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Contract Technical Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Materials Sciences LLC

Technical Writer

Horsham, PA · On-site

Ensure all documentation complies with relevant regulations, standards, and contract requirements ... Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Engineering, or a related field.

Orbis

Technical Writer

Appomattox, VA

... Contract. The Technical Writer will be assigned to the RADIAC ISEA and will be responsible for developing technical content for Technical Manuals, Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM ...

Superbeo

Technical Writer

New York, NY · On-site

New York City, New York Job Duration: 3 Months, Contract to Hire * Bachelor's degree in bio-medical engineering, mechanical, journalism, technical communication, English, science writing, or other ...

Everwatch

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$62.50 - $85.73/hr

Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of experience as a Technical Writer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, complexity or a HS Diploma and 10+ years of experience as a Technical Writer in ...

RWD Consulting, LLC

Technical Writer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

The Technical Writer will assist acquisition and requirements with edits on acquisition documents, reports, manuals, briefs, evaluation criteria documents for proposals, and documents for contract ...

Bigbear.ai

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

BigBear.ai is seeking a Technical Writer to join us on an exciting brand-new contract! In this role, you'll be the creative bridge between intricate software systems and user-friendly documentation ...

Full Scope

Technical Writer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

Requirements: - Minimum of eight (8) years of experience as a Technical Writer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity. - Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline from an ...

RWD Consulting

Technical Writer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

The Technical Writer will assist acquisition and requirements with edits on acquisition documents, reports, manuals, briefs, evaluation criteria documents for proposals, and documents for contract ...

Insight Global

Technical Writer

Newark, DE · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Technical Writer Duration : 12 month contract + extensions Location : Hybrid 3x/week Newark, DE, 19713 Desired Skills & Experience * 5+ years technical writing experience. * Strong ability to ...

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Contract Technical Writer information

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How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

More about Contract Technical Writer jobs
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 job categories do people searching Contract Technical Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Technical Writer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs? For Contract Technical Writer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Contract Technical Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 51% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 47% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,999 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Technical Writer

Technical Writer

Materials Sciences LLC

Horsham, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Technical Writer with a strong background in defense contracting, aerospace, or other related technical fields. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating, editing, and maintaining technical documentation that meets industry standards and supports the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, technical acumen, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise documentation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, write, and edit technical documents, including user manuals, standard operating procedures, installation guides, and training materials, with a primary focus on technical reports and proposals.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), engineers, and project teams to gather and verify technical information.
  • Create and maintain document templates and style guides to ensure consistency and compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
  • Research and understand technical concepts, systems, and products to effectively communicate their functionality and operation.
  • Manage documentation lifecycle, including version control, updates, and archiving.
  • Ensure all documentation complies with relevant regulations, standards, and contract requirements (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, MIL-STD).
  • Incorporate feedback from cross-functional teams and stakeholders to refine and improve documentation.
  • Utilize tools such as Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and specialized software (e.g., Visio, XML editors) to produce high-quality deliverables.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in technical writing, with a preference for experience in defense contracting, aerospace, or related industries.
  • Familiarity with military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-38784) and defense-related documentation processes is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and technical writing platforms like RoboHelp or MadCap Flare.
  • Basic understanding of engineering and manufacturing concepts, with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
  • Experience working with configuration management systems and version control software.

Core Competencies:

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor content to diverse audiences.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in proposal writing and documentation for government contracts.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory compliance standards such as ITAR and EAR.
  • Certification in technical writing or related fields is a plus.

Work Environment

  • Primarily office-based with occasional visits to manufacturing or testing facilities.
  • May require occasional travel to meet with clients or project teams.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects within a dynamic and collaborative team.

Why Join MSC? At MSC, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in engineering. If you are passionate about technical communication and thrive in a challenging technical environment, we encourage you to apply.

Application Process: Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and accomplishments.

MSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.