Technical Writer – AUV & Systems Documentation

Vatn Systems; Bristol (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Vatn Systems in Bristol, VA seeks a dedicated technical writer to own documentation across the AUV systems integration and test lifecycle. Translate engineering input into clear, standardized user manuals, datasheets, and contract deliverables, ensuring audit-ready content for internal and external audiences.

Beyond producing/editing, you’ll build and refine templates, workflows, and tooling (Confluence, PLM, Google Drive) to keep information accurate and current from prototype to production,

Qualifications

• Excellent written communication translating complex technical content for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong editing and proofreading to enforce consistent style and format.
• 2–5 years of technical writing experience preferred; exceptional recent graduates considered.
• Technical background such as engineering or technical communication, or equivalent experience.
• Self-directed and able to establish structure in a fast-paced environment; prioritize multiple efforts.
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and system diagrams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word), Google Drive, and Confluence.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Produce clear, standardized external-facing documentation (user manuals, datasheets, contract deliverables).
• Develop and organize internal docs: SOPs, work instructions, test plans, design descriptions, ICDs, baselines, notes.
• Provide final editorial pass on engineer content: structure, style, formatting.
• Maintain consistency of docs across the organization and branding.
• Improve processes, templates, and tooling (Confluence, SharePoint, PLM, Google Drive).
• Keep docs current as designs evolve with version control and traceability.
• Coordinate with engineers to extract accurate technical detail.
• Ensure proper document markings and handling of sensitive data.
• Support reviews: TRRs, design reviews, post-test reports, etc.
• Assist proposals with white papers and capability statements.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Editing and proofreading

Technical writing experience

Technical background in engineering

Self-directed and organized

Ability to work with engineers

Education

Engineering or technical communication degree

Tools

Confluence

Google Drive

Microsoft Word

PLM

Job description

Vatn Systems in Bristol, VA seeks a dedicated technical writer to own documentation across the AUV systems integration and test lifecycle. Translate engineering input into clear, standardized user manuals, datasheets, and contract deliverables, ensuring audit-ready content for internal and external audiences.

Beyond producing/editing, you’ll build and refine templates, workflows, and tooling (Confluence, PLM, Google Drive) to keep information accurate and current from prototype to production,