Technical Writer

Plastic Executive Recruiters; Midland (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned technical recruiting firm is seeking a Technical Writer for a 6-month contract that may lead to a full-time position. The role involves creating user-friendly manuals and documentation for complex industrial machinery while requiring 1-2 weeks of on-site travel for hands-on experience. Ideal candidates must have over 3 years of technical writing experience in an industrial setting and proficiency with tools like MadCap Flare and Adobe FrameMaker. This opportunity is both high-impact and growth-oriented.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in technical writing, particularly for industrial machinery.
• Flexibility to travel for up to 2 weeks to gather technical requirements.
• Proficient in reading blueprints and engineering specifications.

Responsibilities

• Visit the facility to gather information and interview engineers.
• Develop comprehensive user manuals and installation guides.
• Organize technical information for various end-users.

Skills

Technical writing for industrial machinery

Exceptional interviewing skills

Ability to read blueprints and CAD drawings

Tools

MadCap Flare

Adobe FrameMaker

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Title: Technical Writer (Contract-to-Hire)

Location: Remote (with required travel for site visits) - Office location Midland MI

Duration: 6-Month Contract (Potential for conversion to Full-Time)

Travel: 1–2 weeks on-site per project/cycle; 1–3 weeks remote

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Technical Writer to translate complex machinery and industrial processes into clear, user-friendly documentation. You will be responsible for creating comprehensive product manuals and operation instructions for our machinery.

This role offers a unique hybrid workflow: you will spend 1–2 weeks on-site at our facility to get hands‑on with the machines and interview subject matter experts, followed by 1–3 weeks working remotely to draft and finalize the documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• On‑Site Discovery: Visit our facility to observe machine operations, photograph components, and conduct interviews with engineers and product managers.
• Manual Creation: Develop end‑to‑end user manuals, installation guides, and maintenance instructions for complex industrial equipment.
• Information Architecture: Organize technical information into logical, easy‑to‑navigate formats for a variety of end‑users (operators, technicians, and engineers).
• Visual Documentation: Collaborate with designers or use your own skills to integrate diagrams, CAD drawings, and photos into manuals.
• Standardization: Ensure all documentation adheres to company branding, safety compliance standards (ISO/ANSI), and style guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in technical writing, specifically for industrial machinery, hardware, or manufacturing.
• Travel Flexibility: Ability to travel and stay on‑site for up to 2 weeks at a time to gather technical requirements.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with industry‑standard tools such as MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, or Microsoft Word/Publisher, and basic image editing software.
• Technical Literacy: Ability to read blueprints, CAD drawings, or engineering specifications.
• Communication: Exceptional interviewing skills to extract knowledge from busy technical experts.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with DITA/XML or structured authoring.
• Knowledge of safety labeling and compliance requirements for heavy machinery.
• Background in mechanical or electrical engineering.

Why Join Us?

This is a high‑impact role where you will be the bridge between our engineering team and our global customers. While this starts as a 6-month contract, we are looking for a long‑term partner and hope to transition this role into a permanent, full‑time position based on performance and project needs.