Technical Writer

KBR, Inc.; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

KBR is seeking an experienced Technical Writer specializing in Army technical publications to support mission-critical programs. The role requires delivering compliant documentation and collaborating with engineers, logisticians, and government stakeholders, with up to 25% travel.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on Army publication development, experience with MIL-STD standards, IETMs, and structured authoring tools (IADS, Arbortext). A DoD clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience developing U.S. Army technical publications per MIL-STD requirements.
• Proven ability to produce maintenance manuals and operator manuals and logistics docs.
• Experience with IETMs using IADS or equivalent systems.
• Arbortext or similar structured authoring tools experience.
• Knowledge of XML/SGML-based authoring for technical manuals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, edit, and maintain Army publications per standards (MIL-STD).
• Produce and update maintenance and operator manuals and provisioning docs.
• Use IADS to develop Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs).
• Collaborate with engineers, program managers, SMEs, and government representatives.
• Translate complex technical data into clear documentation for soldiers and maintainers.
• Manage document lifecycle, version control, and contract data requirements (CDRLs).
• Travel up to 25% for fielding activities.

Skills

Army publications experience

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, or related field

Tools

IADS

Arbortext

XML/SGML authoring

Job description

Title:

Technical Writer

Program Summary

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.

Job Summary

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

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.