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Contract Technical Writing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance ... Experience with technical writing such as undergraduate research papers. * Previous project ...

New

S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance ... Experience with technical writing such as undergraduate research papers. * Previous project ...

New

Preferred - master's degree TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS * Required - strong analytical and contract ... Required - superior oral and written communication skills * Required - Ability to interact ...

Preferred - master's degree TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS * Required - strong analytical and contract ... Required - superior oral and written communication skills * Required - Ability to interact ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Technical Writing information

See Iowa salary details

$93.5K

$103.3K

$111.3K

How much do contract technical writing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writing in Iowa is $103,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,600.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract technical writing?

Contract technical writing involves creating technical documents such as manuals, user guides, and product documentation on a freelance or temporary basis. Contract technical writers are hired by companies for specific projects or periods, rather than as permanent employees. They specialize in translating complex technical information into clear, user-friendly content for various audiences. This role often requires strong communication skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to quickly adapt to new industries or technologies.

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

To thrive as a Contract Technical Writer, you need excellent writing, editing, and research skills, often supported by a degree in English, Communications, or a technical field. Familiarity with documentation tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and content management systems is typically required, along with knowledge of style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or Microsoft Manual of Style. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, user-friendly documentation that meets client specifications and project deadlines.

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

Contract technical writers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new subject matter, understanding unique documentation standards of different clients, and integrating with established teams on a short-term basis. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong research skills, proactive communication with subject matter experts, and flexibility in adopting various documentation tools and styles. Building a clear understanding of project expectations at the outset and maintaining organized workflows can also help contract technical writers deliver high-quality documentation on tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Contract Technical Writing vs Contract Technical Editing?

AspectContract Technical WritingContract Technical Editing
Primary FocusCreating and developing technical content, manuals, and documentationReviewing, revising, and refining existing technical content for clarity and accuracy
Required SkillsStrong writing, technical knowledge, communication skillsAttention to detail, editing expertise, technical understanding
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with technical teams, often remote or contract basisReviewing drafts, working closely with writers and subject matter experts
Common UsageUsed by companies to produce user guides, manuals, and documentationUsed to ensure quality and consistency in technical documents

Contract Technical Writing involves creating new technical content, while Contract Technical Editing focuses on refining and improving existing documents. Both roles require technical understanding and strong communication skills, but they differ in their primary responsibilities and tasks.

Are contract technical writers still in demand?

Contract technical writers are still in demand due to ongoing needs for clear documentation in technology, healthcare, and engineering industries. They often work on short-term projects, utilizing skills in tools like MadCap Flare or Adobe FrameMaker, and may require certifications or experience with specific technical domains.

How to become a contract technical writer?

To become a contract technical writer, develop strong writing and communication skills, gain experience with technical documentation, and become proficient with tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, or Markdown. Building a portfolio of sample work and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) can enhance your prospects. Freelance platforms and networking are common ways to find contract opportunities in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writing jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Technical Writing jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Technical Writing jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Technical Writing jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Technical Writing jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Technical Writing job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writing job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,319 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Platform System Engineering Co-op (2027) - Onsite

Cedar Rapids, IA

RTX
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-09-08

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 5350 C Ave NE BLDG 130

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX.

What You Will Do:

  • Determine full avionics system requirements for avionics systems
  • Develop system design documentation such as interface control definitions, hardware interconnect definitions, and human machine interface documentation
  • Develop and execute verification procedures for laboratory testing of avionics
  • Ensure compliance to applicable certification regulations

What You Will Learn:

  • Planning and tracking work in engineering tools (Jira, Confluence, JAMA, etc.)
  • Ability to write requirements, develop design documentation, and verify requirements
  • Ability to work collaboratively with large multi-disciplinary engineering teams

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Must be pursuing Bachelor's or Advanced degree in Engineering and actively enrolled through the completion of the internship/co-op session.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Past aviation experience (such as being a pilot or aircraft maintainer)
  • Personal project Experience related to building or working with complex systems.
  • Experience with technical writing such as undergraduate research papers.
  • Previous project leadership and communication/coordination roles.

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • Relocation Eligibility

Learn More & Apply Now

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee's personal responsibility.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 37,000 USD - 82,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

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What RTX employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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