Technical Writer

Job Title: Technical WriterJob Description

The Technical Writer creates clear, straightforward operating and service manuals for complex OEM equipment and cranes. Instead of starting from scratch, this role builds on existing manuals and documentation, updating content when products receive new pumps, upgrades, or other changes. The position is hands-on, requiring the individual to physically take apart and reassemble products in order to understand them thoroughly and translate that knowledge into simple, accurate instructions for end users and service technicians.

Responsibilities

• Create and update operating manuals and service manuals for OEM equipment and cranes, ensuring all instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow.
• Review existing manuals and documentation, then revise and insert new content when products receive upgrades, new pumps, or other changes.
• Physically disassemble and reassemble products to gain a deep understanding of their components and operation, using this knowledge to inform accurate technical documentation.
• Develop step-by-step procedures and instructions that support safe and effective operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Collaborate closely with technical teams and product experts to gather information and verify the accuracy of manuals and service documents.
• Apply strong writing skills to translate complex technical concepts into accessible language suitable for users and service personnel.
• Use Microsoft Office tools to draft, format, edit, and finalize manuals and related technical documents.
• Maintain consistency in terminology, style, and structure across all documentation, aligning with established standards and templates.
• Ensure documentation reflects the latest product configurations, prototypes, and new releases prior to market launch.
• Participate in lab and product testing activities as needed to observe operation and validate written procedures.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of technical writing experience focused on cranes or OEM equipment.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working as a technician on OEM equipment.
• Proven ability to create clear, straightforward operating and service instructions for complex mechanical products.
• Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts in simple, accurate language.
• Minimum 3 years of experience using Microsoft Office for drafting, editing, and formatting documentation.
• Comfort with physically taking apart and reassembling products to understand their design and function.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all written materials.
• Ability to work independently in a quiet, focused environment while meeting deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• A degree in English or Journalism is beneficial but not required.
• Background as a technician with experience on a variety of OEM products.
• Familiarity with documentation standards and best practices for technical manuals.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering, lab, and product teams to gather and validate information.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple manuals and product updates simultaneously.
• Comfort working with prototypes and new products prior to their release to the market.

Work Environment

The role is based in an on-site office and lab environment on a first-shift schedule with flexible hours. The individual works with brand new prototypes and products before they reach the market, covering a wide variety of equipment from smaller machines to larger heavy equipment. The setting is clean, and while the work is physical due to handling and testing equipment, it does not typically involve getting dirty because the products are new. The office area is quiet and conducive to focused writing, often compared to a library environment where manuals are being created rather than casual reading. The atmosphere is open-concept and very casual, with a dress code that typically includes dress pants and a polo, though jeans are also acceptable.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waterloo, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/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 Waterloo,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.