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Production Editor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Tech Writer/Editor Sr

Springfield, VA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

The GEOINT Production Editor reviews and formats text and graphics to ensure reports meet Agency and Intelligence Community guidelines for quality and compliance. Key Responsibilities: - Edit, format ...

Bowhead

Video Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA

$90K - $120K/yr

In this role, you will plan, shoot, and edit high-quality video products-including training videos ... editing experience * Mastery of Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, Audition

Bowhead

Video Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

In this role, you will plan, shoot, and edit high-quality video products-including training videos ... editing experience * Mastery of Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, Audition

Peraton

Technical Editor

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Responsibilities Every intelligence product that leaves USCYBERCOM J2 carries the credibility of the command behind it. Peraton is looking for a Technical Editor to be the last line of quality ...

Peraton

Technical Editor

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Responsibilities Every intelligence product that leaves USCYBERCOM J2 carries the credibility of the command behind it. Peraton is looking for a Technical Editor to be the last line of quality ...

Peraton

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

Peraton

Technical Editor

Fort George G Meade, MD

$112K - $179K/yr

Responsibilities Every intelligence product that leaves USCYBERCOM J2 carries the credibility of the command behind it. Peraton is looking for a Technical Editor to be the last line of quality ...

ICF International, Inc.

Technical Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Lead the editorial process for complex, high-visibility technical documents, reports, manuals, publications, and web-based products. * Perform substantive and technical editing to improve ...

Peraton

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

Peraton

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

ICF

Technical Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Lead the editorial process for complex, high-visibility technical documents, reports, manuals, publications, and web-based products. * Perform substantive and technical editing to improve ...

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Distant Moon Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Film Editor to help shape documentary, commercial, and narrative projects from assembly through ...

Vectrona, LLC

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Senior Editor ensures written products are accurate, clear, professionally presented, and aligned with organizational standards before submission to senior decision-makers. Day-to-Day ...

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Production Editor information

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How much do production editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for production editor in Washington, DC is $28.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $36.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production editor?

A production editor manages content production for a publication. As a production editor, you coordinate each phase of publication. Your duties include managing writers and other publishing staff, editing content, and approving final layouts. This role is different from a copyeditor, as you are responsible for the big picture instead of individual pieces. As a production editor, you often work for in the publishing industry. If you work for a book publisher, you must review content submissions and edit manuscripts. You can also find work with websites and other digital publications, depending on their size and resources. Your skills may need to go beyond simple editing into basic graphic design and layout.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production editor?

To thrive as a Production Editor, you need strong editorial skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of publishing processes, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with publishing software such as Adobe InDesign, XML tools, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines help set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the accurate, timely, and high-quality production of content, which is critical for maintaining publishing standards and meeting client or audience expectations.

What are some common challenges a production editor faces when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Production Editors often handle several projects at once, each with its own timeline, requirements, and stakeholders. Balancing these responsibilities means staying highly organized, prioritizing tasks, and communicating proactively with authors, designers, and printers to avoid bottlenecks. Meeting tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy and consistency across all materials can be demanding, but effective use of project management tools and clear workflow processes help manage these challenges. Collaborating closely with other editorial and production team members is key to maintaining quality and delivering projects on schedule.

What is the difference between Production Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectProduction EditorCopy Editor
Primary FocusOversees the production process, manages layout, design, and final formattingReviews and corrects grammar, style, and clarity in the text
Skills & CertificationsProject management, familiarity with publishing software, attention to detailStrong language skills, editing certifications, knowledge of style guides
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, magazines, online mediaPublishing companies, magazines, online content platforms

While both roles are essential in publishing, a Production Editor focuses on the overall production process, ensuring the final product meets quality standards, whereas a Copy Editor concentrates on refining the written content for clarity, grammar, and style. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the publishing industry.

Do production editors get paid well?

Production editors typically earn a median salary that varies by industry and experience, with many earning competitive wages in publishing, media, and content production. Salaries can increase with skills in editing software, project management, and industry experience, and some roles offer additional benefits or bonuses.
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For Production Editor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Production Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Editor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,679 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Intelligence Report Editor - Swing Shift

FedWriters, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview

Be the final authority on one of the Defense Intelligence Agency's most visible intelligence products. As the Production Control Officer for the Defense Intelligence Digest, your work directly supports the Secretary of Defense and senior DoD leaders by ensuring daily intelligence reporting is accurate, compliant, and publication-ready. This role is ideal for professionals who thrive where precision, accountability, and mission impact intersect.

FWI is seeking an experienced Production Control Officer (PCO) to provide senior-level editorial and production oversight for the Defense Intelligence Digest (DID), DIA's flagship all-source intelligence publication delivered daily to the Secretary of Defense and senior DoD leadership. The PCO is responsible for final quality control, production integrity, and adherence to DIA tradecraft, editorial, and security standards across all DID products.

This role requires deep experience in government or intelligence-community editorial workflows, strong attention to detail, and the ability to operate in a high-tempo, deadline-driven classified environment where accuracy and consistency are mission critical.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday, 1400 to 2200 at  Luke Ave SW Washington, DC 20340.

Responsibilities

Key Responsiblities:

  • Serve as the final production control authority for all Defense Intelligence Digest (DID) content prior to publication.

  • Conduct final proofreading and quality control reviews of layouts, graphics, and formatted content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to DIA and Directorate for Analysis (DI) standards.

  • Enforce compliance with:

    • DIA Style Guide

    • DID Staff Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

    • ODNI Security Markings Program (SMP / CAPCO)

    • DI tradecraft and written intelligence standards

  • Review and validate all classification and declassification markings to ensure ODNI SMP compliance.

  • Apply Secretary of Defense Daily Brief (SDB) branding to selected DID articles in HTML format as directed by the DID Managing Editor.

  • Oversee HTML layout and final content production using DIA-authorized publishing tools (e.g., DocBuilder).

  • Coordinate closely with technical editors, managing editors, designers, and dissemination teams to ensure on-time daily publication.

  • Produce and submit a Daily Status Report documenting completed work, production issues, and resolutions.

  • Maintain and archive final versions of all DID products in designated shared drives.

Qualifications

Required: 

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph (required) 

  • Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related fieldOR five (5) years of relevant professional experience in proofreading or editing in lieu of a degree.

  • Minimum three (3) years of experience in proofreading, editing, or production control of written products, preferably within the DoD or U.S. Government.

  • Demonstrated experience applying style guides, editorial standards, and production controls in a high-volume publishing environment.

  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to meet strict daily deadlines.

  • Ability to work extended hours (evenings/weekends) as required to support daily publication cycles.

Desired: 

  • Prior experience supporting intelligence community or DoD publications.

  • Familiarity with ODNI CAPCO / SMP classification and marking requirements.

  • Experience with HTML-based publishing tools or structured document production systems.

  • Experience developing or maintaining editorial SOPs or quality control plans.

  • Background working in a classified, production-driven environment with daily deliverables.

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Pay Range

95-105k 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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