Title:  Senior Specialist Technical Writing

Job Title: Senior Specialist Technical Writing

Job Code: 44672

Job Location: Ashburn, VA

Job Schedule: 9/80 onsite - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off;  occasional after‑hours or weekend support based on escalations and on‑call requirements.

Job Description:

The Senior Specialist Technical Writer is responsible for developing, organizing, and maintaining high‑quality technical documentation in accordance with S1000D, MIL‑STD‑24784, and program‑specific requirements. This role requires advanced expertise in authoring structured technical data, interpreting engineering and logistics information, and producing clear, accurate, and compliant documentation. The Senior Specialist Technical Writer works independently and may serve as a lead writer for complex projects, ensuring consistency, adherence to standards, and timely delivery.

Essential Functions:

• Extensive experience developing, updating, and managing technical manual content in accordance with S1000D guidelines, including Data Modules, DMC structures, and Publication Modules, as well as MIL‑STD‑24784 requirements.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, parts lists, and technical input from subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Create and maintain XML‑based documentation using S1000D‑compliant authoring tools such as Arbortext.
• Ensure all documentation adheres to industry standards, customer requirements, style guide specifications, and project‑defined formatting rules.
• Collaborate effectively with the Manager of Technical Writing, engineering, quality, logistics, and project teams to gather technical information and validate content accuracy.
• Perform detailed quality reviews for structure, formatting consistency, clarity, and compliance with S1000D, MIL‑STD‑24784, and controlled language requirements.
• Support the integration, organization, and maintenance of S1000D content within a Common Source Database (CSDB).
• Assist in developing and maintaining style guides, templates, workflows, and best practices for S1000D‑based content production.
• Proficient in Confluence, SharePoint (version control and document management), Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to organize complex technical information and author structured content across multiple documentation types.
• Proficiency in Simplified Technical English (STE) and controlled language implementation.
• Experience producing a wide range of structured technical publications, including technical manuals, work packages, illustrated parts books (IPBs), smart books, and system‑level maintenance documentation.
• Skilled in interpreting and analyzing engineering data such as system schematics, wiring diagrams, part lists, provisioning data, and performance specifications.
• Strong understanding of configuration management principles and the impact of engineering changes on documentation accuracy and applicability.
• Hands‑on experience working with S1000D‑compliant authoring tools, content management systems (CSDB), and publication frameworks.
• Excellent written communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience or a Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree English, Information Systems Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working with a Common Source Database (CSDB).
• Familiarity with SCORM, ATA iSpec 2200, or other structured documentation standards.
• Knowledge of aerospace/defense platforms, maintenance procedures, or technical systems.
• Experience with illustration tools (e.g., IsoDraw, Illustrator) for updating technical graphics.
• Hands-on experience authoring and managing documentation in S1000D.
• Proficiency with XML and S1000D‑compliant authoring tools.
• Strong understanding of technical publications, structured documentation, and configuration management.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and system data.

• Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in the Greater D.C. area is $84,000.00 MIN - $156,000.00 MAX. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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