Technical Writer-Editor II

People Technology And Processes; McLean, Washington (VA, District of Columbia); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

People Technology And Processes in McLean, VA is seeking a Technical Writer-Editor II to distill complex research into clear content for magazines, manuals, and reports. The role covers full lifecycle editing, fact-checking, and layout across print and digital formats.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 5–10 years of experience, with expertise in GPO and Chicago style guides and Section 508 compliance. Occasional support at FHWA HQ may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical writing/related field.
• 5-10 years of professional technical writing/editing/publishing experience.
• Expertise applying GPO and Chicago style and ensuring Section 508 compliance.

Responsibilities

• Research, generate, and edit magazine features, technical reports, and system documentation, transforming complex research into clear, accessible content.
• Research and write original content for magazines, newsletters, user manuals, and research documents, distilling complex concepts into narratives and articles.
• Provide editorial support across all production stages for print and electronic formats, including substantive editing and ensuring coherence and style.

Skills

Technical writing

Editing

Research

Content development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: (P) Mc Lean, Virginia - Mc Lean, VA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $39.69 - $34.69Hourly, Position Title: Technical Writer-Editor II

Location: Mc Lean, VA, (occasional support at FHWA HQ, Washington, DC)

Clearance required: Unclassified. Requires USDOT badge and favorable National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI, low risk / non-sensitive); E-Verify required

Responsibilities include (but is not limited to):

• Research, generate, and edit magazine features, technical reports, and system documentation, transforming complex research into clear, accessible content.
• Research and write original content for magazines, newsletters, user manuals, and research documents, collaborating with engineers and technical staff to distill complex concepts into narratives, feature articles, and guest editorials.
• Provide comprehensive editorial support across all production stages for print and electronic formats, including substantive editing, rephrasing, and rewriting for logical flow, coherency, and structure while correcting grammar, spelling, and format.
• Verify technical accuracy through existing materials, interviews, and conferences; perform rigorous fact checking, reference checking, and data verification so schematics and tables integrate seamlessly with the text.
• Ensure content adheres to the GPO Style Manual and Chicago Manual of Style, maintain Section 508 compliance, and manage copyright and permission clearances.
• Work independently to manage the full document lifecycle with quality assurance protocols and version control across multiple edit cycles.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Demonstrated expertise applying major style guides (GPO and Chicago) and ensuring Section 508 compliance.

Desired Qualifications:

• An advanced degree or specialized training in editorial standards or transportation research.
• Experience in the transportation sector, particularly highway and surface transportation research.