Technical Writer II

Technical Writer – Engineering & Technical Publications

Location: Sterling Heights, MI

Pay Rate: $42.22/hour

Contract- 6 months (possible for extension or direct)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Writer to develop and maintain detailed technical documentation for complex mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems. This position focuses on translating engineering drawings, technical specifications, and system information into clear, accurate instructions used for equipment operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

The Technical Writer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance teams to research equipment functionality, develop technical publications, and ensure documentation meets customer requirements and applicable military and industry standards.

The ideal candidate has experience creating technical manuals for complex equipment, understands engineering drawings and mechanical/electrical systems, and is proficient with XML-based authoring tools.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Writing & Documentation

• Develop, revise, and maintain technical manuals and publications for complex equipment and systems.
• Create operating instructions, maintenance and repair procedures, troubleshooting guides, fault isolation procedures, and Illustrated Parts Breakdowns (IPBs).
• Translate engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications into clear, easy-to-follow documentation.
• Develop equipment descriptions, system functional descriptions, technical reports, and supporting publications.
• Create and maintain Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), as applicable.
• Ensure all documentation meets customer requirements, government specifications, and applicable technical publication standards.

Engineering Collaboration & Technical Validation

• Work with engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance teams to understand equipment functionality and technical requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications to ensure documentation accurately reflects system design and operation.
• Research mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and electronic systems to develop accurate technical procedures.
• Participate in procedure validation and verification, including hands-on equipment or vehicle testing when needed.
• Incorporate engineering changes and design updates into existing technical publications.

Technical Illustrations & Publication Management

• Review technical illustrations, diagrams, and graphics for accuracy and clarity.
• Coordinate updates to illustrations and graphics when design or documentation changes are required.
• Use Adobe Acrobat Professional and PDF markup tools to communicate document and illustration revisions.
• Develop and maintain publications using XML-based authoring tools and applicable content management systems.
• Maintain consistent document formatting, organization, and publication standards.
• Support documentation schedules, project timelines, and delivery deadlines.

Quality & Cross-Functional Support

• Proofread and review publications for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Ensure documentation complies with applicable military, commercial, and customer-specific standards.
• Communicate with engineering teams, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve technical publication issues.
• Support continuous improvement of technical writing processes and documentation quality.



Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant experience developing technical documentation for mechanical, electrical, electronic, or complex equipment systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, electronics, and equipment operations.
• Hands-on experience with XML-based authoring tools, such as Arbortext Epic Editor, Oxygen XML Editor, or similar platforms.
• Experience developing technical manuals, operating procedures, maintenance instructions, and troubleshooting documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat Professional or similar PDF editing and markup software.
• Strong technical writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering teams and manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical writing experience within the defense, military, or automotive industries.
• Experience documenting military vehicles, heavy equipment, or complex mechanical and electrical systems.
• Familiarity with Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) and associated development processes.
• Knowledge of military and commercial technical publication standards.
• Experience developing Illustrated Parts Breakdowns (IPBs), maintenance procedures, and fault isolation instructions.
• Experience with technical procedure validation and verification, including hands-on or vehicle-based testing.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and technical publication software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access.
• Experience working directly with customers to review documentation requirements and resolve technical publication issues.