Technical Writer
About The Position
The Technical Writer develops, maintains, and improves clear, accurate, user-focused technical documentation that supports customer success. The role works with engineers, production team members, subject matter experts, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate complex technical information into work instructions, manuals, procedures, training materials, and other controlled documents. Documentation must be consistent, current, easy to understand, and aligned with company standards, safety requirements, and continuous improvement goals. The position is based at CMD in Appleton, Wisconsin, with occasional planned travel of approximately 10%. CMD’s facilities have secure entry, are well lit, temperature controlled, clean, and low noise. The company emphasizes safety, mutual respect, clear communication, and employee wellbeing. The role is full-time and nonexempt, and requires U.S. work authorization and compliance with confidentiality agreements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, English, Communication, Journalism, or a related field; an Associate’s degree with comparable experience may be considered.
- At least 3 years of experience in technical writing, documentation, or content development.
- Proven experience creating user-friendly documentation such as user guides, manuals, SOPs, or knowledge-based articles.
- Experience working with subject matter experts to gather and translate complex information.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat, and the Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and mechanical drawings and translate mechanical operation into written explanations.
- Excellent computer skills, including use of production documentation and ERP systems.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions within established guidelines.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States and adhere to CMD confidentiality agreements.
- Ability to perform the described physical demands, work safely in manufacturing environments, use required PPE, and meet regular, predictable attendance requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with structured authoring tools and standards, including XML or DITA.
- Familiarity with product data management (PDM) systems, such as SolidWorks Vault or similar.
- Digital fluency, including effective use of technology and AI tools.
Responsibilities
- Develop, write, edit, and maintain equipment manuals, operating instructions, work instructions, service documentation, standard operating procedures, and training materials.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, service, sales, and other subject matter experts to gather, verify, and translate technical information into clear, accurate, usable content.
- Review engineering drawings, bills of material, specifications, schematics, and related information to ensure documentation reflects current product design, configuration, and manufacturing requirements.
- Create and revise documentation for new product development, product changes, equipment upgrades, manufacturing process changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate document reviews, incorporate feedback, track revisions, and support controlled document processes.
- Organize technical content, illustrations, photos, and reference materials in a logical, user-friendly format for internal and external audiences.
- Use translation methods and services to prepare documentation for international markets.
- Identify documentation gaps, inaccuracies, and improvement opportunities, and work with stakeholders to resolve them promptly.
- Prepare documentation that helps users safely install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and service company equipment.
- Ensure documentation aligns with company standards, terminology, formatting guidelines, safety requirements, quality expectations, and applicable regulatory or customer requirements.
- Perform work in accordance with company policies, safety procedures, and quality standards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
