What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Editor/Document Specialist position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?
Description
Do you excel at formatting highly technical material into clear, precise and polished documentation?
Are you detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated by work that supports national security missions?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a skilled Technical Editor to help deliver accurate documentation in support of a U.S. Navy weapon system program. In this role, you will closely partner with engineers and program leadership to turn highly technical material into polished, professional deliverables that meet Navy standards. Your work will ensure that program leadership, technical teams, and Navy stakeholders receive clear, cohesive, and decision-ready documentation.
You’ll be part of a high-performing Editorial team within APL’s Communications Department, contributing to meaningful, mission-focused work in a collaborative environment.
As a Technical Editor/Document Specialist you will...
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$58,700 Annually
Maximum Rate
$146,300 Annually
Do you excel at formatting highly technical material into clear, precise and polished documentation?
Are you detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated by work that supports national security missions?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a skilled Technical Editor to help deliver accurate documentation in support of a U.S. Navy weapon system program. In this role, you will closely partner with engineers and program leadership to turn highly technical material into polished, professional deliverables that meet Navy standards. Your work will ensure that program leadership, technical teams, and Navy stakeholders receive clear, cohesive, and decision-ready documentation.
You’ll be part of a high-performing Editorial team within APL’s Communications Department, contributing to meaningful, mission-focused work in a collaborative environment.
As a Technical Editor/Document Specialist you will...
- Use Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, LaTeX and other production tools to structure, format, and finalize documents for both electronic and print distribution.
- Proofread and edit technical reports, briefs, and presentations for organization, grammar, clarity, and adherence to organizational and sponsor-specific style and formatting requirements.
- Build, maintain, and refine templates that standardize document structure, promote efficiency, and ensure consistency across publications.
- Perform technical editing for correctness, coherence, and readability while preserving authors’ technical intent.
- Coordinate and merge author and editor feedback, and prepare documents for program management and sponsor review.
- Conduct final formatting, content verification, and compliance checks to confirm accuracy, completeness, and classification marking integrity.
- Apply and verify security classification markings.
- Follow APL and sponsor guidelines for the handling, storage, and transmission of classified material.
- Collaborate closely with a production team to track and deliver multiple deadline-driven projects.
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
- A bachelor’s degree in writing, communications, English or a related field, and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Proven experience editing technical reports, briefs, and presentations, and formatting large documents.
- Are willing and able to provide publications support at off-site, out-of-state locations as needed, including occasional travel of up to two consecutive weeks; frequency will vary based on program needs.
- Experience in classified document marking and handling.
- Experience formatting large documents and standardizing document structure.
- Proficiency with Word and Adobe FrameMaker.
- Some experience with XML, LaTeX, or other markup language.
- Some experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with an eye for prioritization.
- An active Secret security clearance by your start date and can obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirement for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
- Familiarity working with Strategic Systems Program documentation such as ordnance documents and weapons systems reports.
- Advanced experience with Adobe FrameMaker and Word templates, including using fields, macros, cross-referencing, and outline numbering for sophisticated, multi-file documents.
- Advanced experience with XML, LaTeX, or other markup language.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Familiarity with Vulcan.
- Familiarity with multiple style guides, such as GPO and AP, and experience creating in-house style guides.
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$58,700 Annually
Maximum Rate
$146,300 Annually
Salary : $58,700 - $146,300