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Technical Writer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
University Park, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/4/2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a self-motivated, customer service oriented, and quality conscious technical writing professional to join our Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division (S3) in the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. S3 specializes in research, development, and application of technical solutions aimed at understanding, shaping, and exploiting the electromagnetic environment to maintain advantage. S3 consists of 5 departments: Applied Electromagnetics and Signature Management; Electromagnetic Effects and Applications; Applied Signals and System Integration; Comprehensive Software Solutions; Strategic Requirements; and Technical Coordination. In this role, you will report directly to the Deputy Division Head for the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division and responsible for managing and providing assistance in defining the division’s documentation and outward official correspondence across all department programs in support of sponsors’ needs.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Collaborate with Research and Development Engineers to determine needs and formalize documentation and visualizations in support of requirements
  • Work directly with program leadership and customers to create, edit, formalize, and validate documentation according to set standards
  • Maintain continuous communication with key personnel throughout project development to accurately document information, minimize errors, and enhance efficiency
  • Engage in discussions regarding sponsor modernization processes, and assist in documenting relevant details in accordance with sponsor requirements and directives
  • Create and maintain a standardized repository to house all shared resources
  • Develop and maintain high-quality, standardized programmatic and research deliverables and documentation

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Design or refine system architecture designs, including the discovery and validation of technical artifacts

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Good comfort level in a customer-facing role, collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented environment
  • Past success in technical writing skills for clear comprehension to an audience
  • Mastery of documentation publishing software, such as PowerPoint, LaTeX, Visio, MS Project, Confluence, and/or Adobe Suite
  • Understanding of various engineering disciplines and complex technical concepts
  • Proven ability to thrive in a detail-oriented environment, ensuring accuracy while managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
  • Previous experience creating and maintaining an organized documentation repository
  • Willingness to obtain and maintain a government security clearance at the Top Secret/SCI level

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Research, military, or government environment
  • RenderMan (or similar) animation software suites
  • Strong internal and external research and analytical skills
  • Demonstrated ability in documenting application-based operations and secure process automation
  • Active security clearance at the secret level or higher with Top Secret / SCI eligibility

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Technical Writer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Technical Writer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $115,100.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

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Salary : $68,200 - $115,100

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