Technical Writer

Job Description: Technical Writer Manufacturing / Food Industry

Location: Hershey, PA (Local Pennsylvania candidates only)

Duration: 6 12 Months

Employment Type: W2 Contract

Industry Requirement: Must have food industry experience

Job Overview

We are seeking a Technical Writer with hands-on experience in the food manufacturing industry to develop clear, accurate, and standardized training materials and operating procedures for manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety teams to document manufacturing processes, equipment operations, and safety procedures.

This role requires strong technical writing skills, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to observe production-floor activities and translate complex processes into easy-to-understand training content for machine operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop training materials, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), process procedures, step-up cards, one-point lessons, and other operator training documentation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety teams to gather technical information and develop accurate training content.
• Observe subject matter experts (SMEs) performing manufacturing procedures to document workflows, validate process accuracy, and identify procedural gaps.
• Capture photographs and videos of manufacturing equipment during normal operation, breakdown, maintenance, and reassembly to support training development.
• Create and maintain learning materials within the Learning Management System (LMS) using Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
• Assist in creating and reviewing Job Safety Analysis (JSA) documentation as required.
• Standardize documentation structures, instructional formats, and operator competency requirements across manufacturing processes.
• Work with SMEs to simplify complex technical information and develop clear, concise, learner-focused content.
• Conduct periodic follow-up evaluations of machine operators to assess skill retention and identify refresher training needs, particularly for complex equipment.
• Research equipment, manufacturing processes, and operational requirements to ensure training materials are accurate and practical.
• Prioritize documentation projects and manage deliverables to meet training development milestones.
• Participate in daily team huddles, communicate project progress, and support additional Tech Center training and operational requirements.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Technical Writer, Technical Documentation Specialist, Manufacturing Trainer, or in a similar role within the food manufacturing or food processing industry.
• Strong experience developing technical documentation, operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials.
• Experience documenting manufacturing equipment, production processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and an understanding of manufacturing equipment operation, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting concepts.
• Ability to work directly with SMEs and production teams to observe, document, and validate operational procedures.
• Experience capturing and using photographs and videos to develop visual training materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple documentation projects and meet deadlines.
• Must be local to Pennsylvania and available to work onsite in Hershey, PA.
• Must be eligible to work on a W2 basis.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and digital content development tools.
• Experience with Job Safety Analysis (JSA), workplace safety documentation, and manufacturing training programs.
• Experience supporting operator training, skills assessments, and competency development in a production environment.