Technical Writer III

Worker Type

Contractor

Job Description

Summary

The Technical Writer III position is part of the Content Marketing team, which produces high-quality documentation in the form of manuals, white papers, and a variety of other documents. The Technical Writer III will work collaboratively with engineers, product managers, and subject matter experts to document the intended use of AeroVironment's products. This person is also responsible for leading updates and maintenance of templates, assisting with marketing and proposal materials, and updating technical documentation. This position is matrixed to the Proposal Department with approximately 50% of the time spent supporting proposal activity.

Position Responsibilities

- Organizes and provides guidance for various technical publication projects, which may include incorporating copy from many authors into one publication or working with a team of subject matter experts to create documentation
- Writes, formats, edits, proofreads, copyedits and creates a variety of documents, including technical manuals, white papers, and marketing materials
- Expertly proofreads, reviews, and edits documentation for accurate use of grammar and content according to a pre-established style guide and templates
- Collaborates with technical illustrator/graphic designer on the display of graphics, layout of pages, and pre-print production
- Works with existing templates and ensures documents meet established content and formatting standards
- Supports projects through every step of the process, providing accuracy and quality control, and ensuring all publication deadlines are met
- Maintains comprehensive knowledge of company products
- Manages multiple projects while working independently or with subject matter experts
- Assists the Proposal Department with proposal writing, editing and formatting
- Works closely with all levels of the organization
- Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
- Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

- Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communication, or equivalent discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- 5-8 years' experience as a technical writer/editor in the aviation, aerospace, or defense field with Bachelor's degree OR
- High School Diploma/GED or AA Degree with 9-12 years' experience as a technical writer/editor in the aviation, aerospace, or defense field
- Experience preferably in the following industries: aviation, aerospace or defense
- Expert command of the English language, which is necessary for original writing and content editing
- Must be a Word expert with ability to format up to a 500-page document
- Working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
- Must be a team player with ability to work and communicate with proposal subject matter experts (mostly engineers)
- Must be able to work under pressure and within strict deadlines, receiving little instruction

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

- Shipley proposal training and proposal writing preferred
- Familiarity with DoD/Govt. contracting and the aerospace industry helpful
- Knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator desired
- Excellent, clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter who takes initiative to do whatever it takes to achieve objectives
- Exceptionally detail-oriented
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, analytical and leadership skills
- Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
- Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
- Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
- Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
- Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

- Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
- Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

AeroVironment considers several factors, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

ITAR