Technical Writer and Illustrator

ADP, Inc.; Agoura Hills (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

BendPak is seeking a Technical Writer and Illustrator in California to convert complex technical data, engineering specs, and product drawings into precise, user-focused manuals and illustrations. You’ll collaborate with Product Development, Quality Control, Engineering, Sales and Marketing to craft installation and operation guides.

The ideal candidate applies ANSI Z535.6 standards, produces reusable content, and uses SolidWorks Composer and the Adobe Creative Suite to deliver accurate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in technical communication or related field preferred; a high school diploma with substantial experience considered.
• Minimum of three years in technical writing, copyediting, documentation review, and knowledge-repository development.
• Experience applying ANSI Z535.6 standards to consumer products, industrial equipment, or labeling projects.
• Experience in automotive equipment sector advantageous; professional certifications preferred.
• Excellent writing and editing skills across formats and audiences.
• CAD and 3D modeling: SolidWorks or SolidWorks Composer proficiency.
• Graphic design: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat).
• Office tools: Word, Excel, Outlook; PDF compilation/editing expertise.
• Engineering literacy: ability to read/interprete mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical drawings/instructions.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and convert technical data into clear, task-based manuals and illustrations.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA, Sales and Marketing to revise and design manuals.
• Apply ANSI Z535.6 standards to safety messages in manuals and collateral.
• Develop standardized templates, style guides, and publication policies.
• Manage documentation library and revision control; ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Translate technical data into high-quality visual illustrations and instructions.
• Produce Technical Service Bulletins and publish formal revisions.

Skills

Excellent writing

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Translating complex data

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication or related

High school diploma with significant relevant experience

Professional certifications (CTP/CPTC)

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Composer

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

InDesign

Acrobat

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually

BendPak is one of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle repair equipment, including automotive service lifts, parking lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, and other vehicle-service essentials. The BendPak family of brands is recognized worldwide for quality. Team members work in a fast-paced, challenging environment that rewards initiative, passion, and hard work. Many employees have built long-term careers with the company, advancing through the organization over more than twenty years. BendPak supports professional growth by giving employees latitude to guide their development and by offering competitive base pay, strong benefits, a positive work environment, and career-development opportunities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Technical Writer and Illustrator converts complex technical data, engineering specifications, product layouts, and drawings into clear, concise, task-based instructions and illustrations for end users. This position collaborates with Product Development, Quality Control, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to develop, revise, edit, and design comprehensive installation and operation manuals. The ideal candidate produces precise instructional content from primary source materials, applies ANSI Z535.6 standards, and works proficiently with word-processing and graphic-design software.

KEY DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Development, Graphic Design, and Compliance

• Analyze complex technical data, identify discrepancies, and recommend practical resolutions.
• Analyze and repair vendor sub-standard illustrations and/or diagrams.
• Write and revise technical publications while maximizing content reusability and efficiency.
• Apply ANSI Z535.6 standards to create appropriate section safety messages, embedded safety messages, and property-damage messages within user manuals and collateral materials.
• Improve existing documentation by analyzing engineering drawings, vendor sketches, service technician feedback, customer feedback, and physical product evaluations.
• Translate technical data and physical assemblies into high-quality visual illustrations and user-friendly instructions.
• Maintain and develop standardized templates, forms, style guides, and publication policies.

Collaboration and Library Management

• Partner with Engineering, Drafting, Customer Service, and Field Technicians to guarantee documentation accuracy, safety compliance, and completeness.
• Facilitate the document review lifecycle by proofreading draft materials, analyzing stakeholder feedback, and integrating approved redlines.
• Maintain the technical documentation library by securely storing, systematically organizing assets, and by following formal change-control procedures.
• Track compliance using revision logs, historical archives, and structured technical specification data.
• Adjust priorities as business needs, project requirements, and deadlines change.

Operational Support and Corporate Communication

• Create and distribute Technical Service Bulletins and formal revisions to communicate critical updates directly to service personnel and end users.
• Resolve documentation inquiries and product concerns raised by Engineering, Sales, and Customer Service.
• Manage technical publication projects independently, coordinate required inputs, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Complete other technical publication tasks as assigned by management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) in Technical Communication, English, Instructional Design, or a related discipline preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent combined with substantial relevant professional experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in technical writing, copyediting, documentation review, and knowledge-repository development.
• Proven experience applying ANSI Z535.6 standards to consumer products, industrial equipment, product manuals, or labeling projects.
• Experience in the automotive equipment sector is highly advantageous.
• Professional certifications (such as CTP or CPTC) are preferred.
• Excellent writing, grammatical, and editing skills across a range of formats and audiences.
• CAD and 3D Modeling: Proficient in SolidWorks or SolidWorks Composer.
• Graphic Design: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with emphasis on Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat.
• Office and Document Management: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with advanced skills in Adobe PDF compilation and editing tools.
• Engineering Literacy: Ability to read and interpret mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical drawings and instructions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Corporate Office

• Work primarily in a professional corporate office environment using computer systems and digital software.
• Sit for extended periods, walk, speak, and hear.
• Use close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and focus adjustment, when working with digital interfaces and evaluating technical materials.

On-Site Warehouse Evaluations

• Travel occasionally to off-site warehousing facilities to conduct product research and complete practical training.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to industrial noise, moving machinery, and regulated chemicals.
• Stand, squat, engage in repetitive motions, and safely lift or move objects weighing between 40 and 50 lbs. during hands-on product assessments.