Job Description
Rockford, IL
Direct Hire
$75k-95k + negotiable based on experience
The Technical Writer is responsible for creating, organizing, and maintaining technical documentation that supports internal teams and external customers. This includes developing manuals, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and other technical content that clearly conveys complex information to diverse audiences. The writer will work closely with engineers, subject matter experts, and production staff to ensure documentation is accurate, consistent, and aligned with regulatory and company standards.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain user manuals, installation guides, maintenance instructions, and other technical documentation.
- Create and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and internal process documents for manufacturing and quality assurance.
- Collaborate with engineering, product management, and production teams to gather information and ensure the accuracy of technical content.
- Create technical illustrations, schematics, and diagrams to support written materials.
- Edit and update existing documentation to reflect design changes, regulatory updates, and process improvements.
- Manage document control systems and version tracking to ensure up-to-date and accessible documentation.
- Review documentation for clarity, grammar, formatting, and compliance with internal and external standards.
- Apply user feedback to improve document usability and accessibility.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA, BTH standards, and industry best practices.
- Support multiple document projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Participate in internal reviews and project meetings as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Technical Communication, Engineering, Journalism, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of technical writing experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Proven portfolio of technical documentation (manuals, guides, SOPs, etc.).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interpret complex technical data and communicate it clearly.
- Proficiency with documentation tools such as Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, and Visio.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications.
- Familiarity with CAD systems and basic technical drawings (preferred).
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to information gathering.