1

Development Editor Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Deep knowledge of essay structure, thesis development, paragraph organization, transitions ... Emphasizes teaching self-editing skills and connects essay revision to academic success ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Editor information

See New Mexico salary details

$48K

$79.8K

$95K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in New Mexico?

For Development Editor jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in New Mexico are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in NM?

For Development Editor jobs in NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Technical Editor 2 (Communications Specialist 2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Technical Editor 2 (Communications Specialist 2)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name CEA-TEC/Technical Editing and Communications
Minimum Salary 80400
Maximum Salary 127900
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do
Join our world-class writing and editing team at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)! We are looking for an exceptional technical editor to join our Technical Editing and Communications (TEC) group, which provides multidisciplinary, full-service communications support to organizations and programs across LANL.
In this role, you will work as a communications specialist with a heavy emphasis on technical writing and editing to ensure quality standards across all documentation. You will be embedded with the Environmental Protection & Compliance Division (EPC-DO), providing communications counsel and dedicated services to its leaders, managers, and staff.
You'll work with talented team members and technical experts to transform complex technical content into clear, accessible narratives and craft or distill precise content for diverse audiences. You'll perform mechanical and substantive edits to ensure technical accuracy while maintaining readability, collaborating with senior colleagues to produce quality communications products.
EPC helps ensure that the Lab meets required environmental protections while supporting mission readiness. Our technical expertise in environmental science and compliance ranges from cultural resource management and air and water quality to endangered species protection across the Lab's 39 square miles. We support operations, programs, and projects as we successfully navigate numerous state and federal permits from multiple regulators. We're committed to protecting our workers, the environment, and the Northern New Mexico communities where we live and work.
Technical editing work in EPC includes major publicly available annual environmental reports; student-written publications; policies and procedures for environmental stewardship, waste management, and environmental compliance programs; management plans for biological and cultural resources; presentations; and more
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge
To be successful, you will have a thorough knowledge of English grammar and punctuation, and extensive experience in technical editing and writing, able to translate complex concepts and material into clear, concise writing.
You are expected to have advanced proficiency using Microsoft Word, with a solid understanding of Word styles and templates. You will have intermediate to advanced skills in Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and PowerPoint, including PowerPoint-specific formatting. You will also need a solid understanding of file structure and organization.
You will have demonstrated expertise in providing guidance on technical writing skills to staff including template development and user training. This includes identifying and supporting process and tool improvement efforts.
Communication Skills
In this role, you will need excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. You will have demonstrated experience with problem solving and customer service and the ability to remain courteous and professional under pressure. You must have experience working with technical subject matter experts.
Work Management and Customer Service
You will need demonstrated experience with customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. You must have the ability to maintain professional and courteous interactions with team members, technical personnel both inside and outside the assigned organization, undergraduate and graduate student employees, and a wide range of managers to ensure priorities are understood, issues are identified and resolved, and deliverables are met. You will also show an ability for process or performance improvement based on customer and manager feedback.
Tools and Systems
You will have experience with document control/management systems.
Candidates should have a baseline understanding of generative AI tools, prompt engineering, evaluating AI-generated content for accuracy and quality, and applying AI responsibly within organizational policies.
Education/Experience: This position requires a Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a physical, life, or social science and a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation
Desired Qualifications:
Industry Knowledge: Experience working in an environmental field such as biological or cultural resources, water quality, air quality, waste management, or environmental compliance will set you apart from other candidates. Experience developing environmental documentation, translating complex environmental or technical information into clear and accessible content, and communicating environmental issues to diverse audiences is also highly valued.
Other: The ability to obtain a Q clearance is a requirement; an active Q clearance is preferred.
Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
For full consideration, please submit a detailed cover letter with your resume addressing all required and desired skills. (Please include the job number and your name in the filename for your cover letter). Applications without cover letters will not be considered.
Applicants will be asked to perform editing and formatting tests. The successful candidate will be extremely detail-oriented with initiative and the ability to quickly adapt to an intense and highly technical environment.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular
Contact Details
Contact Name Trotter, Deidre Elise
Email dsteward@lanl.gov
Work Telephone

What Los Alamos National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom