Demo

Principal Technical Writer

systemstechnologyresearch
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/4/2026

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR develops state-of-the art sensor systems and signal processing algorithms using advanced adaptive signal processing and AI/ML algorithms along with modern optimization techniques.  Our areas of expertise span acoustics, radio-frequency (RF), and the optical domains.  Our systems and algorithms are implemented in software using modern software development techniques and adhere to current Open Architecture standards.  Our team consists of passionate and motivated engineers and scientists with advanced degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and data science. We use our expertise and creativity to take innovative ideas from conception to mature implementation to improve mission success of our customers.

The Role:

We are seeking a Principal Technical Writer who can translate complex technical concepts into structured documentation that meets Customer needs and contractual requirements for existing programs.  In this role, you will help organize and edit proposals and whitepapers to ensure crisp, succinct, and clear content in these products.  You will also collaborate closely with engineers and program managers to simultaneously contribute to a proposal or whitepaper and have overall responsibility for version control of all documents.  This position is hybrid role with some limited travel expected to other STR office sites if needed. 

What you will do:

  • Develop, edit, and maintain technical documentation for R&D programs, including:
    • Technical reports
    • Test plans, test reports, and verification documentation.
    • System specifications and interface control documents (ICDs)
    • Program plans, proposals, and Statements of Work (SOWs)
  • Organize, edit, proof-read, and ensure all proposals and whitepapers comply with applicable DoD standards, MIL-STDs, data item descriptions (DIDs), and contract requirements.
  • Collaborate with engineers and program managers to gather technical content and ensure accuracy.
  • Manage document configuration, version control, and approval workflows.
  • Support Program Reviews (e.g., Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR)).
  • Maintain documentation repositories in accordance with security and records management policies.
  • Edit and standardize content for clarity, consistency, and readability.

Who you are

  • Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI & SAP eligibility, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree and minimum of 10 years of technical writing experience in a defense, aerospace, government, or R&D environment.
  • Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear written material.
  • Experience spanning all project phases, from ideation to technology research and product development
  • Experience writing and editing proposals and whitepapers and configuration management and version control principles.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Strong organizational skills

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

Salary : $120,000 - $165,000

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