Technical Writer-Editor II

PCI Productions, LLC; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

PCI Federal (PCIF) is seeking a Technical Writer-Editor II to transform engineering data and research into clear, accessible content. You will bridge technical experts with diverse audiences, manage the full document lifecycle, and ensure accuracy, style, and federal compliance.

The role requires collaboration with engineers and technical staff to distill complex concepts into compelling features, manuals, and reports, while maintaining rigorous QA and accessibility standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical writing or related field.
• 5–10 years of technical writing/editing experience.
• Experience with GPO and Chicago style guides.
• Strong English grammar and typography.

Responsibilities

• Develop content for magazines, manuals, and reports.
• Provide substantive editing and quality assurance.
• Verify technical accuracy via interviews and sources.
• Ensure compliance with GPO/Chicago style and 508.
• Manage full lifecycle of documents to publication.

Skills

Technical Writing

Substantive Editing

Fact-Checking

Style Guides

508 Compliance

Lifecycle Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Writing/English/Communications/Journalism

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Technical Writer-Editor II is responsible for the research, generation, and comprehensive editorial refinement of a wide range of materials, including magazine features, technical reports, and system documentation. This role serves as a critical bridge between technical experts and diverse audiences, transforming raw data, engineering jargon, and complex research into clear, authoritative, and accessible content. The Writer-Editor manages the full document lifecycle—from initial outline and subject matter interviews to final production—ensuring all materials meet the highest standards of accuracy, stylistic quality, and Federal compliance.

Position Summary

The Technical Writer-Editor II is responsible for the research, generation, and comprehensive editorial refinement of a wide range of materials, including magazine features, technical reports, and system documentation. This role serves as a critical bridge between technical experts and diverse audiences, transforming raw data, engineering jargon, and complex research into clear, authoritative, and accessible content. The Writer-Editor manages the full document lifecycle—from initial outline and subject matter interviews to final production—ensuring all materials meet the highest standards of accuracy, stylistic quality, and Federal compliance.

Job Description

• Content Development & Technical Writing: Research and write original content for magazines, newsletters, user manuals, and research documents. Collaborate closely with engineers, developers, and technical staff to distill complex concepts into concise narratives, feature articles, and guest editorials.
• Substantive Editing & Quality Assurance: Provide comprehensive editorial support across all production stages for both print and electronic formats. This includes substantive editing, rephrasing, and rewriting to improve logical flow, coherency, and organizational structure while correcting errors in grammar, spelling, and format.
• Technical Accuracy & Fact-Checking: Verify technical accuracy by drawing information from existing materials, conducting interviews, and attending conferences. Perform rigorous fact-checking, reference checking, and data verification to ensure all schematics and tables are seamlessly integrated with the text.
• Compliance & Style Management: Ensure all content adheres to the GPO Style Manual and the Chicago Manual of Style. Maintain strict compliance with Section 508 accessibility requirements and manage all necessary copyright and permission clearances.
• Lifecycle Management: Work independently to manage the full lifecycle of a document or article. Implement quality assurance protocols and version control, often navigating multiple edit cycles with various stakeholders to reach final publication.
  

Education And Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism, or a related scientific/technical field. An advanced degree or specialized training in editorial standards or transportation research is preferred.
• A minimum of 5–10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying major style guides (GPO and Chicago) and ensuring Section 508 compliance.
• Experience in the transportation sector, particularly highway and surface transportation research, is highly preferred.
• Expert-level Command: Superior mastery of English grammar, punctuation, and typography.
• Synthesis: Proven ability to translate engineering jargon into content suitable for both technical audiences and public transparency.
• Research: Skilled in conducting subject matter research and interviewing technical experts to generate original content.
• Detail Orientation: A meticulous eye for detail regarding formatting, referencing, and copyright compliance.
  

PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.
Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.