What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Writer position at Kershaw?
About the Company
Kershaw Equipment LLC, located in Montgomery, AL is a leader in rail maintenance and vegetation management production and a worldwide supplier of maintenance-of-way equipment. Built on our strong commitment to our customers, our company supplies machines to Class I railroads, transit lines, short lines, and many contractors around the globe. Kershaw is part of The Heico Companies LLC, a parent holding company comprised of more than 40 businesses involved in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services. Kershaw joins forces with heavy equipment brands Pettibone, BARKO, and ARDCO as part of the Heavy Equipment Segment of The Applied Solutions Group.
About the Role
The Engineering Technical Writer is responsible for creating, editing, and maintaining clear, accurate, and comprehensive technical documentation for railroad Maintenance of Way (MOW) and utility Right of Way (ROW) work equipment. This includes operator manuals, maintenance manuals, service procedures, work instructions, and engineering documentation supporting the design, production, and field use of track maintenance machinery. The role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, field operations, and training teams to translate complex technical information into user-friendly documentation. The Engineering Technical Writer ensures all materials support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of MOW equipment while meeting regulatory requirements and company standards.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including operator manuals, maintenance manuals, and parts manuals.
- Translate engineering designs, specifications, and procedures into clear and concise instructions for end users.
- Collaborate with engineers, designers, and field personnel to gather technical information and validate content accuracy.
- Create and manage illustrations, diagrams, and supporting visuals (in coordination with CAD or graphics teams as needed).
- Ensure documentation complies with applicable standards and regulations (e.g., FRA, AAR, safety guidelines).
- Update documentation to reflect engineering changes, product improvements, and field feedback.
- Support development of training materials and user guides for operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
- Review and edit documentation for clarity, consistency, grammar, and technical accuracy.
- Coordinate document releases in alignment with product launches and engineering change processes.
- Participate in design and production reviews to understand product functionality and documentation needs.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to documentation quality, usability, and standardization.
- Performs additional job-related duties and special projects, as assigned.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or associate degree in business, technology, or related field. Bachelors preferred.
- Equivalent combinations of education and technical writing experience will be considered.
- Experience: Minimum 3-5 years’ experience with technical writing or documentation experience.
Kershaw Equipment, LLC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Multiple health plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois,
- Health Savings Account (with company match) or Flexible Spending Accounts, depending on selected health care plan,
- Two Dental plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois,
- Vision plan through VSP,
- Paid time off (vacation and 11 paid holidays),
- 401k plan with company match,
- Life/AD&D insurances (both company-paid and additional voluntary options),
- Sick leave, Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability plans (company-paid),
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP, company-paid),
- Three Aflac plans
- 2 pet insurance plans
- Legal insurance
- Identity & Fraud Protection Plan
Equal Opportunity Statement
EOE M/F/D/V