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Government Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$93K - $139K/yr

Government customer located at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) located in Washington, DC. Roles and Responsibilities: * Research, organize, write, edit, and produce technical documentation for ...

Note: This position is NOT for grant writers, proposal writers, or policy-focused government writers. Key Responsibilities * Develop, write, rewrite, and edit technical publications covering:

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Government Writer information

See Washington salary details

$15

$44

$74

How much do government writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for government writer in Washington is $44.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $53.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government writer?

A Government Writer creates, edits, and reviews official documents, reports, speeches, and other written materials for government agencies. They ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance with policies and regulations. Their work may involve drafting legislation, grant proposals, press releases, or public communication materials. Strong research, writing, and attention to detail are essential skills for this role.

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

To thrive as a Government Writer, you need strong research, writing, and editing skills, usually supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with government style guides, content management systems, and document formatting tools like Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat is important. Attention to detail, deadline management, and the ability to interpret complex regulations are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance in communication across government agencies and with the public.

What are some common challenges government writers face in their roles?

Government Writers often navigate challenges such as translating complex policies and regulations into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences. They may work with tight deadlines and must ensure all materials meet strict legal, procedural, and format requirements. Collaboration across multiple departments is common, requiring strong communication and coordination skills. Overcoming these challenges is essential to producing accurate, effective documents that meet both agency objectives and public needs.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Government Writer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Government Writer job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Writer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,741 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Sr. Technical Writer

KBR

Washington, DC • On-site

$93K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

144th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Sr. Technical Writer

Program Summary:
KBR's Product and Technology Solutions Division specializes in rapid prototyping and advanced technology solutions for directed energy, electronic warfare, and security applications. With expertise in electronic warfare systems, critical infrastructure protection, and product R&D, KBR delivers cutting-edge innovations to meet mission-critical needs. Backed by a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR collaborates closely with customers to develop secure, effective, and forward-thinking solutions.

Job Summary:
KBR is seeking to hire a Senior Technical Writer to support a U.S. Government customer located at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) located in Washington, DC.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Research, organize, write, edit, and produce technical documentation for complex publication projects.
  • Ensure technical documents are accurate, complete, and compliant with editorial, customer, and government specifications.
  • Maintain documentation standards for quality, formatting, style, graphics, and content coverage.
  • Develop, review, and enforce documentation processes, style guides, and publishing standards.
  • Analyze and resolve complex technical documentation challenges using established methodologies and best practices.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple documentation priorities and deadlines.
  • Collaborate with technical subject matter experts to gather, validate, and communicate technical information.
  • Serve as a technical writing resource and mentor to junior team members, providing guidance and knowledge sharing.
  • Review and edit documents to ensure consistency, clarity, accuracy, and adherence to organizational standards.
  • Drive continuous improvement of documentation quality, usability, and publication processes.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in technical discipline or related field and a minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience analyzing and interpreting Navy policies, NAVADMINs, OPNAV instructions, and security directives to develop compliant organizational policies and procedures.
  • Working knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF), including development of System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and supporting cybersecurity documentation.
  • Experience authoring standard operating procedures (SOPs), incident response procedures, playbooks, and technical documentation for diverse audiences.
  • Strong ability to collaborate with technical subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather, document, and translate complex technical information into clear, actionable guidance.
  • Proven technical writing and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts in a concise and easily understood manner.
  • Experience developing policy, governance, compliance, or cybersecurity documentation within a DoD, Navy, or federal government environment.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to produce executive-level written communications using the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) format and other professional government writing standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred, combination of Technical Communications with Cybersecurity, IT, or Systems Engineering
  • Experience with the Department of the Navy hierarchy.
  • Experience supporting Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Department of the Navy, or other DoD organizations.
  • Familiarity with OPNAVINST 5239.1D and related Navy cybersecurity and information assurance directives.
  • Experience supporting cybersecurity compliance, assessment, authorization, or audit activities.
  • Knowledge of federal cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and best practices (NIST, RMF, DoD Cyber Workforce guidance).
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen. No clearance required to start but candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.

Work Location: Onsite at NRL office in Washington, DC.

Compensation: $93,265.00 - $139,840.00. The salary range posted is for Washington, DC. The offered rate will be based on contract affordability, the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998