Technical Writer

Job Summary

• Develops, writes and edits material for reports, manuals, briefs, proposals, instruction books, catalogs and related technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods, procedures, installation, operation and maintenance of machinery and other equipment.

• This includes observing production, development and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.

• Writes technical copy for various technical reports, brochures and manuals for company products, operations and maintenance systems with minimal supervision

• Gathers technical information by reading drawings, design reports, test specifications and other technical documents to gain a fundamental understanding of systems or product operations; prepares written text and coordinates layout and manual organization

• Researches available engineering information such as drawings, design reports, equipment and test specifications

• Analyzes available technical literature; writes descriptive copy and verifies documentation with related departments

• Prepares copy for review by supervisor and makes necessary revisions; revises existing manuals to conform to engineering changes and other approved corrective input

• Prepares ideas for illustrations that would enhance comprehension of written material; facilitates translation process (as required), including invoicing paperwork

• Coordinates transmission of released material to printing vendors; approves printer proof

• Maintains familiarity with all company products and technical operations

• Interacts with engineers and other personnel for information; may collaborate with artists/illustrators to enhance appearance of graphic manual elements

Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to deal with a varied workforce and changing conditions

• Understanding of technical concepts, terms and procedures

• Familiarity with product documentation standards and specifications

• Computer literate with a working knowledge of software packages for word processing (such as Google Apps) and photo editing (such as Photoshop)

• Extensive knowledge of XML and publishing documentation for print and web

• Fluent in English and primary language used in area of responsibility and/or location

• High School diploma

• A minimum of one year of experience in a related field

• Simplified Technical English or other structure language experience preferred

• DITA-XML experience preferred

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.