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Contract Technical Writer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Technical Writer

Colorado Springs, CO

$80K - $120K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC seeks an experienced and energetic Technical Writer to support the US Space Force's Ground Based Radar (GBR) Maintenance and Sustainment Services (GMASS) contract in ...

SAIC

Technical Writer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC seeks an experienced and energetic Technical Writer to support the US Space Force's Ground Based Radar (GBR) Maintenance and Sustainment Services (GMASS) contract in ...

New

Lorven Technologies

Technical Writer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

Job Title: Technical Writer Location: Denver, CO - Remote Duration: 1 Months Contract QUALIFICATIONS: Microsoft Excel 2010/2013 Duties and Responsibilities: This person would be transcribing past ...

SAIC

Technical Writer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC seeks an experienced and energetic Technical Writer to support the US Space Force's Ground Based Radar (GBR) Maintenance and Sustainment Services (GMASS) contract in performing ...

New

Entarian

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO

$95K - $135K/yr

Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Delta 8. ...

Entarian

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations ...

Entarian

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations ...

Entarian

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO

$95K - $135K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations ...

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All JobsContract Technical Writer JobsContract Technical Writer Jobs in Colorado

Contract Technical Writer information

See Colorado salary details

$104.6K

$115.7K

$124.6K

How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writer in Colorado is $115,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract technical writers, and how can they be managed?

Contract technical writers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new industries or technologies, working with limited project background, and managing communication with multiple stakeholders. To navigate these, it's important to ask targeted questions early, establish clear project expectations, and utilize available documentation and subject matter experts efficiently. Strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential to delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines commonly found in contract roles.

What is a contract technical writer?

Contract technical writers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to create, edit, and manage technical documentation for organizations. They often work independently or through staffing agencies, producing materials such as user manuals, guides, software documentation, and standard operating procedures. Unlike full-time employees, contract technical writers typically work for a set period or until the completion of specific projects, offering flexibility for both the writer and the employer. Their expertise helps businesses clearly communicate complex information to users, clients, or internal teams.

What is the difference between Contract Technical Writer vs Technical Writer?

AspectContract Technical WriterTechnical Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in English, Communications, or related field; certifications like STC are a plusSame as Contract Technical Writer, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote or on-site for specific clientsFull-time employment, may be remote or in-office
Employer & IndustryFreelance or consulting firms, tech companies, manufacturingCorporations, publishers, tech firms, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for project-based or freelance rolesTypically sought as full-time positions

The main difference between a Contract Technical Writer and a Technical Writer lies in employment type and work setup. Contract Technical Writers work on a project basis, often freelance or temporary, while Technical Writers are usually full-time employees. Both roles require similar skills, credentials, and industry experience, but their work arrangements differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract technical writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Technical Writer, you need strong writing, editing, and research skills, usually supported by a relevant degree or experience in technical communication. Familiarity with documentation tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and content management systems is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the creation of accurate, user-friendly documentation that meets project deadlines and client expectations.

What does a contract technical writer do?

Contract technical writers compose journal articles, instruction manuals, textbooks, and other documents with complex, technical information that needs to be explained in an easy-to-understand way. Unlike staff writers, contract technical writers are freelancers that work on a short- or long-term contract basis. In this role, you determine the scope of each writing project from your client, then collaborate with product designers and developers to understand what you are writing about. Once you gather the required information, you write and organize the document based on your target audience, adding photographs, drawings, charts, and diagrams as needed. Your documents are proofread and edited before they are published.

How much does a freelance technical writer make?

Freelance technical writers typically earn between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Many also charge per project or word, with rates varying based on industry and technical expertise. Experienced writers with specialized skills in tools like Markdown or DITA can command higher rates.

Are contract technical writers still in demand?

Contract technical writers are still in demand as companies seek skilled professionals to create clear documentation for products and services. Demand is driven by technology growth, regulatory requirements, and the need for updated user manuals, often requiring proficiency with tools like Markdown or XML. Opportunities are available across various industries, including software, manufacturing, and healthcare, with remote work options increasing flexibility for contract roles.

Is a contract technical writer a high paying job?

Contract technical writers can earn competitive pay, often based on their experience, technical skills, and the complexity of the documentation. Rates for contract work typically range from hourly to project-based fees and can be higher than salaried positions, especially for specialized industries or advanced tools like DITA or FrameMaker.
More about Contract Technical Writer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Technical Writer jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs in Colorado?

For Contract Technical Writer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Technical Writer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Technical Writer jobs in Colorado are:

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What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs in CO?

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Contract Technical Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,666 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Technical Writer

SAIC

Colorado Springs, CO

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615525

Location: Colorado Springs, CO, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Category: Communications

Subcategory: Technical Writer/Ed

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_HYBRID


Description

SAIC seeks an experienced and energetic Technical Writer to support the US Space Force’s Ground Based Radar (GBR) Maintenance and Sustainment Services (GMASS) contract in performing operational maintenance and sustainment of ground-based radars critical to US and Allied strategic missile surveillance, warning, defense, and space surveillance missions.

In support of the government customer, the SAIC Program Manager, and the Chief Engineer, the Technical Writer is responsible for responsive and coherent planning, development and delivery of documentation regarding PARCS and UEWR radar hardware and software modifications, change requests and deficiency reports. This position is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Job Duties:

  • Develop, write, and edit comprehensive engineering specifications, user manuals, reports, briefings, presentations, guidelines, and other project deliverables to meet contract requirements.
  • Gather and interpret complex technical information for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Create and edit Air Force Technical Orders, Time Compliance Technical Orders, Contractor Furnished Equipment Notices, and other documentation in compliance with contract or project requirements.
  • Ensure proper application of applicable government standards including MIL-STD-38784, MIL-DTL-38807, MIL-DTL-38804, MIL-PRF-32216, and other relevant guidelines to all documents.
  • Review technical documentation created by peers to ensure all information is incorporated correctly and all standards are followed.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field and 2+ years’ experience.
  • Active Secret Clearance.
  • Familiarity with TO 00-5-1, TO 00-5-3, and TO 00-5-15.
  • Experience using PDF editing software such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF-Xchange.
  • Experience with document processing software, including Adobe FrameMaker.

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Experience working with agile teams and methodologies and Atlassian tools such as Jira, Confluence, etc.
  • Experience sustaining PARCS, or other Strategic Warning and Surveillance radar systems such as PAVE PAWS and UEWR.
  • Experience with graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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