Location: Arden Hills, MN
Duration: Contact to hire

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Technical Writer/Publications Developer works collaboratively with the Technical Publications team, engineers, programmers, and service technicians to produce high-quality reference manuals and materials for equipment.

The Technical Writer/Publications Developer demonstrates proven high-level skills in technical communication practices and methodologies and works independently with minimal supervision. This person is skilled in:

  • Analyzing the subject matter and writing clear and effective technical documentation.
  • Interviewing SMEs to find the information necessary to complete a writing task, using well-formed questions and excellent analysis skills.
  • Proofing and editing the work of his or her peers, as well as his or her own works.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in and oversee the production of reference manuals.
    1. Assist other team members with spec sheets.
    2. Review manuals developed by other team members for a final proof before completion.
    3. Determine to what level components and information about the machine should be documented.
    4. Interpret information from SMEs and provide clarification for other team members.
  • Create reference manuals for commercial, non-commercial and new development machines.
    1. Logically break the machine into sections and document all components and sequences.
    2. Meet with SMEs to understand new concepts, review maintenance specifications, and review HMI screens.
    3. Understands the concepts, sequences and procedures of the equipment and programs, and clearly communicates through documentation.
    4. Identify information that should or should not be documented in a customer manual and customer training materials.
  • Create customer facing technical materials in support of customer training for commercial, non-commercial and new development machines.
    1. Create machine maintenance quick reference procedures.
    2. Create machine troubleshooting guides and preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Manage requests for customer documentation and from other departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

  1. A four-year (Bachelor’s) degree or formal education in English, Technical Writing/Communication, or equivalent or five or more years of experience in a technical writing capacity.
  2. Experience or formal education in technical communication industry practices.
  3. Two or more years of experience documenting packaging machinery or similar industrial equipment with electro-mechanical components.
  4. Demonstrated experience in FrameMaker; creating new templates and documents.
  5. Experience with InDesign software.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

  1. Analyzing and Planning:
    1. Demonstrates strong critical analysis skills when working with preexisting information.
    2. Demonstrates effective interviewing skills for uncovering necessary information from SMEs regarding a project.
    3. Well organized and works methodically on repetitive and tedious information.
    4. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail, directing and influencing others to do the same.
  2. Writing:
    1. Writes well (writing is grammatically accurate, clear, concise, and easy to understand).
    2. Uses technical writing techniques to organize information into logical user-friendly documentation that readers can easily read, scan, and understand.
    3. Processes information clearly, sequentially, and analytically, with consistent use of terminology.
  3. Proofing and Editing:
    1. Demonstrates strong and accurate proofing and editing skills, and guides others in this task.
    2. Edits and proofs information according to the department style guide and proof sheets.
    3. Carefully proofs and edits his or her own work, as well as those of the team.
  4. Development and Design Skills:
    1. Understands the importance of working from objectives defined from a needs assessment or audience analysis.
    2. Demonstrates good design skills when working with new information.
    3. Demonstrates the ability to adapt existing information for new course formats or structures.

Non-Technical Skills:

  1. Interpersonal Communication:
    1. Communicates clearly and effectively (verbally and non-verbally) to individuals and groups, internally and externally, to exchange ideas and convey detailed information accurately.
    2. Works well with a variety of people and personalities, and with other Delkor departments.
    3. Works collaboratively, as a team member, to suggest ideas and resolve issues in a positive manner.
    4. Understands that communication with SMEs can require extra effort and specific communication methods.
    5. Works to build positive relationships and open lines of communication with SMEs and other departments or individuals with whom he or she interacts on a regular basis.
  2. Work Ethic:
    1. Maintains a positive work environment, even under challenging situations.
    2. Offers and accepts constructive criticism.
    3. Understands the need to work productively, making good use of his or her time.
    4. Works independently and accurately with minimal supervision.
    5. Schedules and prioritizes his or her own work to meet deadlines.
  3. Leadership Skills:
    1. Demonstrates effective leadership in a group setting.
    2. Motivates team members and encourages positive and strong team work ethic.