| Location | Hershey, PA |
Work Schedule: Hybrid - onsite Tuesday-Thursday
Overview
We are seeking a Technical Writer to develop clear, accurate, and safety-focused training materials and work instructions for Pilot Plant equipment in a manufacturing environment. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Environmental Health & Safety teams to document equipment operation, setup, cleaning, troubleshooting, and maintenance-related processes.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical writing skills with mechanical aptitude, hands-on curiosity, and experience creating training content in food manufacturing or another regulated manufacturing environment.
Duties
Develop equipment training materials, standard operating procedures, work instructions, step-up cards, and one-point lessons.
Observe equipment and processes on the production floor, working with subject matter experts (SMEs) to document procedures accurately and identify gaps.
Capture photographs and videos of equipment operation, breakdown, reassembly, and other processes to support training development.
Create and maintain digital learning content using available documentation, multimedia, and learning management tools.
Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Safety teams to incorporate applicable safety, quality, and compliance requirements.
Review and validate documentation with SMEs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and ease of use for operators.
Support Job Safety Analysis documentation and evaluate operator competency and training retention as needed.
Manage competing priorities and training development milestones while adapting to changing operational needs.
Required Skills
At least three consecutive years of experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably at the same facility.
Demonstrated experience developing technical documentation, work instructions, or training materials.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications, including document and spreadsheet formatting.
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn equipment functions, operating procedures, and manufacturing processes.
Experience gathering technical information from subject matter experts and translating complex processes into clear, practical instructions.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to validate documentation for accuracy, safety, and usability.
Ability to work in both an office setting and a production environment, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and observing equipment during operation and disassembly.
Ability to use an iPad to capture and document equipment and processes.
Preferred Skills
Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), R&D pilot plants, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Hands-on experience with equipment operation, troubleshooting, setup, sanitation, changeovers, or maintenance procedures.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Snagit, Microsoft Copilot, and learning management systems (LMS).
Experience capturing and editing photographs and videos for technical training or instructional content.
Knowledge of Job Safety Analysis (JSA), quality standards, and manufacturing safety procedures.
Experience evaluating operator competency, supporting refresher training, or standardizing training materials across equipment and processes.