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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 ...

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Technical Writer

Exton, PA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

All Fill is looking for motivated Technical Writer to create and maintain documentation that ... Principal Responsibilities: * Creates and maintains equipment manuals for standard and custom ...

Technical Writer

Exton, PA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

All Fill is looking for motivated Technical Writer to create and maintain documentation that ... Principal Responsibilities: * Creates and maintains equipment manuals for standard and custom ...

Apply Early

All Fill is looking for motivated Technical Writer to create and maintain documentation that ... Principal Responsibilities: * Creates and maintains equipment manuals for standard and custom ...

The Technical Writer will contribute to the creation of an enterprise-wide documentation framework ... PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABLITIES 1. Develop comprehensive enterprise-wide policy, procedure, internal ...

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.

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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 ...

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

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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 Jul 2, 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 job?

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 in the Principal Technical Writer position, and why are they important?

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.

What does a principal technical writer do?

A principal technical writer leads the development of complex technical documentation, such as user manuals, technical guides, and API documentation. They often oversee a team of writers, collaborate with engineers and product managers, and ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency across materials, typically using tools like Markdown or XML. Strong writing, technical knowledge, and leadership skills are essential for this role.

What is the highest salary for a technical writer?

The highest salaries for principal technical writers can exceed $130,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries. Senior technical writers with expertise in tools like XML, DITA, or API documentation may also command higher compensation, often supplemented by bonuses or benefits.

What are the 3 C's of technical writing?

The 3 C's of technical writing are clarity, conciseness, and completeness. These principles help technical writers, including Principal Technical Writers, produce clear and effective documentation that communicates complex information accurately and efficiently.

Are technical writers still in demand?

Technical writers, including principal technical writers, are in steady demand across industries such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. They are valued for their ability to create clear documentation, often requiring skills in tools like Markdown or XML, and certifications can enhance job prospects.
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Infographic showing various Principal Technical Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $185,359 per year, or $89.1 per hour.
Principal Technical Writer (26-218)

Principal Technical Writer (26-218)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 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 Space Systems-Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Technical Writer (26-218) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, or Huntsville, AL, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.

This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview:

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is the integrating element of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, collectively see the battle develop, and dynamically manage designated networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission objectives. C2BMC supports a layered missile defense capability that enables an optimized response to threats across all ranges and phases of flight. C2BMC is the force multiplier that networks, integrates, and synchronizes autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations globally and regionally to optimize performance. C2BMC is an integral part of all system ground and flight tests that verify and exercise the capabilities of current and future missile defense systems.

In this role, the candidate will serve as a Technical Writer on the Regional Apps Agile Release Train (RA ART). The candidate will collaborate with RA leadership and RA product teams to prepare documentation that communicates the technical details of the C2BMC Regional software to internal and external customers. The candidate will support the preparation of C2BMC plans, procedures, and processes within the RA ART's scope of responsibility. The candidate will work within the RA ART, planning work based on customer requirements, program contractual agreements, and the schedule.

Essential Functions:

  • Will be responsible for ensuring that RA technical documentation is created and updated in accordance with the most current industry and DoD documentation and applicable program standards
  • Responsible for leading the creation, updating, and delivery of RA ART documentation, including Algorithm Design Documentation (ADD), Functional Area Design Documentation (FADDs), applicable Appendices to other program documentation, Program Plans, Procedures, and Processes that fall under the RA ART's responsibility
  • Will be responsible for tracking documentation due dates, developing plans to complete documentation, collating inputs from RA product teams to prepare draft and final versions, coordinating across RA product teams to track progress, identifying risks and dependencies, and providing updates to RA leadership as requested
  • Collaborating with RA Engineers, Leadership, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on draft documents for incorporation into final versions
  • Seek out detailed software design and architecture information from existing documentation and development projects as source material for documentation being created or modified
  • Updating information repositories such as Confluence, Jira, and SharePoint
  • Track and meet scheduled deadlines for documentation deliverables
  • Any other required tasks by the program

Basic Qualifications:

Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Communications, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 5 years of experience; or a Master's degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
  • Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
  • Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs
  • Must be an effective communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills, proficient with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Visio drawing tools
  • Must be able to work collaboratively in a team environment with other highly motivated team members and independently at times on large projects
  • Must be highly skilled in organization and presentation
  • Must be able to conduct in-depth technical research to create content on new technologies and to keep existing documentation accurate and up to date
  • Must be able to write for various audiences
  • Experienced in writing and editing High-Level Designs, Detailed Designs, Standard Operating Procedures, installation instructions, and other documentation

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior C2BMC or documentation-generation experience on a large-scale DoD program
  • Experience with markdown for docs as code
  • Prior experience with Git and Nexus
  • Understand DoD documentation standards

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:

  • Health Plan
  • Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Education Assistance
  • Training and Development
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

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Primary Level Salary Range: $77,800.00 - $116,800.00The 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