Job Description
Job Description
Title: Technical Writer
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people—we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. We know that great organizations are built by extraordinary teams. That's why we invest in your professional growth, offering robust training programs, leadership development opportunities, and a clear pathway for advancement. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact.
Role Summary:
The Technical Writer leads the creation, organization, and standardization of all technical publications, work instructions, and product manuals across our unmanned systems portfolio— including the Z1 platform and future products. This role will be the owner and primary implementer of MadCap Flare, responsible for transitioning all existing content and establishing a scalable Tech Pubs ecosystem.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Technical Publications & Documentation Development.
- Create, update, and maintain Work Instructions (WIs), Maintenance Manuals, Operator Manuals, Technical system documentation for the Z1 platform and other unmanned products.
- Translate engineering, manufacturing, and testing data into clear, accurate, audience-appropriate documentation.
- Collaborate with engineering, programs, operations, and flight-test teams to capture source information.
- Lead end-to-end implementation and configuration of MadCap Flare.
- Migrate all existing documentation and WIs into Flare.
- Establish templates, style guides, reusable content, and publication workflows.
- Train users and act as internal SME for all Tech Pubs tooling.
- Develop Heven Aerotech's Technical Publications strategy aligned with product, regulatory, and customer needs.
- Define and document the process for: Creating, reviewing, and approving work instructions, Producing and releasing technical manuals, Maintaining version control and traceability.
- Create internal standards aligned with aerospace and technical writing best practices.
- Produce documentation aligned with emerging ISO 9001 and AS9100 expectations (formal certifications not yet implemented).
- Apply industry-standard technical writing methodologies and controlled-document practices.
- Ensure all content meets export control and safety requirements.
- Work closely with SMEs across engineering, program management, and flight test.
- Participate in design reviews, product testing, and operations as needed to gather accurate information.
- Support customer-facing teams with high-quality, mission-ready documentation.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in English, writing, literature or equivalent
- 7+ years experience as a Technical Writer, with at least 3–5 years in a lead capacity
- Direct, hands-on experience with MadCap Flare (implementation experience strongly preferred).
- Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, unmanned systems, or similarly complex hardware/software products.
- Experience developing: Work instructions, Operator and maintenance manuals, Technical manufacturing content
- Strong understanding of technical writing standards and controlled documentation practices.
- Experience with early-stage or evolving quality management frameworks
- Proficiency with: Confluence, Jira, SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite
- Exceptional ability to translate complex engineering concepts into clear, concise content.
- S. Citizenship required due to export-controlled work.
Preferred:
- Experience creating Tech Pubs strategy or scaling documentation systems from scratch.
- Familiarity with drone systems, avionics, mechanical/electrical assemblies, or flight operations.
- Experience in a startup or rapid-development engineering environment.
- Light experience with 3D models, schematics, or illustration tools is a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including extensive typing, reading, and screen use.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.
- Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, and documentation tools.
- Ability to review detailed technical information, drawings, and digital content with strong visual acuity.
- Occasional standing, walking, and movement between office, lab, manufacturing, and test environments.
- Ability to attend and participate in meetings, design reviews, and technical discussions across multiple teams.
- May require light lifting of materials or equipment (up to 15–25 pounds), such as documents, laptops, or demonstration components.
- Ability to safely access and navigate engineering labs, production floors, and flight-test areas, which may include exposure to noise, machinery, or outdoor conditions.
- Occasional travel may be required to support testing, operations, or cross-site collaboration.
- Ability to focus for extended periods while managing multiple documentation projects and deadlines.
Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.