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Development Editor Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Spectra Tech, Inc.

Writer/Editor 3

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Technical Editor to support the development, review, and maintenance of Safety Basis documentation for nuclear and high-hazard facilities. The ideal candidate will have ...

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

Writer/Editor 3

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Technical Editor to support the development, review, and maintenance of Safety Basis documentation for nuclear and high-hazard facilities. The ideal candidate will have ...

SPECTRA TECH INC

Writer/Editor 3

Los Alamos, NM · Remote

We are seeking an experienced Technical Editor to support the development, review, and maintenance of Safety Basis documentation for nuclear and high-hazard facilities. The ideal candidate will have ...

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All JobsDevelopment Editor JobsDevelopment Editor Jobs in New Mexico

Development Editor information

See New Mexico salary details

$48K

$79.8K

$95K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in New Mexico is $79,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a development editor?

A development editor works with an author to define and improve the structure and content of a manuscript. Development editors may start early on, from the point when the manuscript is accepted for publication, noting a lack of focus and helping the author refine a more definite direction for the book. They may also discover inconsistent tone, an unclear audience, or a stilted writing style, and provide suggestions to resolve these issues. Some development editors review the book chapter by chapter, until the book is ready for publication. Most developmental editors have a degree in English or a related subject. Many have experience in publishing as copy editors or proofreaders, or have been writers themselves before moving to become developmental editors.

What is a development editor?

A Development Editor is a publishing professional who works closely with authors to shape and refine the content, structure, and overall direction of a manuscript before it moves to copyediting or production. Their primary focus is on the big-picture elements such as organization, clarity, pacing, and coherence of the work. Development Editors provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help authors strengthen their ideas and ensure the manuscript meets its intended purpose and audience. They are commonly employed in book publishing, academic, and educational settings.

How does a development editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members throughout the publishing process?

As a Development Editor, you work closely with authors to shape manuscripts, providing detailed feedback on structure, content, and clarity. Collaboration is key—regular meetings and written communications help guide authors through revisions and ensure the manuscript aligns with the publisher's vision. You’ll also coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders, and sometimes designers to maintain consistency and quality throughout the publication process. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to balance constructive criticism with encouragement, ensuring a smooth and productive workflow for all parties involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a development editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Editor, you need a strong grasp of editorial processes, manuscript evaluation, and subject-matter expertise, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with publishing software like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and content management systems is crucial, as is experience with style guides such as Chicago or APA. Exceptional communication, project management, and collaboration skills help build productive relationships with authors and cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure high-quality content development, adherence to publishing standards, and successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Development Editor vs Content Editor?

AspectDevelopment EditorContent Editor
Primary RoleOversees the development process of a publication, including editing, coordinating with authors, and managing timelines.Focuses on editing and refining the content for clarity, style, and accuracy.
Required SkillsStrong editing, project management, and communication skills; knowledge of publishing processes.Excellent editing, grammar, and style skills; attention to detail.
Work EnvironmentTypically works in publishing houses, educational institutions, or corporate publishing teams.Works in similar environments, often within editorial teams or media companies.

While both roles involve editing, a Development Editor manages the overall development and production process of a publication, whereas a Content Editor concentrates on refining the content itself. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in publishing and editing industries.

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Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,804 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Writer/Editor 3

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Spectra Tech, Inc.
See more jobs at Spectra Tech, Inc.external

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Spectra Tech has an immediate need for a Writer/Editor 3 in Los Alamos, NM.

We are seeking an experienced Technical Editor to support the development, review, and maintenance of Safety Basis documentation for nuclear and high-hazard facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in editing complex technical content, and the ability to collaborate closely with engineers, safety analysts, and subject matter experts. This role is critical to ensuring Safety Basis documents are clear, consistent, compliant, and ready for internal and external review. Key responsibilities include editing, formatting, and quality-checking Safety Basis documents, including but not limited to Documented Safety Analyses (DSAs), Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), Hazard Analyses and supporting calculations, and Safety Evaluation Reports and change packages. Other key responsibilities include ensuring documents comply with applicable DOE orders, standards, and site-specific requirements (e.g., DOE O 420.1, 10 CFR 830); improve clarity, organization, and consistency of highly technical material without altering technical intent; apply and enforce document standards, templates, style guides, and configuration management requirements; coordinate with authors, engineers, and nuclear safety analysts to resolve comments and improve document quality; support internal reviews, audits, and readiness activities by preparing documents for approval and submittal; and track revisions, manage comment resolution, and maintain version control. Demonstrated experience editing technical or regulatory documentation; strong command of grammar, technical style, and document structure; experience working with SMEs in highly regulated environments; and proficiency with Microsoft Word and document control tools. Preferred qualifications include experience editing DOE Safety Basis documents (DSA, TSR, USQ-related documentation); familiarity with configuration management and formal document review processes; and active DOE clearance or eligibility to obtain one. Desired skills and attributes include exceptional attention to detail; ability to manage multiple documents and deadlines simultaneously; strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfort working in a highly regulated, compliance-driven environment; and ability to quickly learn complex technical subject matter.


Education:
Typically requires bachelors or master's degree in English, journalism, technical communication, or a physical/social science and 6-8 years of experience.

Location: Remote

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