Job Description

Do you enjoy conveying complex technical topics to broad audiences through the precision of the written word? 

Do you have an authoritative command of English with the ability to organize, structure, edit and format technical documents?

Are you someone who enjoys working in a highly collaborative, dynamic environment?

Do you possess strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills?

Are attention to detail, accuracy, and customer service important to you?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking motivated and creative Technical Writers to write and maintain vital documentation of cutting-edge work on critical programs related to national security. You’ll work closely with hardware, software, and design engineers to compile highly technical information into easy-to-understand references, manuals, and published standards. This person will collaborate with APL’s technical staff to create content and documentation across a range of science and engineering disciplines. The writer will communicate complex scientific and technical work to a broad audience and will demonstrate a creative approach to communications using traditional and digital methods. 

As a Technical Writer...

• Plan, create, and revise classified and unclassified documents for our industry and government partners from highly technical information.
• Keep up to date on the latest standards throughout the document review process to increase understanding and provide leadership with feedback on impacts to our standards.
• Input and format text, tables and graphics.
• Interact with teammates, artists, project managers, authors and other partners to define project requirements and resolve content, production and scheduling issues.
• Create and maintain technical installation and integration manuals for various payloads and platform systems.
• Develop, edit, refine and proofread user guides and operation manuals for various cyber system architectures.
• Investigate and maintain a catalog of industry options across several categories of network technology, such as IDS, CDS, data transfer and storage solutions, etc.
• Interview and collaborate with subject-matter experts to gain an understanding of the technical work.
• Compile, maintain, and disseminate points of contact lists.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• A bachelor’s degree in English or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of relevant experience with similar technical writing efforts for the Department of Defense (DoD) or DoD contractors
• Experience writing and editing formal publications and technical documents for organization, grammar, usage and clarity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a superior command of the English language
• A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with an eye for prioritization
• A proven ability to learn and understand complex topics quickly
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• A master’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline
• At least 5 years of technical/engineering work experience
• Experience working with complex cyber architecture
• Experience with grant writing
• An active security clearance
• An ability to generate formal electrical and/or mechanical drawings using Cameo
• Experience creating graphics for use in printed or electronic publications
• Experience creating documentation in accordance with (NIST) SP 800-37, Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• Experience using markup languages (Markdown, JSON, reStructuredText, etc.)

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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