1

Contract Technical Writer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

GMP Technical Writer

Madison, WI · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

GMP Technical Writer Contract: 6+ months with strong potential for contract-to-hire Location: Greater Madison Area, WI -- Onsite Automated Systems, Inc. (ASI) is seeking an experienced GMP Technical ...

Posted today

Technical Writing Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Technical Writing Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Propulsion Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

... writing skills for preparing detailed technical reports and documentation. Job Details: * Job Type: Direct Hire * Location: Madison, WI * Salary Range: $100,604-$138,349. * Due to government contract ...

Propulsion Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Strong technical writing skills for preparing detailed technical reports and documentation. Job ... Due to government contract requirements, this position is restricted to U.S. Citizens or Green Card ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Technical Writer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$100.3K

$110.8K

$119.4K

How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writer in Madison, WI is $110,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,800.00 and $115,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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. The role often requires proficiency with tools like Markdown or XML and the ability to adapt to various industries, making it a flexible and valuable position in technical communication.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Technical Writer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Contract Technical Writer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Contract Technical Writer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,839 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

GMP Technical Writer

Automated Systems, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 19 hours ago

Posted today

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

GMP Technical Writer

Contract: 6+ months with strong potential for contract-to-hire
Location: Greater Madison Area, WI — Onsite


Automated Systems, Inc. (ASI) is seeking an experienced GMP Technical Writer to support documentation and quality system activities at a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in the Greater Madison Area. This role will support backlog closure across Deviations, CAPAs, Change Controls, SOPs, and engineering documentation, working closely with Automation, Utilities, and Facilities engineering teams.


The ideal candidate will combine strong technical writing skills with pharmaceutical GMP experience and a solid understanding of quality systems and document control. This position requires the ability to gather complex technical information from engineers and translate it into clear, accurate, compliant, and audit-ready documentation.


Key Responsibilities

  • Author, revise, and finalize GMP documentation, including Deviation reports, CAPAs, Change Controls, engineering work orders, SOPs, and Work Instructions.
  • Partner with Automation, Utilities, and Facilities engineers to gather technical information and translate engineering concepts into clear, GMP-compliant documentation.
  • Support Deviation investigations, root cause documentation, corrective and preventive actions, and Change Control packages, including classification and rationale.
  • Manage document workflows through Veeva QualityDocs, MasterControl, or comparable electronic quality management systems, including review, approval, and effective-date processes.
  • Author and edit SOPs, Work Instructions, engineering procedures, and related controlled documents in accordance with site and global quality requirements.
  • Maintain documentation trackers using Smartsheet, Excel, or similar tools to monitor open items, approval queues, dependencies, and closure timelines.
  • Coordinate document interdependencies across engineering and quality functions to prevent routing delays and support timely closure of documentation backlogs.
  • Ensure documentation meets cGMP, data integrity, document control, version control, and audit-readiness requirements.
  • Apply strong attention to detail and critical thinking when reviewing technical content for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance.
  • Support electronic documentation and quality systems while learning and applying site-specific procedures, processes, and technologies.


Required Qualifications & Experience

  • 4+ years of GMP technical writing experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Demonstrated experience authoring Deviations, CAPAs, Change Controls, SOPs, Work Instructions, and other GMP-controlled documentation.
  • Experience supporting Deviation investigations and CAPA processes, including documenting root causes, corrective actions, and preventive actions.
  • Strong understanding of cGMP documentation practices, data integrity, document control, version control, and review/approval workflows.
  • Experience with electronic quality management or document management systems such as Veeva QualityDocs, MasterControl, TrackWise, or equivalent platforms.
  • Experience using Smartsheet, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office for documentation tracking and project coordination.
  • Relevant experience supporting engineering organizations, particularly Automation, Utilities, Facilities, Manufacturing, or related technical functions.
  • Strong technical writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise, compliant, and audit-ready documentation.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with engineers, Quality, Operations, and other cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Technical Writing, Engineering, Science, Business, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


Preferred Qualifications

  • 1–2+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
  • Experience authoring or maintaining electronic batch record recipes.
  • Familiarity with systems such as ComplianceWire, JD Edwards, Unicorn, or similar pharmaceutical quality/manufacturing platforms.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing and laboratory operations and the ability to quickly learn new processes, systems, and technologies.
  • Experience supporting quality system backlog reduction, documentation remediation, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Company Description

We are a dynamic, project oriented consulting company offering individuals a wide variety of technical challenges. We are currently experiencing rapid growth, and are in need of talented individuals. ASI offers top wages and excellent benefits. ASI is an equal opportunity employer.