Technical Writer – Robotics & Automation Documentation

Actalent; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Onsite workplace

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Technical Writer to develop customer-facing manuals, assembly instructions, SOPs, and maintenance procedures for complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems. The role involves interpreting engineering drawings, producing structured, user-friendly content, and collaborating with engineers in a manufacturing environment.

You will create visuals with SolidWorks Composer, manage multiple documentation projects, and ensure accuracy across large systems while adapting

Qualifications

• Proven technical writing experience, preferably supporting engineering, manufacturing, automation, or complex equipment.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and other technical subject matter experts.
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, easy-to-follow content for non-expert audiences.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience creating assembly instructions, repair manuals, and work instructions for technical products or systems.
• Comfort working around electrical cabinets and equipment operating at 200-500V to observe equipment and document related SOPs and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while communicating proactively about progress, questions, and risks.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous environment where processes and requirements may still be evolving.
• Strong general writing skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment, particularly with robotics, automated equipment, or automation systems.
• Proficiency with common office and publishing tools, including Microsoft Publisher.
• Familiarity with Jira or similar systems to manage documentation tasks and projects.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain customer-facing product manuals, assembly instructions, SOPs, and repair and maintenance procedures for complex equipment and systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other subject matter experts to gather detailed technical information and clarify requirements for documentation.
• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and technical documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness of written materials.
• Develop documentation in a structured, topic-based format, incorporating clear organization and logical information flow.
• Produce technical images and illustrations using tools such as SolidWorks Composer to visually support written instructions.
• Write operations and maintenance procedures for large, complex systems with restricted-access areas and safety considerations.
• Observe equipment operation to understand procedures and document SOPs and work instructions.
• Manage documentation assignments independently, including planning, prioritizing, and tracking progress across multiple projects.
• Proactively communicate questions, risks, and project updates to stakeholders for alignment and timely delivery.
• Adapt documentation to evolving processes and requirements in a changing environment.
• Ensure documentation is clear, concise, and understandable to users with varying technical expertise.
• Use Jira or similar systems to track documentation tasks and projects in manufacturing settings.

Skills

Technical writing

Strong written communication

Read engineering drawings

Structured authoring

Attention to detail

Manufacturing knowledge

Team collaboration

Tools

Jira

SolidWorks Composer

Microsoft Publisher

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Technical Writer to develop customer-facing manuals, assembly instructions, SOPs, and maintenance procedures for complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems. The role involves interpreting engineering drawings, producing structured, user-friendly content, and collaborating with engineers in a manufacturing environment.

You will create visuals with SolidWorks Composer, manage multiple documentation projects, and ensure accuracy across large systems while adapting