What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Writer position at Luna Innovations?
Luna Innovations is hiring a Document Control Specialist & Technical Writer to join our Quality team in Chino, California. You’ll own the documentation behind some of the most advanced optical test and measurement instruments in the industry—the platforms our customers use to characterize photonic integrated circuits, validate high-speed transceivers, and qualify the components going into next-generation optical networks.
Photonics is in a growth cycle unlike anything the industry has seen. The buildout of AI datacenters, the shift to co-packaged optics, and the rise of silicon photonics are all driving demand for precision test and measurement solutions—and Luna is delivering them. This role puts you at the center of that momentum, working alongside the engineers and scientists developing optical communications test platforms, terahertz measurement systems, and fiber optic sensing products that are shaping the future of the industry.
Why This Role Matters
When you’re building test instruments that measure optical performance down to fractions of a decibel—or characterization platforms for photonic ICs operating at the edge of what’s physically possible—documentation isn’t paperwork, it’s part of the product. Every user guide, every procedure, every specification you manage and write will have a direct line to the quality and accuracy of the instruments our customers depend on. You’ll work with engineers, scientists, and quality professionals who are passionate about what they do, and you’ll see your contributions reflected in products shipped to the world’s leading optical communications companies, semiconductor fabs, and research labs.
What You’ll Do
Own the Document Control System
- Administer and maintain our electronic document management system (DMS), serving as one of the go-to authorities on document lifecycle management.
- Take part in the full lifecycle of controlled documents—creation, review, approval, distribution, revision, and retirement—keeping our quality system running smoothly.
- Coordinate document review cycles across engineering, manufacturing, and quality, ensuring timely approvals and version control integrity.
- Drive Change Orders and Change Requests through the document control process.
- Support internal and external audits with well-organized, audit-ready documentation.
Write the Documentation Behind the Technology
- Author and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, test protocols, and other necessary documentation that reflects the sophistication of our products.
- Collaborate directly with engineering and R&D teams to translate complex optical test, photonic IC, and terahertz measurement concepts into clear, actionable documentation.
- Develop and maintain product documentation—user manuals, installation guides, and application notes.
- Establish and maintain templates and style guides that raise the bar for consistency and professionalism across all technical publications.
Champion Quality and Continuous Improvement
- Ensure documentation practices meet ISO 9001, AS9100, and other industry standards—keeping Luna audit-ready at all times.
- Identify and implement process improvements that make document control faster, leaner, and more effective.
- Train teams on documentation best practices and DMS usage, building a culture of quality across the organization.
What You Bring
Required
- Minimum of 2-5 years of experience as a Technical Writer or working in a position with Document Control experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or technology environment.
- Hands-on proficiency with electronic document management systems
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management system requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a sharp eye for detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical data.
Preferred (Bonus Points)
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in in English, Technical Communication, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in photonics, optical communications, or test & measurement.
- Certified Document Controller (CDC) or similar professional certification.
- Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro, MadCap Flare, or other technical publishing tools.
- Exposure to ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP) and PLM tools (Arena).
Why Luna
Luna Innovations isn’t just another tech company—we’re a team of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers working at the frontier of photonics. Our optical test and measurement platforms help customers validate the transceivers, photonic integrated circuits, and network components that underpin the explosive growth of AI datacenters and high-speed optical communications. We also deliver fiber optic sensing solutions for aerospace and industrial applications. The photonics industry is experiencing a historic growth moment, and Luna is leading the way.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Competitive compensation & benefits: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a company-sponsored 401(k) with employer match.
- Invest in your growth: tuition assistance, professional development funding, and industry conference attendance.
- Work that matters: your documentation supports optical test instruments used by the companies building the backbone of global communications and AI infrastructure.
- Innovation-driven culture: join a team where curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is the norm, and your ideas are valued.
- Southern California location: Chino, CA puts you in the heart of the Inland Empire with easy access to Los Angeles, Orange County, and some of the best weather in the country.
Luna Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000