Technical Writer and Illustrator

BendPak Inc•Santa Paula, CA

3d•$80,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

BendPak is a leading manufacturer of vehicle repair equipment. The Technical Writer and Illustrator converts complex technical data, engineering specifications, product layouts, and drawings into clear, concise, task-based instructions and illustrations for end users. This position collaborates with Product Development, Quality Control, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to develop, revise, edit, and design comprehensive installation and operation manuals. The ideal candidate produces precise instructional content from primary source materials, applies ANSI Z535.6 standards, and works proficiently with word-processing and graphic-design software.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of professional experience in technical writing, copyediting, documentation review, and knowledge-repository development.
Proven experience applying ANSI Z535.6 standards to consumer products, industrial equipment, product manuals, or labeling projects.
Excellent writing, grammatical, and editing skills across a range of formats and audiences.
Proficient in SolidWorks or SolidWorks Composer.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with emphasis on Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with advanced skills in Adobe PDF compilation and editing tools.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical drawings and instructions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) in Technical Communication, English, Instructional Design, or a related discipline preferred.
Experience in the automotive equipment sector is highly advantageous.
Professional certifications (such as CTP or CPTC) are preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze complex technical data, identify discrepancies, and recommend practical resolutions.
Analyze and repair vendor sub-standard illustrations and/or diagrams.
Write and revise technical publications while maximizing content reusability and efficiency.
Apply ANSI Z535.6 standards to create appropriate section safety messages, embedded safety messages, and property-damage messages within user manuals and collateral materials.
Improve existing documentation by analyzing engineering drawings, vendor sketches, service technician feedback, customer feedback, and physical product evaluations.
Translate technical data and physical assemblies into high-quality visual illustrations and user-friendly instructions.
Maintain and develop standardized templates, forms, style guides, and publication policies.
Partner with Engineering, Drafting, Customer Service, and Field Technicians to guarantee documentation accuracy, safety compliance, and completeness.
Facilitate the document review lifecycle by proofreading draft materials, analyzing stakeholder feedback, and integrating approved redlines.
Maintain the technical documentation library by securely storing, systematically organizing assets, and by following formal change-control procedures.
Track compliance using revision logs, historical archives, and structured technical specification data.
Adjust priorities as business needs, project requirements, and deadlines change.
Create and distribute Technical Service Bulletins and formal revisions to communicate critical updates directly to service personnel and end users.
Resolve documentation inquiries and product concerns raised by Engineering, Sales, and Customer Service.
Manage technical publication projects independently, coordinate required inputs, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Complete other technical publication tasks as assigned by management.