Adobe Acrobat, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Agile Programming Methodologies, Air Force, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Atlassian JIRA, Candidate Screening, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Requirements, Cross-Functional, Design Services, Detail Oriented, Document Management, Documentation, Documentation Standards, Editing, Genetics, Government, Government Standards, Graphic Design, Graphics Software, Homeland Security, Hospital, Interpersonal Skills, Maintain Compliance, Military/DoD Standards, Organizational Skills, Process Improvement, Project Engineering, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Requirements Management, Secret Clearance, Surveillance, Team Player, Technical Editing, Technical Presentation, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Technical/Engineering Design, Time Management, User Documentation, Writing Skills
Job Title: Technical Writer
Job Description
This Technical Writer role focuses on creating, editing, and maintaining high-quality engineering and technical documentation in support of complex defense-related radar programs. You will translate intricate technical information into clear, accurate materials for both technical and non-technical audiences while ensuring strict compliance with applicable government and military documentation standards. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with engineers and agile project teams on a rapidly growing radar program.
Responsibilities
- Develop, write, and edit comprehensive engineering specifications, user manuals, reports, briefings, presentations, guidelines, and other project deliverables to meet contract requirements.
- Gather, analyze, and interpret complex technical information and present it in a clear and accessible format for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Create and edit Air Force Technical Orders, Time Compliance Technical Orders, Contractor Furnished Equipment Notices, and other technical documentation in compliance with contract or project requirements.
- Ensure proper application of applicable government and military standards, including MIL-STD, MIL-DTL, MIL-PRF, and other relevant guidelines, across all documentation.
- Review technical documentation created by peers to confirm accuracy, completeness, and adherence to all required standards and formats.
- Collaborate closely with project engineers to clarify technical details, resolve discrepancies, and address documentation-related inquiries.
- Use PDF editing tools and document processing software to format, update, and publish technical documents according to program and customer requirements.
- Support agile teams by maintaining documentation in alignment with iterative development cycles and changes captured in tools such as Jira and Confluence.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of documentation processes, templates, and standards to enhance consistency and quality across the program.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- At least 5 years of technical writing experience supporting Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, or Department of Homeland Security programs.
- Active Secret Clearance.
- Proficiency in technical writing for engineering and technical audiences, including the ability to create specifications, manuals, reports, and briefings.
- Experience creating and editing Air Force Technical Orders, Time Compliance Technical Orders, and Contractor Furnished Equipment Notices.
- Familiarity with TO 00-5-1 and TO 00-5-3 and their application to Air Force technical documentation.
- Demonstrated experience applying government and military standards such as MIL-STD, MIL-DTL, and MIL-PRF to documentation.
- Experience using PDF editing software such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF-XChange.
- Experience with document processing software, including Adobe FrameMaker.
- Experience with Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence, particularly in agile development environments.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple documents, tasks, and deadlines concurrently.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to work as a self-motivated team player and to manage projects, tasks, and special assignments independently.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working with agile teams and methodologies, including participation in iterative planning and review cycles.
- Experience sustaining PARCS or other Strategic Warning and Surveillance radar systems such as PAVE PAWS and UEWR.
- Experience with graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop to enhance technical documentation with visual content.
- Familiarity with the broader MDA and USSF radar program environment or similar complex defense systems.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, consistent, and high-quality documentation.
- Ability to adapt quickly to evolving program requirements and changes in technical baselines.
Work Environment
This role supports a major radar program within a structured defense environment that is experiencing rapid growth due to strong program performance. You will work closely with engineers, program staff, and agile development teams, using tools such as Atlassian Jira and Confluence to track work and maintain documentation. The position relies heavily on digital tools, including Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF-XChange, and graphic design applications such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to produce and maintain technical content. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and adherence to formal government and military documentation standards. You can expect a professional setting focused on mission-critical radar and strategic warning systems, with an emphasis on quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Poulsbo, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Poulsbo,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.