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Principal Technical Writer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Principal Consultant

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$225K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Technical Consultant to join our Customer Success team. In this role ... writing queries, joins, views, etc) * Knowledge of software testing practices (test-driven ...

$175 - $190/hr

... the principal technical advisor for a MDA facility. The Facilities CTO will support the Missile ... Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse group of external and ...

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Principal Technical Writer information

See Colorado salary details

$11.6K

$196.1K

How much do principal technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal technical writer in Colorado is $194,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $194,500.00 and $195,100.00 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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What job categories do people searching Principal Technical Writer jobs in Colorado look for?

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What cities in Colorado are hiring for Principal Technical Writer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Principal Technical Writer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,908 per year, or $93.7 per hour.

Technical Advisor Multi-Domain Sensing Program & Strategic Initiatives Principal Investigator

Department of the Air Force Headquarters

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$151K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The United States Space Force (USSF) is a highly specialized, independent branch of the Armed Forces organized under the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Its primary mandate is to organize, train, and equip space forces to secure and maintain freedom of operations within, from, and to the space domain.
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Duties
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The Technical Advisor and Principal Investigator is a senior authority responsible for leading the development, modernization, and integration of USSF force designs and multi-domain sensing architectures. They direct cross-functional teams, orchestrate high-level DoW and Presidential directives, and drive advanced capabilities while evaluating threats and resource requirements.
The Technical Advisor and Principal Investigator leads and coordinates multi-disciplinary teams to develop, modernize, and evaluate future force designs. This role directly supports high-priority mandates, including Presidential Executive Orders like the Golden Dome for America (GDA) architecture, OSD direction, and Chief of Space Operations guidance. By formulating detailed analyses and trade space assessments, the advisor ensures critical national milestones are met. Additionally, they oversee the development and execution of the annual work plan, collaborating closely with Mission Support and Planning divisions to guide secure the necessary funding and contract support.
Serving as a primary technical authority, the incumbent conceives and executes complex projects to advance engineering, scientific, and space technology concepts. As Principal Investigator, they lead cross-functional teams to test and refine advanced Kill-Chain capabilities, directly enhancing targeting precision and reducing operational timelines. The role is responsible for applying sound engineering practices to construct threat projections and vulnerability assessments. They integrate diverse intelligence inputs from commercial, scientific, allied, and international sources to deliver cohesive, decision-quality insights to USSF, DAF, and DoW leadership.
This position acts as a vital bridge across the National Security Space enterprise, fostering collaborative relationships with space community leaders, international allies, industry partners, and research institutions. The incumbent facilitates joint discussions to resolve strategic and technical concerns, ensuring that standards and methodologies are accurately applied. They actively advise division leads on project definition and task prioritization. Furthermore, they evaluate existing policies and legislation, directing the drafting of DAF legislative proposals to advocate for program requirements. Furthermore, they evaluate and advise the service on policies and legislation.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance.
  • Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD. An individual's initial SL career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
  • Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
  • Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered.
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments.
  • EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
  • Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions.
  • Within the Department of War (DoW), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.

Qualifications
Eligibility will be based upon clearly showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations Senior Civilian corps.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:
TQ1: Demonstrated knowledge and experience leading enterprise-level Modeling/Simulation, operational analysis, system concept development/evaluation, technical analysis, life cycle cost evaluation, and conveying results to senior government officials to drive future force decisions.
TQ2: Demonstrated expert knowledge of space sensor capabilities, including sensor technology, space based sensing systems, sensor data architectures, and military applications of space sensors.
A separate narrative statement is not requiredthis information should be embedded within the resume.
Education
A degree qualifying for the 0801 General Engineer job series is required. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) if an engineering degree, be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; or a combination of education and experience as required by the U.S.
A master's degree or higher in engineering or a related scientific discipline is highly desired.
This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP).
Additional information
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions.
Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.