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Contract Technical Writing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

At least 5 years of technical writing experience preparing software and engineering-related documents, reports, user manuals, installation guides, training materials, Contract Data Requirements List ...

Technical Writer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Six (6) years of experience in Technical Writing or projects and contracts of similar scope Skills: * Demonstratable understanding of basic concepts (to include basic grammar concepts), responsible ...

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Six (6) years of experience in Technical Writing or projects and contracts of similar scope Skills: * Demonstratable understanding of basic concepts (to include basic grammar concepts), responsible ...

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Six (6) years of experience in Technical Writing or projects and contracts of similar scope Skills: * Demonstratable understanding of basic concepts (to include basic grammar concepts), responsible ...

... to-date API contracts • Document Data dictionaries and metadata, Database schemas and ... Required : • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph • Bachelor's degree or higher in Technical Writing ...

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize of the severity of breaches, develop ... Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability * 5+ years of technical writing experience including ...

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

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 ...

Technical Writer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise documentation. This ...

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 ...

Eight (8) years of experience as a Technical Writer (TW) in programs and contracts of similar scope ... Four (4) years of additional technical writing experience can be substituted for a bachelor ...

Technical Writer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$102K - $114K/yr

Eight (8) years of experience as a Technical Writer (TW) in programs and contracts of similar scope ... Four (4) years of additional technical writing experience can be substituted for a bachelor ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Technical Writing information

See Washington salary details

$112.7K

$124.6K

$134.2K

How much do contract technical writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writing in Washington is $124,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,900.00 and $130,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writing jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Technical Writing jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writing jobs in Washington? For Contract Technical Writing jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Technical Writing jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Contract Technical Writing job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,585 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Technical Writer

Leidos

Annapolis Junction, MD

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 485 rated business services


Job description

Technical Writer

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Technical Writer in our Intel Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

JOB SUMMARY

The selected candidate will be responsible for authoring, editing, and proofreading a wide range of technical documentation, including operations and maintenance manuals, user guides, training materials, and other program-related documents. Thie individual will work closely with engineering and other technical team members to define document content, translate complex technical information into clear and usable written material, and ensure all documentation complies with program standards and applicable Data Item Description (DID) requirements. Responsibilities will also include gathering requirements from users and stakeholders, developing both user-facing and internal program documentation, and serving as the primary author for assigned deliverables. In addition, the selected candidate will collaborate with technical staff to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness across all materials while managing multiple documentation assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

  • Oversee the collection, organization, and analysis of technical information, and support the preparation, editing, and revision of a wide range of documentation for complex computer systems and network environments, including user manuals, training materials, installation guides, and other program deliverables.
  • Collaborate closely with software developers, systems engineers, test engineers, and other technical personnel to gather source data, screenshots, and supporting media required for the development of accurate and effective technical documentation.
  • Edit and refine functional descriptions, system specifications, user manuals, special reports, and other customer deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, clarity, consistency, and usability.
  • Perform quality assurance reviews to verify that all deliverables conform to program standards, satisfy applicable Data Item Description requirements, and fully address customer comments and feedback.
  • Work closely with program data management staff to maintain document configuration management, version control, and traceability for all assigned deliverables.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a technical, writing, or related discipline and at least 8 years of relevant experience. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • At least 5 years of technical writing experience preparing software and engineering-related documents, reports, user manuals, installation guides, training materials, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables, and other contractual deliverables for technical and management audiences.
  • Experience writing, formatting, editing, and maintaining large, complex, or multi-volume technical documents, manuals, and publications.
  • Experience using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, to develop and edit technical documentation and presentation materials.
  • Experience working with systems engineers, software engineers, test engineers, and program management personnel to collect, organize, and translate technical information into written documentation.
  • Experience editing and reviewing documents for accuracy, completeness, organization, clarity, consistency, grammar, formatting, and compliance with customer, contract, and program requirements.
  • Experience applying document standards, style guidance, and version control practices to maintain consistency across deliverables and incorporate customer comments, stakeholder feedback, and document revisions into final products.
  • Experience preparing documentation for audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge, including end users, technical staff, customer representatives, and management personnel.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments within established deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Clearance Required: Must have TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with advanced features of Word and generating pdf documents.
  • Recent experience on a system/software development program compiling, editing, and publishing CDRL documentation.
  • Understanding of CMMI ML3 best practices, DID formats, and agile methodologies.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you - apply today.

careers.leidos.com/CONMD

CSSKEY

CONMD

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 22, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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