Technical Writer Senior

Horizontal Talent; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent seeks a technical writer to translate complex engineering information into clear documentation supporting product marketing, operation, maintenance, and repair. Collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams on detailed technical content for defense-related applications.

Responsibilities include creating operating procedures, maintenance instructions, troubleshooting content, and illustrated parts breakdowns while ensuring compliance with standards and government

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience in mechanical, electrical, or operator technical writing.
• Knowledge of interactive electronic technical manuals and related development processes.
• Content management system experience.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise detailed technical documents such as operating procedures, maintenance instructions, troubleshooting content, illustrated parts breakdowns, proposals, marketing materials, and related technical publications.
• Ensure all documentation aligns with applicable company standards, customer requirements, government specifications, and language usage principles.
• Work closely with engineering teams to interpret technical drawings, system data, and equipment details for accurate documentation.
• Review illustrations and graphics to determine how they should be used in technical materials, and request updates or new artwork when needed.
• Support project planning by helping estimate time and cost for documentation efforts.
• Participate in content reviews and validation activities, both onsite and offsite, to ensure accuracy and usability.
• Contribute to the design, formatting, and style of technical documentation.
• May lead smaller technical writing assignments or specific portions of larger projects.
• May assist with testing activities related to interactive electronic technical manuals.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry practices, tools, and documentation methods while supporting a safe and compliant work environment.

Skills

Technical writing

Hydraulics

Mechanics

Electronics

Systems operations

Engineering drawings

XML authoring

Arbortext Epic Editor

Oxygen

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

MS Access

PDF markup

Communication

Collaboration

Time management

Defense industry experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline

Tools

XML authoring tools

Arbortext Epic Editor

Oxygen XML Editor

Job description

Step into a technical writing role where your ability to translate complex engineering information into clear, usable documentation will directly support product marketing, operation, maintenance, and repair. This opportunity offers the chance to work on detailed technical content, collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams, and contribute to high-quality documentation used across a range of technical and defense-related applications.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise detailed technical documents such as operating procedures, maintenance instructions, troubleshooting content, illustrated parts breakdowns, proposals, marketing materials, and related technical publications.
• Ensure all documentation aligns with applicable company standards, customer requirements, government specifications, and language usage principles.
• Work closely with engineering teams to interpret technical drawings, system data, and equipment details for accurate documentation.
• Review illustrations and graphics to determine how they should be used in technical materials, and request updates or new artwork when needed.
• Support project planning by helping estimate time and cost for documentation efforts.
• Participate in content reviews and validation activities, both onsite and offsite, to ensure accuracy and usability.
• Contribute to the design, formatting, and style of technical documentation.
• May lead smaller technical writing assignments or specific portions of larger projects.
• May assist with testing activities related to interactive electronic technical manuals.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry practices, tools, and documentation methods while supporting a safe and compliant work environment.

Skills

• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to create clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation.
• Working knowledge of hydraulics, mechanics, electronics, and system operations.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical terminology, and complex system information.
• Experience using publishing or page production software, including XML authoring tools such as Arbortext Epic Editor or Oxygen.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Access is a plus.
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat Professional or similar PDF markup tools.
• Strong attention to detail, concentration, and command of written English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams across multiple locations.
• Ability to manage work on time and within budget while maintaining quality standards.

Preferred Skills

• Defense industry experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with additional relevant experience.
• Experience in mechanical, electrical, or operator technical writing.
• Knowledge of interactive electronic technical manuals and related development processes.
• Validation, verification, or on-vehicle experience.
• Content management system experience.
• Customer-facing experience and the ability to support technical discussions with clients.
• Familiarity with relevant military and commercial standards.
• Ability to contribute to problem-solving discussions and provide guidance within a team environment.

Horizontal is committed to building an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and welcome individuals who bring unique experiences, ideas, and approaches to the team.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.