Senior Writer/Editor (Fixed Term)

About the role

Do you love to address structural challenges in writing and craft words and paragraphs that engage the reader? Do you excel at improving technical writing through rigorous copyediting and the use of precise language? Would you like to work with leaders in the fields of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) on projects that matter to the Department of War (DoW), government agencies, and private industry?

We are looking for a Senior Writer/Editor to join the Technical Communications team at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) for a 4-month part-time, fixed-term assignment. In this role, you will write and edit technical content for reports, the SEI website, blogs, and presentations. You will collaborate with SEI researchers, engineers, and other subject-matter experts to gather complex technical information and prepare it for distribution to different audiences, from technical experts to lay readers. You will manage the content through all stages of the writing process from inception to completion, including drafting stages, but also through multi-author editing stages where you will play a central role in ensuring clarity, optimal organization, unity of voice, grammatical correctness, and adherence to style standards.

What you'll do

• Edit formal technical reports at all editorial levels, including substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Correct grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, capitalization, citations, formatting, and style-guide inconsistencies with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Analyze content for Section 508 conformance by testing against 508 standards manually as well as by using accessibility tools and assistive tech and media; apply changes to documents to ensure 508 conformance.
• Apply and enforce editorial standards and style-guide conventions consistently across long-form, highly technical, multi-author documents.
• Write technical content and stories for the SEI website, Year in Review, and other communication channels.
• Collaborate with technical staff to write blog posts about technical topics.
• Write and edit brief articles and marketing materials.
• Write and edit web content, video scripts, and content for other electronic media.
• Collaborate with SEI Communication Design, Web Services, Public Relations, and Outreach teams on publications, presentations, web pages, information graphics, and event materials.
• Plan, manage, schedule, and track your project tasks.

Who you are

• You have at least five years of experience in writing and editing.
• You can both develop original content and perform meticulous line-by-line editing of complex documents.
• You have exceptional copyediting and proofreading skills, including mastery of grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, and consistency in technical and formal writing.
• You have at least five years of experience with 508 conformance, including using accessibility tools and assistive tech and media such as JAWS.
• You are committed to customer service for subject-matter experts, but you are also a strong advocate for their readers.
• You have a keen eye for detail and a strong focus on quality and adherence to a style guide.
• You have strong organizational, time management, and project management skills and can prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• You have the social skills to interview subject-matter experts or work closely with them to plan and develop written technical materials.
• You have experience with complex subjects-preferably, but not necessarily, in software or science-and can learn new topics quickly.
• You have experience in research writing or long-form documentation, such as academic articles and reports.
• You have significant experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• You can work with minimal or no supervision, but you also participate in team decision making.
• You are willing to travel within the SEI and CMU community-and occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings-to support the SEI's mission (<5%).
  • You can pass a background check, get and maintain a DoW security clearance, and possibly get and maintain other customer-required background checks.

You might also have experience in

• an academic or technical research setting
• documenting software
• marketing writing for a technical or DoW audience
• coordinating with others to meet service-level agreements for projects
• issue- and project-tracking software
• website content-management systems
• learning a markup language or using LaTeX or other document-preparation systems

How to apply

With your resume, please also upload

• a short article or marketing piece that demonstrates your writing skills
• a text sample that demonstrates detailed editorial markup

A cover letter is optional but can expand on your work history and explain how it aligns with the job description.

Final candidates will complete a copyediting assessment that evaluates grammar, punctuation, consistency, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.

Who we are

Always focused on the future, the SEI advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the DoW and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering. Learn more about Careers at the SEI.

The Technical Communications team helps the SEI's subject-matter experts inform our sponsor and the public about the research, methods, products, and services developed at the SEI.

Why work here?

• Work with subject-matter experts doing cutting-edge research to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
• Join an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly team.
• Get an 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan, without having to contribute yourself.
• Get tuition benefits for you and your dependent children to attend classes at CMU.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with a flexible work arrangement.
• Get access to university resources such as campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
• Enjoy annual professional-development opportunities to attend conferences and training or get a certification.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Communications

Position Type

Staff - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information:

• Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

• Statement of Assurance