Technical Writer

Title: Technical Writer Location: San Luis Obispo

Trust Automation

Trust Automation is a government contractor with over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions.  We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population.  Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Trust Automation.  This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

Job Summary

The Technical Writer is responsible for developing and maintaining clear, accurate technical documentation for production, internal teams, and customers. This role executes approved document updates, establishes documentation standards, and owns the creation and revision of production documents, technical materials, and operational procedures. The Technical Writer owns document templates and standards, and assists in implementing them alongside document control processes in the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Document Execution and Change Order Support

• Execute approved Engineering Change Order (ECO) updates into finalized production documents (e.g.,. work instructions, labels, diagrams, customer-facing guides, and pack-out lists).
• Execute approved updates into finalized quality management system documents including procedures, forms, and SOPs.
• Utilize designated workflows and systems for updating, routing, reviewing and approving controlled documents.
• Report to and coordinate with the Document Control Supervisor on workload prioritization, document queue management, and additional assignments.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support

• When creating or updating technical documents, work closely with subject matter experts including engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer service to gather information and understand documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with Program Managers regarding program-, product-, and contract-specific requirements and flowdowns that impact production documentation content.
• Utilize build processes, drawings, technical data packages, specifications, and hands-on observation to produce accurate, standardized documentation for the intended end user.
• Observe manufacturing processes and document accurate steps using clear photographs, video, diagrams, and written instruction.
• Exercise discretion during content creation and updates to ensure documentation is clear, complete, accurate, scalable, compliant, and minimizes variability.

Formatting Standards and Template Ownership

• Create and maintain formatting guides, writing standards, and document templates for work instructions, procedures, labels, and customer-facing documents.
• Maintain document formatting consistency across document libraries and platforms by establishing style expectations, updating templates, and communicating standards to internal teams through training and guidance.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to ensure that corporate branding and style elements are consistently implemented across document templates and external-facing materials.
• Review documents for compliance with formatting and template standards, ensuring consistent structure, style, and presentation across the documentation portfolio.

Periodic Review and Quality Assurance

• Support internal and external audit readiness by ensuring documentation accuracy, compliance, and alignment with controlled document requirements.
• Participate in periodic document review cycles, evaluating documents against current standards for formatting, clarity, and accuracy.
• Review audit and stakeholder inputs to identify opportunities for improving documentation quality, consistency, relevance to end users, and reduce risk of process variability.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience in technical writing within a manufacturing or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, redlines, and manufacturing specifications and translate them into clear, structured documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and organize documentation and writing standards.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with high attention to formatting consistency and detail.
• Strong ability to work independently, manage multiple document queues, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in documentation tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and document control software.
• Familiarity with document management platforms such as Dozuki, SolidWorks PDM, or similar QMS/DMS environments.
• Knowledge of ISO9001 or AS9100, or other regulated quality standards strongly preferred.
• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time
• Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay/Salary Information

Pay scale for this position - $35.50 - $40.00 Hourly