Technical Writer

KBR Careers; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

KBR’s Defense & Technology Solutions (DTS) is seeking an experienced Technical Writer to develop and revise Army technical publications, including maintenance and operator manuals, and IETMs. This role requires collaboration with engineers, logisticians, and government stakeholders to ensure compliance with MIL-STD and Army publishing standards.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of Army publication experience, Arbortext/IADS proficiency, and the ability to translate complex technical data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience developing U.S. Army technical publications.
• Working knowledge of Army publication standards, including MIL-STD-40051 and related TM/IETM guidance.
• Experience developing or maintaining IETMs using tools such as IADS or equivalent systems.
• Hands-on experience with Arbortext or similar structured authoring tools.
• Working knowledge of XML/SGML-based authoring used for technical publications and IETM development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and technical publishing tools.
• Strong understanding of document control, versioning, and configuration management processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (if required).

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, edit, and maintain technical publications in accordance with Army standards (MIL-STD, TM development, IETMs).
• Produce and update maintenance manuals, operator manuals, provisioning documentation, and other logistics materials.
• Utilize IADS or similar tools to develop and manage IETMs.
• Collaborate with engineers, program managers, SMEs, and government representatives to gather and validate technical data.
• Translate complex engineering information into clear, user-friendly documentation for Soldiers and maintainers.
• Update legacy documents to reflect system changes, ECPs, and field feedback.
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, Army publishing standards, and configuration management processes.
• Support QA/QC reviews and participate in document validation/verification efforts (including IETM validation).
• Manage document lifecycle, version control, and timely delivery of CDRLs.
• Travel up to 25% to support on-site reviews, provisioning events, testing, validation, and fielding activities.

Skills

Technical Writing

Army publications

IETMs

Arbortext

XML/SGML

Documentation management

MS Office

Team collaboration

DoD security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing

Tools

IADS

Arbortext Editor/Styler

XML/SGML authoring tools

Job description

Technical Writer Program Summary KBR’s Defense & Technology Solutions (DTS) business unit

KBR’s Defense & Technology Solutions (DTS) business unit combines mission expertise with advanced digital technologies to deliver mission success at scale. We integrate and modernize defense systems across air, land, sea, space, and cyber/data domains, providing digital engineering & integration, rapid prototyping, mission operations, advanced data analytics and AI, test & evaluation, and secure logistics. As a trusted national security partner, DTS supports the U.S. Department of Defense and global government customers with innovative, technology-led solutions that enhance readiness, resilience, and operational advantage worldwide.

KBR is seeking an experienced Technical Writer with a strong background in U.S. Army technical publications to support mission-critical programs. This role requires a professional who can immediately contribute with minimal oversight, develop and revise complex technical documentation, and ensure compliance with Army standards and program requirements. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Army publication development (including maintenance manuals, technical manuals, and logistics documentation) and is comfortable collaborating directly with engineers, logisticians, and government stakeholders.

This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% in support of fielding activities, data collection, and customer engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop, write, edit, and maintain technical publications in accordance with applicable Army standards (e.g., MIL-STD, TM development requirements, IETMs, etc.).
• Produce and update maintenance manuals, operator manuals, provisioning documentation, and other logistics support materials.
• Utilize Interactive Authoring and Display System (IADS) or similar tools to develop and manage Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs).
• Work directly with engineers, program managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and government representatives to gather and validate technical data.
• Translate complex engineering and system information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation for Soldiers and maintainers.
• Perform updates and revisions to legacy documents to reflect system changes, ECPs, and field feedback.
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, Army publishing standards, and configuration management processes.
• Support QA/QC reviews and participate in document validation/verification efforts, including IETM validation.
• Manage document lifecycle, version control, and timely delivery of contract data requirements (CDRLs).
• Travel up to 25% to support on-site reviews, provisioning events, testing, validation, and fielding activities.
• Support QA/QC reviews and participate in document validation/verification efforts, including IETM validation.
• Travel up to 25% to support on-site reviews, provisioning events, testing, validation, and fielding activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience developing U.S. Army technical publications.
• Working knowledge of Army publication standards, including MIL-STD-40051 and related TM/IETM guidance.
• Experience developing or maintaining Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) using tools such as IADS (Interactive Authoring and Display System) or equivalent systems.
• Hands-on experience with Arbortext or similar structured authoring tools.
• Working knowledge of XML/SGML-based authoring used for technical publications and IETM development.
• Proven ability to produce maintenance manuals, operator manuals, or similar defense-related technical documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and technical publishing tools.
• Strong understanding of document control, versioning, and configuration management processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (if required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Army watercraft systems, including Landing Craft Utility (LCU) or similar platforms.
• Advanced experience with IADS, including publishing, validation, and troubleshooting IETMs.
• Proficiency with Arbortext Editor/Styler or other structured authoring environments in a production setting.
• Strong working knowledge of XML/SGML schemas, tagging, and data module structures used in Army technical manuals.
• Experience supporting MIL-STD compliant deliverables through full lifecycle development and updates.
• Familiarity with LSA/LSAR data, provisioning, and logistics product development.
• Experience participating in or leading Validation and Verification (V&V) events with government customers.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

KBR — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World. KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives.

ONE KBR Values

• We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.
• We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
• We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business.
• We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed.
• We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company.
• We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function.

Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.