Technical Writer

Description

Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and maintain manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical job aids, checklists, forms, process flows, and other related documentation.
• Manage assigned documentation projects from initial requirements gathering through drafting, review, approval, release, and subsequent revisions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, maintenance personnel, supervisors, technicians, and operators to gather technical information and document manufacturing processes accurately.
• Observe manufacturing processes at the point of use to verify process steps, role responsibilities, equipment requirements, tools, materials, safety requirements, quality checks, and expected results.
• Identify missing steps, conflicting information, unclear instructions, outdated requirements, and discrepancies between documented procedures and actual manufacturing practices.
• Develop clear, easy-to-follow documentation using standardized terminology, plain language, and appropriate photographs, screenshots, diagrams, tables, annotations, and other visual aids.
• Ensure work instructions clearly define responsibilities, process sequences, decision points, quality requirements, and escalation procedures so employees can perform tasks consistently and accurately.
• Coordinate document reviews with subject-matter experts, consolidate feedback, resolve content questions, and support the approval and release process.
• Prepare document-control packages, including revision descriptions, affected roles, training impacts, related documents, and required approvals.
• Support the review of training materials, demonstrations, scripts, and job aids to ensure alignment with approved work instructions.
• Assess the impact of process changes, audit findings, quality improvements, and customer requirements on existing documentation and update affected materials as needed.
• Support periodic document reviews, obsolete-document removal, terminology standardization, and continuous improvement of documentation templates and processes.
• Maintain accurate project records, source files, revision histories, review documentation, and project status updates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, English, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in technical writing, procedure development, manufacturing documentation, or a related field required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience developing work instructions or standard operating procedures in a quality-controlled or high-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in electronics, server, automation, medical device, automotive, or other technical manufacturing environments preferred.
• Portfolio or work samples demonstrating technical writing, visual instructions, or process documentation preferred.
• Excellent technical writing, editing, grammar, organization, and plain-language communication skills.
• Ability to understand and clearly document complex manufacturing, equipment, software, hardware, quality, inspection, maintenance, and material-handling processes.
• Strong interviewing, active-listening, process-observation, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to identify missing process steps, unclear decision points, conflicting information, and gaps in documented procedures.
• Ability to develop effective technical visual aids, including photographs, screenshots, diagrams, flowcharts, tables, and annotations.
• Working knowledge of controlled-document practices, revision control, approval workflows, change management, and document-retention requirements preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document-authoring tools required. Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM), quality management systems (QMS), or document-control systems such as Agile preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, safety requirements, electrostatic discharge (ESD) controls, and electronics manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and customer-service skills when working with process owners, reviewers, and end users.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during manufacturing process observations and occasionally bend, crouch, or reach to observe and photograph equipment and work steps.

Reasons you should work for us:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided by employer.
• Supplemental life insurance and long-term disability coverage options available.
• 401K with employer contribution.
• Personal, Vacation, and Holiday paid time off for all full-time employees.
• Onsite Aurora Health & Wellness Center available for all employees.
• Employees are continuously encouraged to learn and grow their careers in smart manufacturing.