade Systems, a CIS Secure company, is a trusted provider of specialized capabilities to priority programs within the defense and intelligence communities, delivering scientific, engineering, technical, operational support and training services. Darkblade strives to be a business that puts people first: clients, colleagues, employees, and teammates. Our cleared personnel are experts in the operationalization and deployment of new and emerging technologies.

Overview

We’re seeking a Technical Writer to support a mission‑critical customer environment in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The ideal candidate will have experience creating and maintaining technical documentation for software applications, operational procedures, user guides, and training materials while working closely with software developers, engineers, and technical subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and maintaining operations documentation, user guides, manuals, and technical publications.
• Gather technical information from developers, engineers, and subject matter experts and transform it into clear, concise documentation.
• Prepare and maintain operational procedures, technical manuals, user guides, and training materials.
• Maintain a current internal documentation library and ensure documentation remains accurate and up to date.
• Work directly with software developers and technical teams to produce quality documentation and training materials.
• Support all phases of the documentation lifecycle, including development, revision, publication, and maintenance.
• Prepare reports, responses, presentations, and briefings for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Coordinate document formatting, layout, and design.
• Research complex technical subject matter and organize information from multiple sources into documentation that is easily understood by a broad audience.
• Utilize Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and related tools to create and maintain documentation products.

Operating Hours and Expectations

• This position operates 100% onsite unless otherwise discussed and approved by the Program Manager and customer; work is conducted on a standard eight (8) hour schedule Monday - Friday.

Travel

• This position requires no travel.

Qualifications

Clearance

• Active Top Secret / SCI and Full Scope/Lifestyle Polygraph is required upon application for initial consideration. This position is not open for any clearance upgrades, reactivation, or sponsorship.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Technical Writing, Journalism, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Certification(s)

• Technical writing or documentation certifications are desirable but not required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience creating technical documentation in support of software, systems, or technology‑focused environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing user guides, technical manuals, standard operating procedures, technical publications, or training materials.
• Ability to gather information from multiple technical sources and produce clear, accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, or Federal Government programs.
• Familiarity with software development environments and technical documentation best practices.
• Experience working directly with software engineers, developers, system administrators, or other technical subject matter experts.
• Experience supporting configuration‑controlled documentation environments.

Benefits

Job Type: Full-time (onsite)
Pay Range: $90,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• Health Savings Account option
• Flexible Spending
• Vision insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Ancillary offerings (Hospital Indemnity, Accident, Critical Illness, Pet Insurance)
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday pay

CIS Secure is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.