Manufacturing Technical Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position Overview

A manufacturing organization in the East Canton, OH area is seeking a Technical Writer / Documentation Specialist to support a facility-wide documentation initiative. This individual will work closely with Maintenance, Safety/HSE, and Operations personnel to develop, update, organize, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, safety documentation, and other technical materials.

This is a hands-on documentation role requiring someone who can communicate effectively with plant personnel, understand manufacturing terminology and processes, and translate technical information into clear, accurate, and user-friendly written procedures.

The initial assignment is expected to last approximately 90 days, with the potential for extension based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, draft, edit, and format Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, safety procedures, job aids, and related manufacturing documentation.
• Collaborate directly with Maintenance, Operations, and HSE/Safety personnel to gather technical information and understand existing processes.
• Translate verbal instructions, field notes, existing documentation, and technical input into clear and structured written procedures.
• Review existing SOPs and documentation for clarity, consistency, accuracy, and usability.
• Create standardized documentation formats and help improve consistency across facility procedures.
• Upload, organize, and maintain SOPs and technical documentation within SharePoint and other designated electronic repositories.
• Maintain appropriate document naming, revision history, version control, and document organization.
• Assist with cleanup and standardization of existing documentation libraries.
• Ensure current and approved documents can be easily identified and accessed by appropriate personnel.
• Support documentation associated with safety programs, compliance initiatives, audits, corrective actions, Maintenance, and Operations.
• Manage multiple documentation projects while meeting established deadlines and priorities.

Qualifications

Required

• Approximately 3+ years of experience in technical writing, document control, documentation management, or a similar role.
• Strong technical writing, typing, editing, and document-formatting skills.
• Experience developing or maintaining SOPs, procedures, work instructions, or similar documentation.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical personnel to gather information.
• Ability to understand manufacturing terminology and translate technical processes into clear written documentation.
• No college degree required.

Preferred

• Previous experience within a manufacturing, industrial, production, or plant environment.
• Experience supporting Maintenance, Operations, Safety, HSE/EHS, or Quality teams.
• Experience with SharePoint or similar document-management systems.
• Familiarity with document control, revision control, and standardized documentation practices.
• Exposure to safety, compliance, audit, or regulatory documentation.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an organized and detail-oriented technical writer or document control professional who is comfortable working directly with employees in a manufacturing environment. This person does not need to be an engineer but should possess enough technical aptitude to understand manufacturing, maintenance, operational, and safety processes and accurately translate that information into written procedures.

Candidates with backgrounds in technical writing, document control, quality documentation, SOP development, or manufacturing documentation are encouraged to apply.

Contract Details

• Duration: Approximately 90 days
• Potential: Contract may be extended based on facility needs
• Pay: $32–$36/hour, depending on experience
• Location: East Canton, OH
• Interview Process: Streamlined process; likely one interview