Publications Development Specialist I

Calista Corporation•Huntsville, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Publications Development Specialist I is an entry-level position within the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Department responsible for supporting the development, review, and maintenance of technical publications and associated data products. The role focuses on translating complex engineering, logistics, and maintenance information into clear, accurate, and reproducible technical documentation in support of system fielding and sustainment. Working under the guidance of senior personnel, the incumbent assists in the preparation of operator and maintenance manuals, procedural documentation, and supporting technical content in accordance with applicable military standards and contractual requirements. The position involves analyzing source data such as engineering drawings, specifications, and Logistics Support Analysis (LSA/LSAR) outputs to ensure accuracy and consistency across all deliverables. The Publications Development Specialist I also supports the creation of technical illustrations and visual aids, maintains configuration control of documentation, and assists in review cycles, including comment resolution and validation efforts. This role requires strong attention to detail, foundational knowledge of technical writing practices, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, compliant technical publications.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required; currently enrolled in, or recent graduate of, a four-year accredited program leading to a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in a relevant field (e.g., Technical Communications, Engineering, Logistics, or related discipline), with a minimum of one (1) year of related experience or applicable academic project work.
Working knowledge of standard business and documentation tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat for document creation, editing, and review.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance; must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Foundational knowledge of applicable military and industry standards for technical publications development, including MIL-PRF-63002, MIL-PRF-63029, MIL-STD-40051, MIL-HDBK-1222, and MIL-STD-2361.
Working proficiency with standard office and documentation tools, including Microsoft Office Suite and XML-based authoring environments such as Arbortext and UltraEdit for structured technical data development.
Basic capability in technical illustration and graphics development using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel DESIGNER, IsoDraw, SolidWorks, or similar software to support publication requirements.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical source data, including engineering drawings, specifications, safety requirements, and maintenance procedures.
Demonstrated aptitude for clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to convey technical processes and requirements effectively to team members and leadership.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance within technical documentation.
Analytical and problem-solving skills are sufficient to evaluate data, identify discrepancies, and support resolution of routine technical issues.
Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams, maintaining professionalism and effectiveness across all levels of the organization.
Basic understanding of configuration management principles and document control practices.
Customer-focused mindset with effective listening skills, responsiveness, and commitment to quality deliverables.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a structured, deadline-driven environment.
Capacity to learn and apply corporate policies, procedures, and program requirements in alignment with organizational objectives.

Nice To Haves

Prior aviation maintenance experience on rotary- and/or fixed-wing platforms, with familiarity in aircraft systems, components, and maintenance practices.
Working knowledge of XML-based authoring tools such as Arbortext, UltraEdit, or Adobe FrameMaker for structured technical data development.
Basic understanding of Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM) development principles, formats, and delivery methods.
Familiarity with technical publication lifecycle processes, including development, review, validation, and configuration control.
Exposure to DoD technical documentation standards and data structuring methodologies (e.g., S1000D or similar frameworks) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop, draft, and refine technical publication content (e.g., operator and maintenance manuals, work packages, and procedural guides) by translating complex engineering and logistics data into clear, concise, and reproducible technical documentation.
Analyze source data packages (engineering drawings, specifications, LSAR data, and provisioning information) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and technical compliance within all publication deliverables.
Perform detailed technical reviews of draft publications to validate data integrity, ensure adherence to applicable military and industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-40051, MIL-PRF-63002), and identify discrepancies requiring resolution.
Create and modify technical illustrations, schematics, and graphical content in accordance with applicable data standards to effectively support procedural and descriptive publication requirements.
Maintain configuration control of all publication source files, change records, and supporting documentation to ensure full traceability and auditability of revisions.
Apply working knowledge of technical publication development processes, specifications, and quality assurance practices to ensure consistent, compliant, and high-quality deliverables.
Coordinate with engineers, logisticians, illustrators, and senior technical writers to obtain, validate, and incorporate required data into publication products.
Communicate technical issues, data gaps, and clarification requests to senior personnel in a timely and professional manner to support efficient publication development.
Support internal and external reviews, including in-process reviews (IPRs), prototype/validation/verification events, and customer comment resolution efforts.
Develop supporting visual aids (e.g., charts, diagrams, tables, and forms) to enhance clarity, usability, and effectiveness of technical publications.
Participate in technical interchange meetings, working groups, and program reviews to provide publication status, receive direction, and address stakeholder concerns.
Ensure all deliverables meet established schedule requirements, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of ILS documentation, publication development, and program execution objectives.