Technical Writer-Illustrator

The Step2 Company•Streetsboro, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Writer/Illustrator is responsible for the design and creation of assembly instruction manuals for all new products, as well as for revisions and maintenance of existing assembly instructions. The role requires proficiency in 2D and 3D design, strong visual communication, and organizational skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical work experience.
3 years + related work experience.
Strong graphic design skills demonstrating understanding of static layout and analytical design with attention to detail.
Proficient with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
Experienced with CAD software, preferably Creo.
Proficient with PTC Creo Illustrate for creating 3D technical illustrations used in assembly instructions.
Experienced with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Ability to learn new software / workflows quickly.
Time management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Team player with a “can do” attitude to overcoming obstacles and finding solutions.
Excellent time management, project management and organizational skills.
Self-starter with leadership qualities and able to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Vuforia Studio is a plus.
Experience with other creative 3D software (Blender, 3DS Max, Maya, etc.) is a plus.
Experience with Adobe After Effects and Premiere is a plus.
Experience with web and/or UI design is a plus.
General understanding of computer programming is a plus.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, design, organize, write, and edit all new and revised (ECN) assembly instruction manuals for the entire product family.
Study product samples and CAD models and communicate with product engineers to understand the best approach for assembly.
Create necessary graphics, illustrations, photography, and 3D models using PTC Creo Illustrate and other CAD-based tools to illustrate assembly steps while reducing word count.
Assemble products, taking detailed notes and verifying components and hardware against the engineering Bill of Materials.
Collaborate with product engineers, safety, quality, legal, marketing, product management, E-Commerce, and customer service throughout the development, review, and sign-off process of instruction manuals.
Administer test builds with customer service and refine instructions based on observations and feedback.
Maintain the release schedule for all new and revised instruction manuals.
Maintain a library of instruction templates and graphics categorized by product type.
Maintain a library of warning and safety terminology with translations.
Document and maintain new and revised (ECN) instruction sheet approval process workflows.
Produce hard copy (printed) manuals for new products for first article & pilot runs before purchasing makes production quantity orders.
Produce bulk hard copy (printed) manuals as required for contract manufacturing customers and when requested by purchasing to meet deadlines.
Research, train, and stay up-to-date on current design trends and technology improvements.
Perform other responsibilities and projects as assigned.