Technical Writer I
Position Summary
The Technical Writer I supports the development and maintenance of technical documentation used across the organization, including operator manuals, parts catalogs, work instructions, training guides, and process documentation. This role works closely with engineering and operations teams to gather technical information and convert it into clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand materials for both internal and external users.
Primary Responsibilities
Documentation Development
- Create, update, and publish technical documents such as equipment manuals, parts documentation, work instructions, and training resources.
- Partner with engineering teams to collect and verify product and process information needed for documentation.
- Write content that follows company standards for structure, terminology, clarity, and consistency.
- Review existing documents and recommend updates to improve content, layout, formatting, and usability.
- Maintain organized records of revisions, version history, and archived documentation.
Technical Knowledge and Productivity
- Follow established document control procedures and revision standards.
- Maintain documentation systems and support overall information organization.
- Research product changes, manufacturing processes, and industry requirements to ensure documentation accuracy.
- Assist with the development of illustrations, diagrams, and visual references for technical materials.
- Stay informed on current software tools, publishing methods, and documentation best practices.
- Take photographs and collect visual references when needed for manuals and instructions.
- Help determine the best use of charts, drawings, sketches, and diagrams to improve user understanding.
- Apply relevant standards such as ISO and ANSI to both internal and customer-facing documentation.
- Support production teams by creating procedures, process instructions, and training materials.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by helping document internal processes.
- Ensure current revision documents are distributed promptly and outdated versions are removed from use.
- Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and business priorities.
Reliability and Professionalism
- Maintain dependable attendance and recognize the impact of absences on team operations and customer service.
- Complete assignments and project deadlines on time or earlier when possible.
- Respond to requests with flexibility, cooperation, and a team-focused attitude.
- Follow through on responsibilities and consistently meet commitments.
- Provide support and assistance to coworkers when needed.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all workplace safety rules, policies, and procedures.
- Support and practice SAFESTART principles in daily work activities.
- Promote accountability by addressing unsafe conditions or behaviors when observed.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
- Associate degree from a two-year college or technical school, plus at least one (1) year of experience in a manufacturing environment or related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across multiple departments
- Ability to present technical information clearly to different audiences
- Strong analytical thinking and practical problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in situations with changing variables and limited standardization
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and safety documentation
- Ability to create clear work instructions, technical procedures, and maintenance documentation
- Ability to work independently while following established documentation standards and formatting guidelines
- Basic math skills including percentages, ratios, fractions, proportions, and units of measurement
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or Adobe design software
- Familiarity with SolidWorks and SolidWorks Composer
- Experience supporting technical documentation in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to work successfully both independently and within a collaborative team setting
