Technical Writer

Title: Technical Writer 

Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Duration: 09+ Months

Position Description
Creates and revises complex technical documentation to support the marketing, operation, repair, and maintenance of company products. Ensures documents conform to company and government standards, specifications, and language usage principles.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating and revising technical documentation using state-of-the-art publishing software, including product descriptions, detailed functional descriptions, operating procedures, fault isolation, maintenance and repair procedures, illustrated parts breakdown (IPB), miscellaneous reports, proposals, marketing literature, or other technical documentation pertaining to company products.
• Ensuring compliance with customer requirements, government specifications, engineering standards, and language usage principles.
• Researching and consulting with engineering staff on systems and equipment to create and revise technical documentation.
• Analyzing and interpreting engineering drawings and other technical data to translate information into technical documentation.
• Assisting project writers with validating written procedures for equipment.
• Evaluating illustrations and graphics to determine the best way to utilize them within the documentation and requesting the creation of new illustrations/graphics or changes to existing ones.
• Participating in evaluating project requirements by providing input into time and cost estimates.
• Assisting with the overall design of technical documentation by providing input on format and style.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, practices, and applications.
• Ensuring a safe work environment and compliance with safety objectives and policies.

Skills Required

• Working knowledge of hydraulics, mechanics, electronics, and system operations to write technical documentation.
• Proficiency in publication software.
• Ability to understand and translate engineering designs into understandable language for non-engineers while maintaining the intended meaning.
• Ability to write technical documentation of limited scope and complexity.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage in discussions with cross-functional team members and provide guidance.
• Ability to ensure documents are produced on time.
• Strong attention to detail and command of the English language.
• XML Authoring Tool Experience (e.g., Arbortext Epic Editor and Oxygen software).
• Proficiency in MS Office Tools/Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint required; Access a plus).
• Expertise in Adobe Acrobat Professional PDF Software or similar electronic markup tools for illustration markups.
• Mechanical/Electrical/Operator Technical Writer Experience/Knowledge, preferably in the defense industry.
• Experience in validation/verification, with on-vehicle experience considered a plus.
• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) is a plus.
• Strong customer interaction and customer service skills (some positions involve direct customer interface representing BAE Systems).
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team in several physical locations.
• Basic understanding of interactive electronic technical manual functionality, development processes, and markup languages is preferred.
• Familiarity with relevant military and commercial standards.
• Certain positions may require specialized technical knowledge.

Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus 2 additional years of relevant experience.

Experience Preferred

• Defense Industry experience.
• Automotive Industry experience.

Education Required

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus 2 additional years of relevant experience.