Technical Writer And Editor

Entry-Level Technical Writer / Editor

This entry-level Technical Writer/Editor role supports a high-profile U.S. Navy weapon system program as part of a prime contract. You will create, edit, and maintain a wide range of technical documents and procedure manuals while collaborating closely with subject matter experts and technical teams. The position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. You will help ensure all documentation is accurate, consistent, and compliant with established standards, and you may also support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) configuration activities.

Responsibilities

• Produce, edit, and maintain technical documents and technical procedure manuals, including Strategic Systems Program Instructions (SSPINSTs), Weapon System Maintenance documents, Ordnance Pamphlets (OPs), Ordnance Documents (ODs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and related documentation.
• Develop and update governing documents, correspondence, document technical specifications, work instructions, and other supporting materials as required.
• Collaborate closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), technologists, and other technical editors to gather information, clarify technical content, and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Ensure all documents adhere to established standards, style guides, and formatting requirements, maintaining consistency across all deliverables.
• Review, proofread, and revise documents to correct grammar, spelling, formatting, and technical content issues.
• Apply strong formatting skills to identify and correct formatting inconsistencies across documents.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation suitable for the intended audience.
• Manage multiple assignments and conflicting priorities, organizing work to meet deadlines and project schedules.
• Support the management of model configuration, libraries, and reusable elements within a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) environment to maintain integrity and consistency, as needed.
• Use Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other tools to create, edit, and finalize technical documentation.
• Coordinate with team members to incorporate feedback and updates into documents throughout the review and approval process.
• Maintain document version control and ensure the proper archiving and retrieval of technical documentation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or Computer Science.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and accurately.
• Outstanding proofreading skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong formatting skills and the ability to identify and correct formatting inconsistencies.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat for reviewing and editing documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail and an eye for quality in both content and formatting.
• Self-starter with a proven ability to learn quickly and grasp complex technical concepts.
• Ability to manage conflicting tasks and priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as part of the physical requirements of the role.
• Active CompTIA Security+ certification or the ability to obtain this certification within 6 months of hire.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Arbortext XML Editor.
• Familiarity with producing structured electronic manuals in SGML, XML, and S1000D using Navy-approved Document Type Definitions (DTDs).
• Familiarity with Content Management System (CMS) tools such as SharePoint or Confluence.
• Graphics editing skills and experience using graphics editing software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, solve problems, and contribute to process improvements in documentation workflows.

Work Environment

You will work in a professional, collaborative environment supporting a high-profile U.S. Navy weapon system program. The role involves regular interaction with subject matter experts, technologists, and other technical editors in an office or hybrid setting, depending on project needs and security requirements. You will use tools such as Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Arbortext XML Editor, and content management systems like SharePoint or Confluence to create and manage technical documentation. The work includes handling technical documents, printed materials, and equipment, with an occasional requirement to lift up to 40 pounds. The environment emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and compliance with established standards, and supports continuous learning and professional development in technical writing, structured authoring, and model-based systems engineering practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Rockville, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.