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Contract Technical Writing Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Instructional Designer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... Contract Staffing (Staff Augmentation) Permanent Placement (Staff Augmentation) ICAP (Contractor ... May involve some Technical writing. Must provide samples of work. Instructional Designer Mandatory ...

210921 / Instructional Designer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... Contract Staffing (Staff Augmentation) Permanent Placement (Staff Augmentation) ICAP (Contractor ... May involve some technical writing. Must provide samples of work. Qualifications * 4-6 years of ...

SAP ABAP Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$65.25 - $88.25/hr

Contract Exp: 12 Yrs Required Skills : ABAP Development for SAP HANA,ABAP OOPS,S/4 HANA ABAP ... Possess strong documentation and technical writing skills. * Demonstrate the ability to manage ...

Review drawings, contract documents, and customer requirements to provide an operational point-of ... Participation in discussions, written and verbal, with Aligned senior leadership and Board of ...

Professional writing experience as a researcher, journalist, technical writer, editor, or similar ... 1099 contract role. International students on a valid visa may be eligible to apply; however ...

... contract plans and specifications, recognizing basic construction or engineering problems and ... Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles ...

... contract plans and specifications, recognizing basic construction or engineering problems and ... Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles ...

Professional writing experience as a researcher, journalist, technical writer, editor, or similar ... 1099 contract role. International students on a valid visa may be eligible to apply; however ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Technical Writing information

See Portland, OR salary details

$105.5K

$116.7K

$125.7K

How much do contract technical writing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writing in Portland, OR is $116,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,400.00 and $122,000.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Technical Writing jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writing jobs in Portland, OR?

For Contract Technical Writing jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writing job openings in Portland, OR 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 $116,655 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

$114K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: You will serve as a Technical Expert and Team Lead in the Contracting Division for the Portland District. Contracting Division's mission is to provide acquisition services of the highest quality to our customers on a timely and cost-effective basis, while maintaining the public's trust and fulfilling public policy objectives. We are a highly motivated professional team effectively using technology, continuous improvement and partnership to meet the Portland District mission.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist:
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
OR
Exemption:
You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current civilian employee in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000; OR (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 on or before September 30, 2000.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes writing and establishing contracts for supplies and services in dredging, or utilities, or master ship repair, or architect-engineer services; and experience with the award and administration of cost reimbursement contracts. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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