Technical Writer — Maritime Systems & Classified Docs

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a motivated Technical Writer to document cutting-edge programs and support navy integrated logistics products. You will distill complex engineering content into clear manuals, reports, and training materials, collaborating with engineers and project teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

The role requires writing and editing formal publications, strong English communication, and the ability to manage multiple technical projects

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in English or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of technical writing experience with a focus on systems or mission engineering, maritime systems or operations.
• Experience writing and editing formal publications and technical documents for organization, grammar, usage and clarity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a superior command of the English language.
• A proven ability to learn and understand complex topics quickly to convey them clearly and accurately.
• A proven ability to critically review and provide feedback during presentation and document reviews.
• A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with an eye for prioritization.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in structured authoring tools, such as Arbortext.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Hold an active Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Plan, create, and revise classified documents for our government partners from highly technical information.
• Develop, edit, refine and proofread technical materials for maritime systems.
• Develop, edit, refine and proofread technical and mission assessment reports.
• Input and format text, tables and graphics.
• Collaborate with engineers, artists, project managers and other partners to define project requirements and resolve content, production and scheduling issues.
• Interview subject matter experts to distill highly complex information into easy-to-understand materials.
• Ensure clarity and accuracy of complex technical documents.

Skills

Technical writing

Editing & proofreading

Interviewing SMEs

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Ability to learn complex topics

Education

Bachelor's degree in English or related technical discipline

Master's degree in English or related technical discipline

Tools

Arbortext

Microsoft Office

Cameo

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a motivated Technical Writer to document cutting-edge programs and support navy integrated logistics products. You will distill complex engineering content into clear manuals, reports, and training materials, collaborating with engineers and project teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

The role requires writing and editing formal publications, strong English communication, and the ability to manage multiple technical projects