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Contract Technical Writer Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Administrator

Biddeford, ME ยท On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Manage contract administration throughout the full lifecycle, including monitoring funding ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex contractual ...

Ensure specified dimensions, materials, and procedures comply with project and contract ... Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, math principles ...

Verify accuracy of calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and ... Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, math principles ...

... contract plans and specifications, recognizing basic construction or engineering problems and ... Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... and Contract Documents * Collaborate with other disciplines and project partners * Assist to ... Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (e.g ...

Participate in the technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings ... Advanced knowledge and proficiency with technical writing, office automation, relevant software, MS ...

Power & Energy Senior Program Director

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$118K - $119K/yr

Participate in the technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings ... Advanced knowledge and proficiency with technical writing, office automation, relevant software, MS ...

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Contract Technical Writer information

See Portland, ME salary details

$101.8K

$112.6K

$121.3K

How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writer in Portland, ME is $112,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $117,700.00 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Technical Writer jobs in Portland, ME are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs in Portland, ME?

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

What job categories do people searching Contract Technical Writer jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Technical Writer jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Contract Technical Writer jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Contract Technical Writer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writer job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,576 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Contracts Administrator

Fiber Materials

Biddeford, ME โ€ข On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 


Your role: FMI is seeking a Contracts Administrator! This role manages the full lifecycle of U.S. Government and commercial contracts, ensuring all obligations are accurately interpreted, negotiated, and executed in compliance with US Regulations and company policy. It services as a key partner to a variety of cross-functional teams, providing guidance on contractual risk, pricing, proposals, and customer requirements. This role will represent FMI in negotiations and formal communications, resolve complex contractual issues, and maintain complete, audit-ready documentation to support successful program performance and strong customer relationships. 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Analyze solicitations and terms and conditions to identify business, financial, and compliance risks, provide strategic contractual guidance to senior leadership, offering assessments of risk, compliance requirements, and business impacts to support informed decision‑making
  • Prepare, review, and coordinate approval of proposals, including pricing, schedules, negotiations, contracts of various types, and Non-Disclosure Agreements
  • Serve as the primary contractual interface with customers, representing the company in formal communications, negotiations, and issue resolution
  • Manage contract administration throughout the full lifecycle, including monitoring funding oversight, delivery tracking, scope management, and compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements
  • Coordinate with Program Managers and cross-functional teams to ensure contractual obligations, flow downs, and performance requirements are fully understood and fulfilled
  • Maintain audit ready files and documentation as required by company policy, contract terms, FAR and other Government regulations or law such as export compliance in accordance with ITAR and EAR
  • Support departmental initiatives including policy development, process improvement, Lean activities, and implementation of new tools or systems

What we need from you:

  • 4-year college degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field
  • 6+ years of relevant experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex contractual concepts to technical and non‑technical stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
  • Advanced problem‑solving, decision‑making, and professional judgment, particularly in high‑risk or ambiguous contractual situations
  • Strong proficiency in interpreting and negotiating complex contract terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements under FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR
  • Extremely high attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness in documentation, compliance, and record‑keeping
  • Proven collaboration skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, finance, purchasing, and program management teams

Preferred:

  • Experience negotiating and administering medium‑to‑high complexity U.S. Government contracts, including sole‑source and competitive proposals
  • Experience ensuring contractual flow downs and compliance across internal teams and subcontractors
  • Experience supporting business capture activities and proposal strategy development

What you'll get from us:

  • 16 ETO days
  • 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
  • Medical / Dental / Vision effective on Day 1
  • 401k Company Match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • The anticipated salary range for this position is $60,000-$100,000 dependent on experience