Technical Writer

Job Title: Technical WriterJob DescriptionThis role focuses on creating clear, accurate, and user-friendly technical documentation for complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems. You will work closely with engineers and other subject matter experts to translate highly technical information into accessible manuals, procedures, and work instructions. The position requires strong technical aptitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, evolving engineering and manufacturing environment.Responsibilities

• Create and maintain customer-facing product manuals, assembly instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and repair and maintenance procedures for complex equipment and systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other subject matter experts to gather technical information and clarify requirements, ensuring documentation accurately reflects system design and operation.
• Read, interpret, and apply mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and technical documentation to develop accurate and complete written materials.
• Develop documentation in structured formats, preferably using specialized authoring tools, to ensure consistency, reusability, and alignment with internal standards.
• Create clear and precise technical images and illustrations, including exploded views and step-by-step visuals, using SolidWorks Composer or similar tools.
• Write detailed operations and maintenance procedures for large, complex systems, including equipment with restricted-access areas and significant safety considerations.
• Observe equipment in operation, including working around electrical cabinets and equipment operating in the 200500V range, to understand processes and accurately document SOPs and work instructions.
• Produce work instructions and repair manuals that support engineering, manufacturing, automation, and production environments, including robotics and automated equipment.
• Use tools such as CAD software, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Publisher to format, structure, and present documentation in a professional and consistent manner.
• Manage documentation assignments independently, including scoping work, planning deliverables, and meeting deadlines with minimal oversight.
• Proactively communicate questions, risks, blockers, and project updates to stakeholders, ensuring alignment and timely resolution of issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering and production environments to ensure documentation remains current as designs, processes, and requirements evolve.
• Leverage systems such as Jira or similar tools to track documentation tasks, manage workflow, and maintain transparency on project status.

Essential Skills

• Proven technical writing experience, preferably supporting engineering, manufacturing, automation, or complex equipment environments.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured documentation such as assembly instructions, SOPs, work instructions, and repair manuals.
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, easy-to-follow language for non-expert users.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a variety of engineers and technical subject matter experts.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Comfort working around electrical cabinets and equipment operating in the 200500V range in order to observe equipment and document related SOPs and procedures safely and accurately.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while communicating proactively about progress, questions, and risks.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous environment where processes, requirements, or designs may still be evolving.
• Experience working in engineering, manufacturing, production, robotics, or automated equipment environments.
• Proficiency with CAD-related tools or workflows, including the ability to leverage CAD data for documentation purposes.
• Experience creating or maintaining assembly instructions, repair manuals, and work instructions.
• Familiarity with using tools such as Microsoft Publisher for document layout and formatting.
• Ability to manage multiple documentation assignments simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience writing in structured documentation formats, particularly using dedicated authoring tools such as structured authoring platforms.
• Experience using specialized authoring tools similar to Author for creating modular, reusable technical content.
• Experience creating technical illustrations and visual content using SolidWorks Composer.
• Hands-on experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software for generating or referencing technical imagery and models.
• Previous experience writing operations, maintenance, assembly, or repair procedures for large or complex systems.
• Experience documenting equipment that includes restricted-access areas and safety-related procedures.
• Familiarity with Jira or similar tools for tracking documentation tasks and coordinating work with engineering teams.
• Experience with or exposure to robotics, automated equipment, or advanced automation systems.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment with close collaboration between documentation and engineering teams.

Work EnvironmentYou will work onsite most days, embedded directly within the engineering group and supporting multiple engineering teams. The role is based in a hands-on engineering and manufacturing environment that includes robotics, automated equipment, and complex mechanical and electrical systems. You will frequently be near electrical cabinets and equipment operating in the 200500V range to observe operations and validate procedures, following site safety protocols. The position may offer limited flexibility to work from home one or two days per week depending on project needs, but you must be able to be onsite every day when required. You will use tools such as CAD software, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Composer, Microsoft Publisher, and workflow tools like Jira as part of your daily work. The environment is fast-paced and evolving, with processes and requirements that may change as projects advance. The organization offers an appealing culture that includes daily catered lunches and the opportunity to work with exciting, cutting-edge technology in a collaborative engineering setting. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Bedford, MA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $50.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Bedford, MA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Bedford,MA.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.