Technical Writer - Automotive/Mechanical

Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.; Oshkosh (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Oshkosh Defense seeks a Technical Writer to develop and edit operation manuals, service manuals, and kit instructions for vehicles and related components. The role requires translating complex mechanical and vehicle information into clear, step-by-step maintenance instructions and collaborating with engineering, service, and suppliers to validate data.

Preferred candidates have automotive or heavy equipment knowledge, strong communication skills, and proficiency with publishing tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two (2) or more years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Internal candidates may be considered with fewer years if demonstrated high performance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze new products to identify manual requirements.
• Translate mechanical and vehicle information into clear operation and maintenance instructions.
• Coordinate with engineering, service, marketing, and suppliers to validate information.
• Develop, write, and revise operation/service manuals and kit instructions using publishing tools.
• Upload manuals into Windchill and create Change Notices for release.
• Review Change Notices and ensure on-schedule delivery.
• Coordinate copy proofing before release.
• Develop instructions for accessory and service kits.

Skills

Automotive knowledge

Vehicle systems

Communication skills

Customer focus

Independence

Mechanical aptitude

Software tools

Office suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Windchill

Illustration software

Office software

Job description

About Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh companyOshkosh Defense stands behind those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. As an industry-leading tactical vehicle manufacturer, every day we strive to meet or exceed our customers' ever-changing needs with next generation defense technologies and advanced systems. We operate with unparalleled commitment to those who depend on our products and services worldwide to perform their missions.The Technical Writer role is responsible for developing, writing, and editing content for Operation and Service Manuals, Kit Instructions, and related technical publications in print or electronic media.This role is ideal for someone with strong automotive or vehicle mechanical knowledge who can translate complex technical information into clear, detailed service and maintenance instructions. Prior technical writing experience is valuable; however, strong hands-on mechanical and vehicle knowledge is especially important for success in this role.YOUR IMPACTThese duties are not meant to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned:Analyze new products and design changes to identify technical manual requirements.Translate mechanical, vehicle, and engineering information into clear, step-by-step instructions for operation, maintenance, assembly/disassembly, and repair.Coordinate meetings and activities as needed with engineering, service, marketing, and outside suppliers to gather, refine, and validate information to support assigned tasks and responsibilities.Collaborate with engineering, validation, training, and other technical stakeholders to gather and validate vehicle service information.Develop, write, and revise operation manual, service manual, kit instruction, and bulletin content using publishing and illustrating software, which adhere to documentation guidelines and templates.Read and interpret engineering drawings, models, bills of material, and other engineering design and manufacturing documentation as required.Upload manuals into Windchill and create Change Notices to release documentation to Online Express.Review applicable Change Notices (CNs) and determine actions needed.Ensure work is kept to schedule, style, and quality.Coordinate proofing of final copy prior to release.Develop instructions for accessory and service kits.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s Degree in a related field and two (2) or more years of relevant experience (equivalent to eight (8) years total in education and experience); or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.Note: Internal candidates may be considered for this role with fewer years of experience if they have demonstrated high performance in their current position for a minimum of one year, subject to approval by the appropriate skip-level manager and Human Resources.STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONSProfessional experience working with automotive, vehicle, heavy equipment, military vehicle, or related mechanical systems.Strong knowledge of vehicle systems, components, maintenance, repair, and assembly/disassembly.Comfort working extensively at a computer reviewing detailed technical information and developing written content.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to communicate with internal and external customers.Customer service oriented and quality focused.Ability to work independently or in a team atmosphere.Mechanical and spatial aptitude.Prior experience with engineering repository, technical authoring, or illustration software is a plus.Experience and proficiency with various web-based software applications including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.Self-starter, flexible, and highly organized with strong analytical skills.WORKING CONDITIONSThe following represents general working conditions for this office-based role. Specific conditions may vary depending on business needs and individual circumstances.This role is primarily performed in a professional office environment with standard lighting, ventilation, and temperature-controlled settings.Duties are largely sedentary, requiring extended periods of sitting and using a computer and telephone.Visual acuity to operate a computer and read documents is required, along with auditory ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings.Occasional movement within the office environment is necessary, including walking short distances, standing, or reaching for files.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.Pay Range:$64,500.00 - $103,500.00The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [e-mail] Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.