Technical Writer Job Description Template

This Technical Writer Job Description Template serves as a standardized document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for individuals applying for or currently holding the position of a technical writer within an organization.

About the Role

As a Technical Writer, you will play a crucial role in our company’s communication strategy by translating complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation. Your primary responsibility will be to create, edit, and maintain various types of technical content, including user manuals, online help guides, release notes, and product documentation. You will collaborate closely with subject matter experts, software developers, and product managers to gather information and ensure accuracy in your documentation.

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and detail-oriented Technical Writer to join our team. As a Technical Writer, you will play a crucial role in creating clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation for our technical products and services. Your work will bridge the gap between complex technical information and the end-users, ensuring they can effectively utilize our offerings. If you are passionate about simplifying complex concepts and have a knack for turning technical jargon into understandable content, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities of a Technical Writer:

• Develop comprehensive documentation that meets organizational standards
• Obtain a deep understanding of products and services to translate complex product information into simple, polished, and engaging content
• Write user-friendly content that meets the needs of the target audience, providing product insights in a simple language that sets our users up for success
• Develop and maintain detailed databases of appropriate reference materials, including research, usability tests, and design specifications
• Evaluate current content and develop innovative approaches for improvement
• Research, outline, write and edit new and existing content, working closely with various departments to understand project requirements
• Independently gather information from subject matter experts to develop, organize and write procedure manuals, technical specifications, and process documentation
• Work with development and support leads to identify all documentation repositories, revise and edit, and determine the best solution for data compilation and centralized storage
• Research, create, and maintain information architecture templates that uphold organizational and legal standards, and allow for easy data migration
• Develop content in alternative media forms for maximum usability, with a consistent and cohesive voice across all documentation
• Use photographs, drawings, diagrams, animation, and charts that increase users’ understanding
• Select an appropriate medium for the message or audience, such as manuals or online videos
• Standardize content across platforms and media
• Gather usability feedback from customers, designers, and manufacturers
• Revise documents as new issues arise

Skill sets/Experience Required for Technical Writers:

• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, with an eye for prioritization
• Firm understanding of the systems development life cycle (SDLC)
• Previous software development experience
• Experience using XML tools to create documentation
• Proven ability to quickly learn and understand complex topics
• Previous experience writing documentation and procedural materials for multiple audiences
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail
• Experience working with engineering teams to improve the user experience: design, UI, and help refine content and create visuals and diagrams for technical support content

Degree

• Bachelors/Masters in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field
• Certification through the Society for Technical Communicators