What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Writer position at Adhesives?
About APPLIED Adhesives:
We have you covered.
Nobody knows more about adhesives than APPLIED Adhesives. We are passionate about solving complex challenges with innovative adhesive products and offerings. APPLIED is the industry leader in helping manage costs, reduce waste, and make entire operations run more efficiently. From adhesives, equipment, parts, and service, we have you covered.
With world-class adhesive products, equipment, and parts along with visionary leadership, unparalleled expertise, and an agile, responsive service team, we’re not happy simply staying put. Every day, we leverage our technical expertise and passion for problem solving for the benefit of our customers and the future of our company.
We have countless victories that we could celebrate, but we’re more interested in looking forward than back. We’ve collected the talent and skills to continue innovating new product solutions and applications in emerging industries. We have the fortitude to not only accept challenges, but to seek them out. And we have the confidence and determination to become the most sought-after adhesive solutions partner.
Come join us!
The Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated Technical Writer who displays strong communication, interpersonal skills, and embraces a growth mindset.
This position will create and maintain the technical documentation that supports APPLIED’s fluid dispensing and adhesive application equipment, including operation and maintenance manuals, installation and assembly guides, work instructions, and safety documentation. Working closely with engineering, production, and product management, the Technical Writer will translate complex technical information into clear, accurate, and user-friendly content for our customers and internal teams.
The purpose of this role is to ensure that every engineered solution APPLIED delivers is accompanied by documentation that enables customers to safely and effectively install, operate, and maintain their advanced fluid dispensing equipment.
This is an on-site role in Brooklyn Center, MN. There is no relocation for this role, if you do not live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. area, you will not be considered for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, write, and edit operation, installation, and maintenance manuals for sealant and adhesive dispensing equipment.
- Translate engineering specifications, CAD drawings, and bills of material into clear, end-user documentation.
- Collaborate with mechanical, controls, and design engineers to gather, verify, and validate technical content.
- Create assembly instructions, work instructions, and standard operating procedures for production personnel.
- Document equipment safety information, warnings, and regulatory compliance content.
- Produce quick-start guides, troubleshooting guides, and spare parts documentation.
- Develop and maintain a consistent style guide, templates, and documentation standards.
- Incorporate engineering change orders and product updates into existing documentation.
- Capture and edit photographs, screen captures, and illustrations to support written content.
- Assist in the development of a documentation control process at the site.
- Manage version control and organize documentation within the company’s document management system.
- Review and proofread content for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and consistency.
- Maintain knowledge of new and developing fluid dispensing technology, equipment, and applications.
- Work effectively in a team environment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
You Are Ideal for This Role If You:
- Are a self-starter.
- Have strong planning and organization skills.
- Are a team-player.
- Have the willingness to learn and are personally driven to succeed.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Periodically walks the plant production floor to observe and document equipment.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
Experience and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication, English, Journalism, Engineering, or related field required.
- At least 2 years of technical writing experience is required. 3-5 years is preferred, ideally in a manufacturing or industrial equipment environment.
- Must be willing to travel to APPLIED facilities throughout the U.S. up to 10% of the time.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat is required.
- Ability to read, interpret, and translate engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications required.
- Ability to work as part of a team and individually on projects required.
- Excellent communication and time management skills required.
- Experience with documentation and authoring tools (e.g., Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, RoboHelp, or InDesign) is preferred.
- Familiarity with illustration and graphics tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, SnagIt) is preferred.
- Prior experience documenting mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic systems is preferred.
Why Work for Us:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- 401k Match
- Flexible and Team-Oriented work environment
- Generous PTO policy
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Career and talent development opportunities as well as opportunities for personal growth
Leading with Integrity, Collaboration, and Passion
In today’s dynamic business landscape, these core values serve as the compass guiding our actions and decisions. Whether it’s demonstrating leadership, fostering collaboration, igniting passion, upholding integrity, or maintaining a relentless customer focus, these principles shape our mission, vison and values, and drive our commitment to excellence.
Our Core Values:
Leadership
We are the leaders we wish to follow at work and in our communities.
Collaborative
One team delivering exceptional value and service.
Passion
We enthusiastically pursue excellence.
Integrity
We choose to be ethical and trustworthy.
Relentless Customer Focus
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Typical work is in a climate-controlled environment requiring regular use of computer and electronic equipment.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.