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Contract Technical Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$33/hr

Technical Writer - SAP Documentation (Simple Explanation) Location ... Tolleson, AZ (100% Onsite) Duration: 06-months contract (may extend) Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 ...

Richmond, VA Duration: 6 month Contract to hire Description: The Technical Writer will be responsible for creating, updating, and writing various types of user documentation, requirements, design ...

Interpret contract requirements and communicate compliance approach in both verbal and meeting ... Technical writing style that focuses on order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

Technical Writer

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$70K - $115K/yr

Six (6) years technical writing experience in programs and contracts of a similar scope, type, and complexity within the Federal Government is required. * Candidate must be able to obtain and keep a ...

Technical Writer Department: Wireless Networks Group Location: Plano, TX 75023 Duration: 12+ Months ... Contract Openings: 2 Summary: Top 3 M ust- H ave S kills/ R equirements: - Ability to multi-task ...

Interpret contract requirements and communicate compliance approach in both verbal and meeting ... Technical writing style that focuses on order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

Richmond, VA Duration: 6 month Contract to hire Description: The Technical Writer will be responsible for creating, updating, and writing various types of user documentation, requirements, design ...

Overview TECHNICAL WRITER (EAISP): Bowhead is seeking a Technical Writer for its Gunter Annex Air ... Contract: Bowhead provides Enterprise and System Architecture Support to the US Air Force Life ...

Technical Writer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Contract * Location: Hybrid (Office in Chicago) * Hourly Pay Rate: $30-$35/hr * Benefits: LaSalle Network consultants are eligible to enroll in benefits. For details, visit Technical Writer ...

Overview TECHNICAL WRITER (EAISP): Bowhead is seeking a Technical Writer for its Gunter Annex Air ... Contract: Bowhead provides Enterprise and System Architecture Support to the US Air Force Life ...

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Contract Technical Writer information

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$99.5K

$110K

$118.5K

How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writer in the United States is $109,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,000.00 and $115,000.00 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 are contract technical writers?

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 is a contract technical writer?

A contract technical writer is a professional hired on a temporary basis to create, edit, and maintain technical documentation such as user manuals, guides, and procedures. They often work independently or for staffing agencies, using tools like MS Word, Adobe FrameMaker, or MadCap Flare, and typically need strong writing skills and technical understanding of the subject matter.

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 the 3 C's of technical writing?

The 3 C's of technical writing are clarity, conciseness, and correctness. These principles help technical writers create clear, efficient, and accurate documentation that effectively communicates complex information to users and stakeholders.

Is AI taking over technical writing?

AI tools are increasingly used in technical writing to assist with tasks like content generation, editing, and formatting, but they do not replace the need for skilled technical writers. Technical writers add value through expertise in complex subject matter, clarity, and user-focused documentation, which AI cannot fully replicate. The role continues to evolve with technology, emphasizing skills in tools like authoring software and content management systems.

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 accordingly. Experienced writers with specialized skills or certifications can command higher rates in the industry.
What cities are hiring for Contract Technical Writer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Technical Writer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writer jobs? The most popular types of Technical Writer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Technical Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Technical Writer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs? For Contract Technical Writer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Technical Writer/Contract Specialist

Technical Writer/Contract Specialist

SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC.

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
SPAs NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage.
We have an immediate need for a Technical Writer/Contract Specialist to provide onsite support out of Norfolk, VA.
Responsibilities
SPA is seeking a Technical Writer/Contract Specialist to work collaboratively with program managers and Procurement and Contracting (P&C) staff in the development of requirement documents such as Statements of Work, Performance Work Statements, Statement of Objectives, Grading Criteria, and other procurement related documents. Will be responsible for taking complex, technical information and translating it into an easily understandable format. Support P&C in assisting program managers regarding format and content of requirements (SOWs, SOO's, RSD's, etc.), and prepare documents in compliance with internal procedures. Develop, draft, write, and edit requirement documents including functional descriptions, specifications, deliverables and acceptance criteria in support of P&C, program managers, and other NATO stakeholders to ensure consistent order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Translate technical information to clear, readable documents to be used by technical and non-technical personnel, and conduct research and ensure the use of proper technical industry terminology. Support procurement activities such as preparing Requests for Proposals (RFP)/Invitations for International Bidding (IFIB), and participate as a Recorder on Solicitation Review Boards (SRB) and Contract Awards Committees (CAC). Assist in drafting and staffing of business cases to support special requests or requests for deviation from normal methods of procurement. Meticulously record all relevant contract decisions and actions of CACs. Establish and maintain excellent internal and external customer relations at all levels of the organization, while producing high-quality documentation that meets applicable standards and is appropriate for its intended audience and wide-spread publication. Create tutorials and samples to help end-users initiate requirements in coordination with procurement staff, and review and update contract templates and desk guides to standardize contracting practices as needed. Apply experience administering contracts and executing associated contract actions; including but not limited to contracts and contract modifications for services or goods and services, task orders, delivery orders, as well as invoicing and understanding of contract regulations.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Active NATO or NATO National Secret clearance or higher.
  • 5 years in the last 10 of demonstrable experience capturing complex technical requirements in coordination with SMEs to support the development of contract requirements documents (within a national or international organization).
  • 5 years in the last 10 of demonstrable experience writing, reviewing, and editing requirements and specifications for contract solicitations (within a national or international organization).
  • Demonstrable experience working closely with a cross-functional team.
  • Demonstrated ability to acquire and present information through independent reading, interviews with subject-matter experts, written interpretation of data visualizations, or other appropriate methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with others regardless of rank/position, the stressfulness of the situation, or the diversity of opinion.
  • Demonstrable ability to lead, train, and mentor peers, customers, and trainees in requirement document development processes.
  • Demonstrated advanced skill in oral and interpersonal communication, and writing at collegiate and professional levels in English (a writing sample supporting the development of contract requirements documents (no more than 5 pages) is required).
  • Familiarity with acquisition publications, NATO or National procurement/financial regulations, and requirements documents.
  • Familiarity with procurement practices and ability to assist in the development of contracts that allow for the flexibility required in an agile environment without compromising the integrity of the procurement process.
  • Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of tools, MS 365, MS Teams, and SharePoint.
  • Current Passport with no travel restrictions.
  • Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $100,000.00/Yr. - USD $110,000.00/Yr.