Scientific Copy Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. We help our clients communicate how their critical work is improving the safety, mobility, and performance of our nation's transportation infrastructure. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.
As a Technical Editor, you will lead and oversee the editorial process for high-stakes technical documentation and publications. You will collaborate with program managers, subject matter experts, technical staff, and leadership to transform complex technical information, raw data, and engineering terminology into clear, accurate, authoritative, and accessible products for transportation practitioners, agency stakeholders, and the traveling public.
The Technical Editor will provide substantive and technical editing, ensure consistency and quality across large-scale programs, and manage documents throughout the full editorial lifecycle-from initial outline and development through final publication, including online and web publishing. The position will also provide editorial leadership and guidance to junior staff and other members of the project team.
This role will be supported remotely and may require infrequent in-person meetings at the client site in McLean, VA.
What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the editorial process for complex, high-visibility technical documents, reports, manuals, publications, and web-based products.
• Perform substantive and technical editing to improve organization, clarity, readability, accuracy, consistency, and usability.
• Transform raw data, engineering terminology, and highly technical subject matter into clear, authoritative content appropriate for intended audiences.
• Work closely with subject matter experts to verify technical accuracy while preserving the integrity and meaning of technical information.
• Translate complex technical concepts and terminology into plain language when appropriate.
• Ensure documents comply with agency and department style guides, publication standards, branding requirements, and established editorial practices.
• Apply expert knowledge of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual to federal publications and other client deliverables.
• Conduct reference checking, fact checking, and editorial quality assurance and quality control.
• Review content for copyright compliance and appropriate attribution and use of source materials.
• Research, outline, edit, and support the development of reports and other products addressing complex technical concepts.
• Manage the full lifecycle of documents from outline and initial drafts through reviews, revisions, final production, and publication.
• Coordinate multiple authors, reviewers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to maintain editorial consistency across large-scale programs.
• Establish and maintain consistent terminology, editorial conventions, and style across related products and publications.
• Perform copy editing, proofreading, document formatting, and final publication reviews.
• Support Section 508 accessibility and quality-control activities and ensure products comply with applicable agency accessibility guidance.
• Work with Microsoft Office applications and PDF/document-production tools to review, edit, format, and finalize publications.
• Provide editorial direction, mentoring, and quality oversight to junior editors and other project staff.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines independently while maintaining consistently high editorial standards.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master's degree in English, Journalism, or a technical field.
• 10+ years of professional experience performing the following: technical editing, proofreading, copy editing, substantive editing, project management, and staff supervision, including editing and reviewing complex technical information and publications for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and completeness. A
• At least 10 yrs of knowledge and application of the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual and government or agency-specific editorial standards. Experience with reference checking, fact checking, copyright compliance, publication quality assurance and quality control, and managing documents throughout the full editorial and publication lifecycle. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting federal government agencies and federal publications.
• Transportation industry experience, particularly in highway and surface transportation.
• Experience editing engineering, research, scientific, policy, or other highly technical documentation.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro, CommonLook, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Familiarity with online and web publishing.
• Familiarity with collaboration and project-management tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Smartsheet, Basecamp, and Trello.

Professional Skills:

• Exceptional command of grammar, syntax, usage, punctuation, style, and editorial conventions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, consistent, high-quality publications.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to identify and resolve substantive issues in complex technical content.
• Ability to understand technical concepts quickly and communicate them clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide clear and constructive editorial guidance.
• Self-directed, resourceful problem solver with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, perspectives, deadlines, and stakeholder needs.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to diplomatically reconcile conflicting reviewer comments and editorial perspectives while maintaining document quality and technical integrity.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
• Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of evolving editorial standards, accessibility requirements, publication technologies, and best practices.

*** Please take note this is a contingent position.
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Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$61,232.00 - $104,094.00
Virginia Remote Office (VA99)