Technical Writer

Vatn Systems•Bristol, RI

11d

About The Position

Serves as the company's first dedicated technical writer, owning the clarity, consistency, and quality of documentation across the AUV systems integration and test lifecycle. Translates technical input from engineering and program teams into clear, standardized, audit-ready documentation for both internal and external audiences, including user manuals, SOPs, datasheets, and contract deliverables. Beyond producing and editing content, this role builds on and strengthens the documentation processes, templates, and tooling that keep information accurate, controlled, and current as systems progress from prototype to production.

Requirements

Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical content into clear documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences
Strong editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to enforce a consistent style, voice, and format across content authored by others
2 to 5 years of technical writing experience preferred; exceptional recent graduates with a strong technical and writing background will be considered
Technical background such as a degree in engineering, technical communication, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience with technical subject matter
Self-directed and comfortable establishing structure in an evolving, fast-paced environment, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple efforts independently
Familiarity with reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and system diagrams
Ability to work closely and iteratively with engineers to extract and accurately capture technical detail
Comfortable working across common documentation and content-management tools, including Microsoft Office (particularly Word), Google Drive, and Confluence
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Nice To Haves

Experience with AUVs, UUVs, marine systems, or other unmanned/robotic or complex hardware systems
Familiarity with systems engineering documentation (requirements, ICDs, configuration baselines, test plans and procedures)
Experience with defense or government contract documentation standards (e.g., DI-MISC, MIL-STD formatting, CDRLs/DIDs) and handling of CUI or export-controlled data
Experience establishing or improving documentation processes, templates, or tooling in a growing organization
Familiarity with PLM systems and configuration management practices
Ability to create or clean up basic diagrams, illustrations, and screenshots (e.g., Visio, draw.io, or similar)
Experience supporting proposals or business development (white papers, capability statements, RFI/RFP responses)

Responsibilities

Produce clear, standardized external-facing documentation (user manuals, datasheets, and customer/contract deliverables), translating engineer input and source material into content accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences
Develop and organize the full range of internal documentation, such as SOPs and work instructions, test plans and procedures, system-level architecture and design descriptions, ICDs, configuration baselines, engineering and release notes, and internal reference material, compiled from engineer-provided content and source material
Provide the final editorial pass on engineer-authored content: refining structure, style, clarity, and formatting to a common standard
Own the consistency of documentation across the organization, ensuring all materials adhere to a common format, style, structure, and company branding
Build upon and improve existing documentation processes, infrastructure, and tooling (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint, PLM, Google Drive): refining workflows, creating and maintaining templates for recurring document types, and strengthening the foundation to support a scaling team and product lines
Keep documentation current as designs evolve by tracking how engineering and configuration changes affect existing docs, updating them to reflect each system's build state from prototype through production, and maintaining version control and traceability throughout
Apply correct document markings and distribution statements (e.g., CUI handling, ITAR/EAR-controlled technical data, Distribution Statements A-F) and ensure controlled information is stored and shared appropriately
Ensure documentation complies with relevant standards (internal QA processes, customer/contract deliverable formats, and applicable government/defense documentation standards)
Support review cycles for test readiness reviews (TRRs), design reviews, post-test reports, product revisions, contract programs, and new product introductions, working closely with engineers to capture accurate technical detail and with program management to capture requirements and deliverable expectations
Support proposal and business development efforts as needed: drafting or editing white papers, capability statements, and responses to RFIs/RFPs