Technical Writer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking a Technical Writer to provide IT communications and documentation support for the Federal Highway Administration. You will translate technical content for non-technical audiences, ensuring 508 accessibility across Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, and Google Docs.

You will collaborate with IT project teams, develop SOPs, user guides, and job aids, and maintain a document library. Hybrid work with potential on-site presence at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of technical writing experience.
• Experience producing Section 508-conformant documents.
• Experience writing procedural documentation for IT systems or processes.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Public Trust.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and format agency-wide IT communications and notices.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, user guides, job aids, FAQs, and checklists.
• Maintain SDLC documentation and control-gate artifacts.
• Create announcements and slide decks for IT Office Hours.
• Remediate Section 508-compliant documents (Word/PowerPoint/PDF).
• Advise FHWA staff on accessible document creation.
• Review intranet and sites for accuracy and accessibility.
• Support change management communications and stakeholder feedback.

Skills

Technical writing

Section 508 compliance

Google Workspace / Microsoft 365

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

SharePoint

Google Sites

Job description

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).

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 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

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.

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.