Technical Writer

Avantus Federal; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking a Technical Writer to provide direct IT communications support to the FHWA's Office of IT Services. You will develop clear documentation, agency notices, SOPs, user guides, and FAQs, ensuring accessibility and alignment with Section 508 standards.

You will collaborate with IT project teams and leadership, translating technical content for non-technical audiences and delivering under tight timelines. Hybrid work with on-site DOT HQ in Washington, DC is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of technical writing experience.
• Experience producing Section 508-conformant documents.
• Experience writing procedural documentation (SOPs, user guides, job aids) for IT systems.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Public Trust.
• Hybrid position with possible on-site presence at U.S. DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and format agency-wide IT communications, including notices and announcements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, user guides, job aids, checklists, and FAQs in FHWA formats.
• Maintain SDLC documentation and control-gate artifacts and upload to repository.
• Create announcements, flyers, and slide decks for IT Office Hours and leadership.
• Ensure all deliverables conform to Section 508.
• Advise FHWA staff on accessible documents.
• Review intranet, SharePoint, and Google Sites for accuracy, usability, accessibility.
• Support change management communications by tracking drafts through reviews.
• Maintain a documentation status tracker and templates library.
• Gather information from subject matter experts at meetings and trainings.
• Capture user questions and feedback to improve future communications.

Skills

Technical writing

Section 508 compliance

SOPs and user guides

Google Workspace / Microsoft 365

Public Trust eligibility

Hybrid work arrangement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is looking for a Technical Writer. This is is an excellent opportunity to provide direct technical writing and communications support to the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Information Technology Services (OITS). You will develop clear, accessible IT communications and documentation, including agency-wide IT notices, SOPs, user guides, job aids, FAQs, and presentations.

You will work hand in hand with IT project teams and leadership, translating technical content for non-technical audiences, often on short timelines. Every product you deliver must conform to Section 508 accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and format agency-wide IT communications, including advance notices, outage and upgrade notices, and change announcements.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), user guides, job aids, checklists, and FAQs in FHWA's standard formats.
• Develop and maintain SDLC documentation and control-gate artifacts (requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance), and make sure final versions are uploaded to the document repository.
• Create announcements, flyers, and slide decks for IT Office Hours and other outreach sessions and edit presentations for FHWA IT leaders.
• Make sure all deliverables conform to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (36 CFR Part 1194). Remediate Word/Google Docs, PowerPoint/Google Slides, and PDF files.
• Advise and coach FHWA staff on creating accessible documents.
• Review intranet, SharePoint, and Google Sites content for accuracy, usability, and accessibility, and recommend improvements.
• Support change management communications by tracking drafts through the review and approval chain and incorporating stakeholder feedback.
• Maintain a documentation status tracker and a library of templates.
• Gather information from subject matter experts by attending project meetings, trainings, and working sessions.
• Capture user questions and feedback from office hours and inquiries to identify recurring issues and improve future communications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 2 years of technical writing experience
• Experience producing Section 508-conformant documents
• Experience writing procedural documentation (e.g., SOPs, user guides, job aids) for IT systems or processes
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365 productivity applications
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Public Trust
• This is a hybrid position with potential regular on-site presence at U.S. DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Preferred Qualifications

• DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester certification
• Experience remediating PDFs with Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Experience applying federal plain-language guidelines (Plain Writing Act of 2010)
• Experience writing IT change management or release communications
• Experience supporting an enterprise IT platform migration (e.g., Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace)
• Experience authoring content in SharePoint or Google Sites
• Experience supporting a federal agency, preferably DOT
• Familiarity with responsible use of AI writing tools (e.g., Gemini, NotebookLM) in a federal environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $68,000 - $78,000USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.