Technical Writer

ICF; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider seeking a Technical Writer to research, write, edit, and manage a wide range of technical materials. The role emphasizes translating complex engineering content into clear, accessible documents while ensuring FHWA compliance and rigorous editorial standards.

The position is remote within the United States, requiring collaboration with engineers and researchers and adherence to East Coast work hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in technical writing, English, communications, journalism, a scientific or technical discipline, or another related field. An advanced degree or specialized training in editorial standards or transportation research is preferred.
• 5-10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing. technical terminology and translate complex engineering or research information into clear content for technical and nontechnical audiences. Conducting subject matter research, interviewing technical experts, verifying facts and references, and ensuring technical accuracy.
• 5-10 years' experience in applying major style guides and editorial standards, including Section 508 compliance.

Responsibilities

• Content Development & Technical Writing: Research and write original content for feature articles, technical reports, white papers, newsletters, and other technical communications. Collaborate closely with engineers, researchers, developers, and other technical staff to translate complex concepts into clear, concise content.
• Substantive Editing & Quality Assurance: Provide comprehensive editorial support across all stages of production for print and electronic materials. Edit, rephrase, and rewrite content as needed to improve logical flow, coherence, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting.
• Technical Accuracy & Fact-Checking: Verify technical accuracy using existing materials, subject matter expert interviews, research, and other appropriate sources. Perform fact-checking, reference checking, and data verification and ensure tables, schematics, and other supporting information are accurately integrated with the text.
• Compliance & Style Management: Ensure content complies with applicable FHWA and federal requirements, including the GPO Style Manual, the Chicago Manual of Style, and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Manage copyright and permission clearances as needed.
• Document Lifecycle Management: Work independently to manage documents and articles from initial development through final publication. Maintain quality assurance and version control and navigate multiple review and revision cycles with technical experts and other stakeholders.

Skills

Technical Writing

Editing

Publishing

Fact-Checking

Interviews

Research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Description

The Technical Writer is responsible for research, technical writing, comprehensive editorial refinement, and project management of a wide range of materials, including feature articles, technical reports, white papers, and related communications products. This role translates technical jargon, data, and complex research into clear, authoritative, and accessible content for diverse audiences. The writer manages the full document lifecycle, from initial research and subject matter expert interviews through final production, ensuring technical accuracy, editorial quality, and compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements.

The Technical Writer is responsible for research, technical writing, comprehensive editorial refinement, and project management of a wide range of materials, including feature articles, technical reports, white papers, and related communications products. This role translates technical jargon, data, and complex research into clear, authoritative, and accessible content for diverse audiences. The writer manages the full document lifecycle, from initial research and subject matter expert interviews through final production, ensuring technical accuracy, editorial quality, and compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements.

Job Description

Content Development & Technical Writing: Research and write original content for feature articles, technical reports, white papers, newsletters, and other technical communications. Collaborate closely with engineers, researchers, developers, and other technical staff to translate complex concepts into clear, concise content.

Substantive Editing & Quality Assurance: Provide comprehensive editorial support across all stages of production for print and electronic materials. Edit, rephrase, and rewrite content as needed to improve logical flow, coherence, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting.

Technical Accuracy & Fact-Checking: Verify technical accuracy using existing materials, subject matter expert interviews, research, and other appropriate sources. Perform fact-checking, reference checking, and data verification and ensure tables, schematics, and other supporting information are accurately integrated with the text.

Compliance & Style Management: Ensure content complies with applicable FHWA and federal requirements, including the GPO Style Manual, the Chicago Manual of Style, and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Manage copyright and permission clearances as needed.

Document Lifecycle Management: Work independently to manage documents and articles from initial development through final publication. Maintain quality assurance and version control and navigate multiple review and revision cycles with technical experts and other stakeholders.

Location: Remote within the United States. Candidates must be available to work hours aligned with the client team on the East Coast.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in technical writing, English, communications, journalism, a scientific or technical discipline, or another related field. An advanced degree or specialized training in editorial standards or transportation research is preferred.
• 5-10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing. technical terminology and translate complex engineering or research information into clear content for technical and nontechnical audiences. Conducting subject matter research, interviewing technical experts, verifying facts and references, and ensuring technical accuracy.
• 5-10 years' experience in applying major style guides and editorial standards, including Section 508 compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Transportation Experience: Experience in transportation, highway, or surface transportation research is preferred but not required.
• Please take note this is a contingent position.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please [e-mail] we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

- There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$61,232.00 - $104,094.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)