Technical Writer

Actalent; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Technical Writer to translate highly technical defense and aerospace information into clear, user-friendly documentation. You will collaborate with engineers, program teams, and publications to deliver manuals, IPBs, and IETMs that meet strict military and customer requirements.

The role focuses on maintaining accuracy, consistency, and traceability across documentation throughout the product lifecycle, with on-site collaboration in Sterling Heights, MI.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and maintaining complex technical documentation for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and system-level products.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and data packs to produce accurate publications.
• Proficiency with XML authoring tools and standards for IETMs.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise technical manuals, procedures, operating instructions, maintenance documentation, and IPBs for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and system-level products.
• Analyze drawings, data packs, schematics, and specs to develop accurate, complete, and compliant publications.
• Collaborate with engineers and program teams to gather information and validate content.
• Develop, format, and maintain IETMs using appropriate tools and standards.
• Review and coordinate technical illustrations to ensure correct representation and integration.
• Coordinate updates and version control across the product lifecycle.

Skills

XML authoring

Arbortext Epic Editor

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Defense aerospace writing

cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Arbortext Epic Editor

XML editor

Adobe Acrobat

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Technical Writer

This role focuses on creating and maintaining complex technical documentation that supports the operation, maintenance, repair, and marketing of defense- related products and systems. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering and program teams to transform highly technical information into clear, user-friendly documentation while ensuring strict compliance with customer requirements, military standards, and internal specifications. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge defense and aerospace programs and to develop deep expertise in technical publications and interactive electronic technical manuals.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise technical manuals, procedures, operating instructions, maintenance documentation, and illustrated parts breakdowns (IPBs) that support mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and system-level products.
• Analyze engineering drawings, technical data packages, schematics, and specifications to develop accurate, complete, and compliant technical publications.
• Collaborate with engineers, subject matter experts, and program teams to gather technical information, clarify requirements, and validate the accuracy of content.
• Support the development, formatting, and maintenance of Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) using appropriate authoring tools and standards.
• Review, evaluate, and coordinate technical illustrations and graphics to ensure they accurately represent the product and integrate correctly into technical publications.
• Coordinate updates, changes, and revisions to technical documents throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring version control and traceability.
• Participate in onsite and offsite validation and verification (V&V) activities to confirm that documentation accurately reflects the configuration and operation of the equipment.
• Provide project estimates related to documentation scope, schedule, and level of effort, and support planning activities for technical publication tasks.
• Support customer reviews, respond to questions related to technical publications, and incorporate customer feedback into documentation updates.
• Ensure all documentation complies with applicable military, government, customer, and company standards, including formatting, style, and content requirements.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Program Management, and Publications, to align documentation with program objectives and delivery milestones.
• Manage multiple documentation projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting established deadlines with minimal supervision.

Essential Skills

• Proven technical writing experience supporting mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or operator-level documentation in a complex engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience creating, revising, and maintaining complex technical documentation for highly technical products and systems.
• Ability to interpret and work from engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical data packages with a high degree of accuracy.
• Hands-on XML authoring experience using tools such as Arbortext Epic Editor or similar XML-based authoring software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for document creation, formatting, and collaboration.
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat Professional or equivalent electronic markup tools to review, annotate, and edit technical documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts in clear, concise, and structured documentation.
• Experience working within a defense, aerospace, or highly regulated environment, with familiarity in adhering to strict documentation standards.
• Ability to support Validation and Verification (V&V) activities and technical reviews, ensuring documentation accurately reflects system functionality and configuration.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills, with the ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and system-level concepts and how they integrate within complex products and systems.
• Ability to translate complex engineering information into clear, concise, and user-focused technical documentation suitable for various audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and completeness across all documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high quality and adherence to standards.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering, program management, and publications teams in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while proactively seeking clarification and feedback when needed.
• Interest in long-term career growth within the aerospace and defense industry, including exposure to technical publications, IETMs, and military documentation standards.
• Motivation to take ownership of documentation projects and contribute to continuous improvement of technical publication processes.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office-centered technical documentation environment that emphasizes collaboration and precision. You will work closely with Engineering, Program Management, Publications, and customer stakeholders, often coordinating across multiple sites and geographic locations. The position involves primarily computer-based work using XML authoring tools, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and other electronic documentation systems. You may occasionally participate in onsite validation activities, customer interactions, and review meetings to verify documentation against actual systems and configurations. The environment supports a collaborative culture with opportunities for project ownership, leadership, and long-term growth within the aerospace and defense sector, as you contribute to cutting-edge defense and military programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&DD for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.