Technical Writer

Allen Control Systems; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

A cutting-edge defense startup is seeking an experienced Technical Writer to develop and maintain technical documentation for their autonomous counter-drone system. This position entails translating complex technical concepts into clear documentation, collaborating with engineers, and ensuring compliance with DoD standards. The ideal candidate will have 3-7 years of experience in technical writing, particularly in defense or robotics. The startup offers competitive salary and benefits, fostering an innovative atmosphere.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in technical writing, focused on defense, aerospace, or robotics.
• Experience managing technical illustrations and documentation.
• Familiarity with ITAR compliance and MIL-SPEC standards.

Responsibilities

• Gather and document technical information on the autonomous turret platform.
• Create and maintain operator manuals and technical documentation.
• Prepare deliverables compliant with contractual requirements.

Skills

Technical writing

Compliance with DoD standards

Technical documentation tools

Attention to detail

Tools

Adobe FrameMaker

MS Office Suite

Confluence

XML editors

Job description

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting‑edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced professionals.

With an engineering‑first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180 M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop have a real‑world impact.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Technical Writer to develop, organize, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for ACS’s autonomous counter‑drone system. This role requires a strong ability to translate complex engineering concepts across robotics, computer vision, and embedded control systems into clear, accurate, and compliant publications that support operators, field users, and government customers.

What You’ll Do:

• Work directly with ACS engineers and founders to gather and document technical information on the autonomous turret platform, including computer vision systems, control systems, robotics hardware, and embedded software.
• Create and maintain operator manuals, user guides, system integration documents, maintenance procedures, and safety documentation for ACS’s counter‑drone system.
• Develop government‑facing technical deliverables compliant with applicable DoD and MIL‑SPEC standards (e.g., MIL‑STD‑40051, S1000D, or applicable Technical Orders).
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to document hardware assembly, wiring, and maintenance procedures for the autonomous turret platform.
• Support proposal efforts and contract deliverables by producing technical narratives, SOWs, and program documentation for government customers.
• Manage document version control and maintain consistency across all publication types as the ACS product evolves rapidly.
• Prepare and submit documentation deliverables to government agencies and program offices, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and review timelines.

What You’ll Need:

• 3‑7 years of experience in technical writing, with at least some focus on defense, aerospace, robotics, or hardware systems.
• Start‑up exposure: comfortable working in a fast‑moving environment with limited process and high autonomy.
• Familiarity with DoD documentation standards, ITAR compliance requirements, and MIL‑SPEC writing guidelines (e.g., MIL‑STD‑40051, S1000D).
• Experience managing technical illustrations, system diagrams, and schematics within documentation for complex hardware or electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in documentation tools (Adobe FrameMaker, MS Office Suite, Confluence, XML editors).
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deliverables in a fast‑paced environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1