Technical Writer I

• Utilizes advanced knowledge of manufacturing equipment concepts, practices, and procedures to extract source information from experts, and existing documentation.
• Develops, writes, and revises technical documentation using written, graphical, and electronic media to create appealing, informative product manuals and other documents.
• Defines and develops document format to meet the needs of the project.
• Identifies, contracts, and coordinates translation services for languages other than English.
• Reviews and validates documents to ensure that technical accuracy and safety concepts meet company and industry standards.
• Verifies that the information for the target reader is in a clear and concise form by performing audience and task analysis. Assesses document impact, appeal, and usefulness.
• Obtains document reviews and incorporates changes and enhancements.
• Provides recommendations on documentation requirements and identifies and communicates risks to management.
• Manages document project schedules, approval reviews, revision control, distribution, and document library. Proactively identifies, schedules, tracks, and completes projects for on-time delivery. Routinely provides project status and schedule reports. Routes and tracks documentation through review and approval process.
• Organizes and maintains the technical document library. Develops and coordinates the change control and publication processes.
• Assembles and ships machine operator/maintenance manuals. Updates and maintains recordkeeping associated with manuals.
• Recreates manuals for old machines as requested by customers and/or Parts department.
• Assists Engineering management with the generation and organization of customer memos / letters related to machine safety and quality.
• Updates and maintains the Patent and Trademark information spreadsheets and files and other technical data as needed.
• Communicates with customers, vendors, coworkers, and management in a professional, positive manner. Maintains constant safety awareness and follows all company safety rules.
• Continuously looks for ways to increase efficiency, company profitability, and customer satisfaction. Verifies that all decisions are relevant to the corporate mission statement.
• Interviews/corresponds with engineers to gather technical information for inclusion in documentation.
• Take and edit photographs and videos of machinery for inclusion in documentation.
• Create safety and control decals for machinery.
• Acts as backup to, and support for, Technical Documentation Lead as required.

• BA English or related degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 1-3 years technical documentation experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a high degree of creativity and technical problem-solving ability.
• Good proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Fluent knowledge of English with a basic understanding of other languages.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to use related desktop publishing software.
• Good communication / interviewing skills, a positive get-it-done attitude, and the ability to work as part of a team in a demanding production environment are essential.
• Photography and graphic design skills related to manual generation.
• Multi-media experience with emphasis on developing videos.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety practices.

• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• HTML Programming
• MadCap Flare

• Travel as needed.
• Sit at a desk or computer for extended periods of time.
• Move about the office and factory with occasional lifting, bending, and reaching.
• Dial, hear and respond to telephone calls and inquiries.
• Communicate effectively (visually and verbally) with internal and external contacts.
• Meet requirements of daily attendance on job for a full, continuous work schedule.
• Ability to operate and photograph the equipment in the process of gathering source information.

Barry-Wehmiller