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Principal Technical Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$65 - $82.39/hr

Technical Writer The Digital Experiences team is seeking a Technical Writer to join our team. This ... Create structured content using DITA principals, ensuring adherence to established information ...

The Principal Technical Staff role focuses on leading the development of advanced algorithm and ... flow, proposal writing • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills • Successful ...

Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$44 - $49/hr

The Technical Writer will collaborate with subject matter experts to develop and enhance ... principal consultants. Maintaining working relationships with a cadre of other highly skilled ...

Job Title: Technical Writer (Due 9-20 at 9am ET) Location: Tallahassee, Florida (100% Onsite ... The Documentation Specialist will serve as the principal line of communication for the project team.

As a technical thought leader and subject matter expert for assigned business area, the Principal will be a key influencer to achieve strategic alignment and deliver business value. The Principal ...

Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The principal requirement for this role is to develop, prepare, write, edit, publish, and improve ... The Technical Writer will be instrumental in providing technical communications analysis ...

The Technical Writer writes and edits proposals; process documentation; technical reports, user ... Principal Duties and Responsibilities : * Confer with customers, vendors, or publisher to establish ...

Technical Writer

Reston, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The principal requirement for this role is to develop, prepare, write, edit, publish, and improve ... The Technical Writer will be instrumental in providing technical communications analysis ...

Principal Technical Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$165.50 - $205.50/hr

Principal Technical Lead Auriais looking to hire a Principal Technical Leadto support HADES. This ... Excellent verbal, written, communication, and leadership skills. * Mission-Driven Professional:

Our Principal Technical Consultant earns between $174,100 - $261,100. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend ...

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Principal Technical Writer information

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$11K

$186.5K

How much do principal technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal technical writer in the United States is $185,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $185,000.00 and $185,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal technical writer?

A Principal Technical Writer is a senior-level professional responsible for creating, managing, and improving technical documentation. They collaborate with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to develop user manuals, API documentation, and knowledge bases. In addition to writing, they often set documentation standards, mentor junior writers, and contribute to content strategy. Their work ensures technical information is clear, concise, and accessible for both internal and external users.

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

To thrive as a Principal Technical Writer, you typically need advanced expertise in technical communication, a strong grasp of complex technical concepts, and a bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Computer Science, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard authoring tools (such as Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and XML-based content management systems) and relevant certifications (like Certified Professional Technical Communicator) is highly beneficial. Leadership ability, collaboration, and excellent project management and communication skills are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing clear, accurate documentation while guiding teams and collaborating across departments to meet organizational goals.

What are the main challenges principal technical writers face, and how are they typically addressed within organizations?

Principal Technical Writers often face the challenge of communicating highly complex technical information to diverse audiences, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders. To address this, they collaborate closely with engineers, subject matter experts, and product managers to ensure accuracy and clarity in documentation. Organizations usually support Principal Technical Writers with access to advanced tools, ongoing training, and opportunities to participate in product development cycles early on. Effective teamwork, regular knowledge sharing, and established review processes also help in overcoming these unique challenges and ensuring documentation meets high standards. If you enjoy solving complex communication problems in a dynamic, team-oriented environment, this role offers both significant impact and professional satisfaction.

Are principal technical writers still in demand?

Principal technical writers are still in demand as organizations require clear, comprehensive documentation for complex products and systems. They often need strong writing skills, technical knowledge, and experience with tools like XML, Markdown, or content management systems, making their expertise valuable across industries such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.
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Infographic showing various Principal Technical Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,359 per year, or $89.1 per hour.

Principal Technical Editor and Writer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a motivated professional to serve as a Principal Technical Writer/Editor to join our diverse team of professionals located in Palmdale, CA.

The successful candidate will write, re-write and/or edit technical documents such as Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB), technical procedure manuals, user manuals, programming manuals, service manuals, operational specifications, and related technical publications to communicate clearly and effectively technical specifications and instructions to a wide range of audiences. Acquires subject knowledge by interviewing product developers, observing performance of production methods, referring to technical specifications, blueprints, engineering illustrations, and trade journals.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree (Technical or Professional Writing, English, or Communications) and 5 years of relevant military / technical writing experience; OR Masters degree and 3 years of relevant military / technical writing experience. In lieu of formal education, 9 years relevant job experience may be considered.
  • Experienced in aviation maintenance technical publication development and sustainment using applicable software (e.g. Arbortext Editor).
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance or higher (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience as a military aircraft maintainer.
  • Active US Government Top Secret security clearance.
  • History of collaboration in small teams with different organizations
  • Knowledge with AGILE, SCRUM, DevOps, etc.
  • Experience in the interpretation of engineering data such as parts list, application list, notes list and print reading.
  • Knowledge in creating multi-configuration, multi-effectivity indentured parts lists from engineering and other related data.
  • Experience with Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB) graphic software (e.g. AUTOCAD, Catia)
  • Experience with Isometric IPB graphics and layout.
  • Knowledge in creating and revising IPB's using MIL-DTL-38807 or MIL-PRF-38807.
Primary Level Salary Range: $85,600.00 - $128,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939