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Contract Technical Writing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer

Falls Church, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $125K/yr

Overview Please note that this position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract ... Exceptional writing and editing skills, with strong attention to grammar, clarity, structure, and ...

Senior Technical Writer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Overview Please note that this position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract ... Strong understanding of technical writing standards (e.g., MIL-STD-38784, ASD-STE100 Simplified ...

... contract data requirements. The role emphasizes precision, collaboration, and quality assurance ... Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Technical Writing, or related field * Certification ...

... contract data requirements. The role emphasizes precision, collaboration, and quality assurance ... Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Technical Writing, or related field * Certification ...

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. They are seeking a Technical Writer to ...

Technical Writer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Hybrid - McLean, VA This position is contingent upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking Technical Writer-Editors to research, draft, and edit a wide range of materials for the ...

Hybrid - McLean, VA ⚠ This position is contingent upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking Technical Writer-Editors to research, draft, and edit a wide range of materials for the ...

Hybrid - McLean, VA ⚠ This position is contingent upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking Technical Writer-Editors to research, draft, and edit a wide range of materials for the ...

Technical Writer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Hybrid - McLean, VA This position is contingent upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking Technical Writer-Editors to research, draft, and edit a wide range of materials for the ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Technical Writing information

See Virginia salary details

$98.6K

$109.1K

$117.5K

How much do contract technical writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writing in Virginia is $109,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $114,000.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,056 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Technical Writer

Goldbelt Apex

Falls Church, VA • On-site, Remote

$108K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview

Please note that this position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract currently under bid.

Goldbelt Apex, a part of the Healthcare Technology Transformation Group, is a data-focused company dedicated to process and quality in every aspect. As experts in healthcare IT, Apex is committed to building systems for healthcare organizations to seamlessly communicate and exchange data across different systems and devices. 

Summary:

Goldbelt Apex is seeking a skilled Technical Writer to produce clear, accurate, and compliant documentation supporting a complex federal data governance initiative. This role is responsible for authoring high-quality reports, governance materials, standards documents, and supporting artifacts that facilitate stakeholder communication, knowledge transfer, and process adherence. The Technical Writer will translate complex technical concepts into accessible, well-structured content while ensuring consistency, version control, and alignment with federal standards throughout the performance period.

This position provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful federal documentation efforts within a collaborative, high-retention organization dedicated to excellence and mission support.

*This role is based in Falls Church, VA with possible telework.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

  • Author and edit technical reports, governance playbooks, standards documents, data dictionaries, and other deliverables to support project objectives and stakeholder needs.
  • Document reusable components, workflows, metadata standards, and governance processes with precision and clarity.
  • Ensure all written materials are compliant with federal regulations, privacy standards (e.g., HIPAA), and organizational style guidelines.
  • Translate complex technical and governance-related information into plain language suitable for diverse audiences, including leadership and technical teams.
  • Support monthly status reporting by preparing concise, accurate summaries and updates.
  • Maintain document lifecycle management, including version control, formatting consistency, and archiving using approved collaboration tools.
  • Collaborate with project teams, subject matter experts, and reviewers to gather input, incorporate feedback, and finalize deliverables.
  • Conduct quality reviews and proofreading to ensure grammatical accuracy, structural integrity, and readability.
  • Produce various content types, including procedural guides, executive summaries, and knowledge-transfer materials.
Qualifications

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with strong attention to grammar, clarity, structure, and readability.
  • Proficiency in translating complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate language.
  • Familiarity with document lifecycle practices, version control systems, and content management tools.
  • Ability to adhere to established style guides (e.g., AP style or federal documentation standards) and produce consistent, professional deliverables.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple documents and deadlines effectively.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Communications, English, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in technical writing, documentation development, or related roles, including at least 2 years in federal, healthcare, or regulated environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical documentation, reports, and standards materials under tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and document collaboration platforms.
  • Active Secret security clearance (or eligibility) at the level required for federal access.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting federal data governance, health IT, or compliance-related documentation efforts.
  • Familiarity with federal documentation standards, governance reporting, or data management frameworks.
  • Prior work involving monthly status reporting, stakeholder-facing materials, or knowledge-transfer artifacts.
  • Knowledge of content management systems (CMS) and publishing platforms used in regulated environments.

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $108,465.00 to $125,342.00 annually 

At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME