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Flight Manual Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

... write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating ...

... write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating ...

$115K - $170K/yr

... write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating ...

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Flight Manual Writer information

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How much do flight manual writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight manual writer in the United States is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight manual writer?

A Flight Manual Writer is a technical writer who specializes in creating and updating flight manuals for aircraft. These professionals work closely with engineers, pilots, and regulatory authorities to ensure that all operating procedures, systems descriptions, and safety information are accurately documented. Their work is critical to ensuring that pilots and crew have up-to-date, clear, and compliant information needed for the safe operation of aircraft. Flight Manual Writers must have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of aviation terminology and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight manual writer?

To thrive as a Flight Manual Writer, you need a strong background in aviation, technical writing, and a solid understanding of aircraft systems, often supported by a relevant engineering or aviation degree. Familiarity with authoring tools such as Adobe FrameMaker, SGML/XML, and standards like ATA iSpec 2200 or S1000D is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for translating complex technical information into clear, user-friendly documentation. These skills ensure the production of accurate, regulatory-compliant manuals that support safe and efficient aircraft operation.

What are some common challenges faced by flight manual writers, and how can they be addressed?

Flight Manual Writers often face the challenge of translating highly technical engineering data into clear, compliant, and user-friendly documentation for pilots and maintenance crews. This requires strong attention to detail, close collaboration with subject matter experts, and staying updated with evolving aviation regulations. To overcome these challenges, writers frequently participate in cross-functional meetings, seek regular feedback from end users, and engage in continuous professional development to keep pace with industry standards.

What is the difference between Flight Manual Writer vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectFlight Manual WriterAircraft Maintenance Technician
CredentialsTechnical writing certifications, aviation knowledgeAircraft maintenance certifications (e.g., FAA A&P), technical training
Work EnvironmentOffice or technical writing settings, aviation industryMaintenance hangars, repair stations, aviation facilities
Industry UsageDeveloping manuals, safety procedures, technical documentationInspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft

While both roles require aviation knowledge, Flight Manual Writers focus on creating technical documentation and manuals, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on aircraft repairs and inspections. Both are essential in the aviation industry but serve different functions related to aircraft safety and operation.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Manual Writer jobs?

For Flight Manual Writer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Manual Writer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Avionics/Flight Manual Technical Writer - Level 3

Hill Air Force Base, UT

Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 400 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Standard Job Description Join the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Field Sustainment Team as an F-16 Avionics Technical Writer at our Hill Air Force Base facility in Utah. This position supports the F-16 System Program Office (SPO) by researching, developing, and integrating the technical data/technical order changes related to the F-16 aircraft avionics and weapons systems along with the support equipment and aircraft system testers for different hardware and software configurations. What You Will Be Doing The F-16 Avionics Technical Writer responsibilities include: Performs research, interprets engineering data/drawings, evaluates field/depot inputs and verifies information from multiple sources to sustain Air Force procedures and Technical Orders (TOs) related to those aircraft modifications (e.g., Flight Manuals, Job Guides, Fault Isolation, General System, General Vehicle, Commodity, and aircraft hardware-software type manuals)

Required to author Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTOs), aircraft and support equipment TOs, flight manuals and support the planning, coordinating, and conducting of validation/verification activities. These duties also include assisting USAF personnel with the preparation of Air Force Technical Order (AFTO) Forms 82/27/252 and the incorporation of those comments into the draft TCTOs as well as submission of those forms and redlined manuscripts to LM Aero Fort Worth, vendors, and other contractors for formalization and final field delivery. Work independently with given general direction to support the successful completion of major programs, apply technical expertise as required, and represent the organization as a technical contact on projects.

As part of the workload, the candidate may be tasked with technical order manual manuscript risk reduction events, support for trial vehicle installations and TCTO kit proofing as well as participate in process improvements and quality assurance initiatives. Required to collaborate with external personnel such as US Air Force customer groups including but not limited to program management, software/mechanical engineering, internal engineering, depot-level maintenance, flight test, flight safety, F-16 aircrew, equipment specialists, flight manual managers, and the Central Technical Order Control Unit (CTOCU). This position will require the selected applicant to relocate to the Hill AFB Utah area to support the F-16 SPO In-Person.

This position requires an active Final Secret Security Clearance. Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access.

Who You Are You are skilled in utilizing iterative development cycles, enabling quick feedback loops that enhance product quality and responsiveness to change. You utilize data to pinpoint areas for improvement, driving initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall performance. What's In It For You: From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.

Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality. We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you. Basic Qualifications The following Basic Qualifications are skills that a candidate must possess to be considered for this position: Experience performing checkout and troubleshooting procedures to military or commercial aircraft avionics systems using military or civilian Technical Order publications/data.

Experience applying TO 00-5-1; the Air Force TO System, TO Lifecycle Management requirements, Air Force and DoD Instructions, and TO numbering system. Experience using Microsoft Office applications. Desired Skills The following Desired Skills are not required but are those skills that would set a candidate apart from the other candidates: Hands-on troubleshooting of F-16 flight line avionics (electrical and mechanical) to include; troubleshooting, repair, calibration, software upgrades, and parts supportability of specific test equipment.

Experience with Military Flight Test TO Development/Veification in a Flight Test environment. Interpersonal skills to enable effective interaction with leadership, customers and peers while working in a "Team" environment. Able to communicate complex requirements and to interpret complex engineering drawings and manufacturer specifications.

Strong computer skills with attention to detail. Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and Standard Group Markup Language (SGML) is a plus. Experience using Epic Editor, Isodraw, Arbor Text Tool Suite, and Quick Silver also a plus.

Demonstrated proficiency in aircraft avionics technical manuals; Job Guides, General Systems, Fault Isolation, Illustrated Parts Breakdowns, Commodity, Support Equipment, and Flight Manual TOs. Interview Questions Deliver value: Describe a time when you took steps to make sure a customer was satisfied. Job Fit: How would people you have worked with describe their relationship with you.

What would they like to see you do more of and less of. Job Fit: When you work with a team, describe the role that you are most likely to play on the team. Learning Agility: Tell me about the last time you changed roles.

How did you learn the tasks of the role. How did you learn how to work with others on the team. Prioritization: Describe a time at work where you had to juggle several projects at the same time.

How did you decide which projects or activities to focus on. What tradeoffs did you make. Results Agility: Describe a crisis you had to handle at work, grade yourself on how you handled it, and explain why you assigned that grade to your performance.

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $85300.00 - $158300.00 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally. The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition

Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability

Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics. For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays.

Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.


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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912