Technical Writer/ Automation Technician

Actalent; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Actalent in Waterloo, IA is seeking a Technical Writer to produce clear operating and service manuals for complex OEM equipment. You’ll work from existing manuals and reference books, updating content for new pumps, upgrades and prototype products before market release.

You will disassemble and reassemble equipment to understand mechanisms and translate hands-on knowledge into straightforward instructions. Collaborate with technicians and engineers, use MS Office, and maintain organized

Qualifications

• Experience writing operating and service manuals for OEM equipment.
• Ability to translate technical details into clear instructions.
• Ability to update manuals reflecting pumps, upgrades, prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Create and update operating and service manuals for OEM equipment.
• Incorporate new components, pumps, and upgrades into existing documentation.
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment to verify mechanisms.
• Translate complex technical content into clear, user-friendly instructions.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency with product design and engineering specs.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers to verify procedures.
• Document new prototype products before market release.
• Use Microsoft Office to draft, edit, format, finalize manuals.
• Maintain organized documentation structure for updates.
• Support continuous improvement of documentation standards.

Skills

Technical writing

Documentation

MS Office

Mechanical understanding

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description
This role focuses on creating clear, accurate operating and service manuals for complex OEM equipment. Instead of starting from a blank page, you work from existing manuals and reference books, updating content to reflect new pumps, upgrades, and prototype products before they reach the market. You actively disassemble and reassemble equipment to understand how it works and then translate that hands‑on knowledge into straightforward, user‑friendly instructions.

Job Title: Technical Writer

Job DescriptionThis role focuses on creating clear, accurate operating and service manuals for complex OEM equipment. Instead of starting from a blank page, you work from existing manuals and reference books, updating content to reflect new pumps, upgrades, and prototype products before they reach the market. You actively disassemble and reassemble equipment to understand how it works and then translate that hands‑on knowledge into straightforward, user‑friendly instructions.

Responsibilities

• Create and update operating manuals and service manuals for OEM equipment and related products.
• Use existing manuals and reference books as a foundation, inserting new components, pumps, and upgrades into current documentation.
• Disassemble and reassemble products to gain a deep understanding of their mechanical and functional details.
• Translate complex technical and mechanical information into simple, clear, and concise instructions.
• Ensure all written content is accurate, consistent, and aligned with product design and engineering specifications.
• Collaborate closely with technicians, engineers, and other technical staff to verify procedures and technical details.
• Document new prototype products and equipment before they are released to the market.
• Use Microsoft Office tools to draft, edit, format, and finalize manuals and related documentation.
• Maintain an organized documentation structure so updates and revisions can be efficiently implemented.
• Support continuous improvement of documentation standards, templates, and processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waterloo, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Waterloo,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.