Technical Writer

Job Title: Technical Writer (Manufacturing / Engineering Focus)

Job Description

This onsite Technical Writer role focuses on developing clear, detailed work instructions and technical documentation for complex capital equipment in a manufacturing environment. You will work directly on the production floor with engineers and technicians, observing assembly and testing processes and translating them into structured, user-friendly procedures. This position suits someone with a mechanical or technical background who enjoys hands-on work, close collaboration, and contributing directly to a major manufacturing ramp.

Responsibilities

• Observe and document assembly and testing processes directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Create clear, step-by-step work instructions, procedures, and technical documentation for subassemblies and full system builds.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineers to identify documentation needs, priorities, and gaps.
• Translate engineering drawings and 3D models into structured, easy-to-follow instructions for production teams.
• Partner with technicians to validate documentation by having them execute procedures and provide practical feedback.
• Revise and refine documentation based on real-time feedback from production, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate, detailed, and usable for a contract manufacturer and internal stakeholders.
• Support documentation development throughout the full system assembly and testing lifecycle.
• Use tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and related applications to reference and interpret mechanical designs.
• Leverage SAP or similar systems as needed to access and manage documentation and related data.
• Maintain a high standard of clarity, consistency, and usability across all written materials.
• Proactively gather information from cross-functional teams to fill in missing details and improve documentation quality.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience or strong exposure to mechanical systems in a practical setting.
• Hands-on experience or strong exposure to assembly processes and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings accurately.
• Experience with or exposure to SolidWorks or other 3D modeling tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex processes clearly.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive approach to gathering information and clarifying requirements.
• High level of detail orientation and commitment to producing accurate documentation.
• Ability to take feedback constructively and iterate on documentation.
• Comfort working cross-functionally with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to observe physical processes and translate them into clear, structured written instructions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, or early career experience in manufacturing or engineering.
• Experience creating technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or work instructions.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD for reviewing and referencing engineering designs.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks Composer for creating visual, instruction-based content.
• Exposure to SAP or similar enterprise systems for managing documentation and related data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with FrameMaker for structured technical authoring.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat for reviewing, editing, and managing PDF documentation.
• Exposure to 3D modeling tools and workflows in an engineering context.
• Experience with process documentation in assembly or test environments.
• Exposure to capital equipment or hardware, particularly systems involving mechanical, electrical, controls, or pneumatics.
• Field service documentation experience, such as creating service manuals or troubleshooting guides.
• Familiarity with tools such as RoboHelp or similar help authoring tools.
• Curiosity and a strong desire to learn new technologies, processes, and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with both engineering and manufacturing teams.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite, five days per week, in Somerset, NJ. You will split your time between the production floor and a desk-based setting, combining hands-on observation with focused documentation work. On the production floor, you will closely observe assembly and testing of complex capital equipment that integrates mechanical, electrical, controls, and pneumatic systems. You will interact regularly with manufacturing engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The position offers exposure to high-growth manufacturing operations, full system assembly and testing processes, and a range of engineering and documentation tools, while providing a strong pathway to develop transferable skills across engineering, manufacturing, and operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Somerset, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Somerset,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.