Technical Writer

Develops, writes, and edits material for repair manuals 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, documents, and repair 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. Maintains familiarity with all company products and technical operations. Interacts with engineers and other personnel as well as equipment for information; works hands-on with equipment and machinery; may collaborate with artists/illustrators to enhance the appearance of graphic manual elements. Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of engines, generators, and other machinery and equipment
• Computer literate with working knowledge of software packages for word processing (GoogleApps) and illustration (Adobe Illustrator)
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to deal with a varied workforce and changing conditions
• Understanding of technical concepts, terms, and procedures
• Knowledge of publishing documentation for print and web
• Familiarity with product documentation standards and specifications
• Fluent in English
• Prefer Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), Adobe Illustrator, and GoogleApps experience
• Prefer DITA-XML experience
• Prefer Simplified Technical English experience

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 enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.
• Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.
• Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.