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Scientific Technical Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communication, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Clearance Requirements Some positions will require access to U.S.

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78 - $98/hr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communication, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Clearance Requirements Some positions will require access to U.S.

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78 - $98/hr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communication, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Clearance Requirements Some positions will require access to U.S.

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Do Epic Science TAE is the world's first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to ... Minimum 3 years of experience in technical writing, prefer medical background. * Excellent ...

Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, Computer Science, or a related field * 2-5 years of experience in technical writing or documentation (experience may vary by role level) * Strong written ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it ... About The Role Collaborate with a team to create technical documentation, specification writing ...

Technical Writer - Manufacturing Sciences Location: Carlsbad, CA Pay Rate: $33.00 per hour Position Type: Full-Time Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented Technical Writer to support ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Do Epic Science TAE is the world's first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to ... Minimum 3 years of experience in technical writing, prefer medical background. * Excellent ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Do Epic Science TAE is the world's first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to ... Collaborate with a team to create technical documentation, specification writing, technical ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it ... About The Role Collaborate with a team to create technical documentation, specification writing ...

Technical Writer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

$65K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Science, English or related discipline, or equivalent ... Technical Writer ($52,000-$84,700) * Sr. Technical Writer ($65,000-$105,800) * Lead Technical ...

Required : • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, engineering, a science discipline, or related field • 5+ years of professional technical writing experience, ideally in ...

Required : • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, engineering, a science discipline, or related field • 5+ years of professional technical writing experience, ideally in ...

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Scientific Technical Writer information

See California salary details

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$46

$72

How much do scientific technical writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific technical writer in California is $46.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.22 and $57.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scientific technical writer do?

A Scientific Technical Writer creates clear, accurate, and accessible documentation about scientific research, products, or processes. They translate complex scientific concepts into materials such as research papers, manuals, grant proposals, and regulatory documents. Their work helps scientists, researchers, and the general public understand scientific information, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Scientific Technical Writers often collaborate with subject matter experts to gather information and ensure technical accuracy.

What does a scientific technical writer do?

As a scientific technical writer, you write documents that communicate or explain a scientific concept. Technical writing is not like most other forms of writing. In science, this role focuses on manuals, white papers, journal papers, and similarly advanced material that focuses on a specific, well-educated audience. Many scientific technical writers work as part of a larger team and may spend days, weeks, or even months gathering information before starting to work on a technical document. This job often involves transforming data and procedures into clear, concise explanations, especially if the document has any legal implications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific technical writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientific Technical Writer, you need expertise in scientific concepts, excellent writing skills, and a relevant degree in science or technical communication. Familiarity with documentation tools, reference management software, and content management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to translate complex information for varied audiences are essential soft skills. These skills ensure clear, accurate, and accessible scientific documentation, which is crucial for research dissemination and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges scientific technical writers face when translating complex research into accessible documentation?

Scientific Technical Writers often encounter the challenge of conveying highly technical or specialized research in a manner that is both accurate and understandable for diverse audiences. This may involve collaborating closely with subject matter experts to clarify terminology, balancing scientific detail with readability, and ensuring compliance with industry or regulatory standards. Additionally, writers must frequently manage tight deadlines and adapt to rapidly evolving scientific fields, which requires strong organizational skills and continuous learning.

What is the difference between Scientific Technical Writer vs Technical Writer?

AspectScientific Technical WriterTechnical Writer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in science or engineering, technical writing certificationsBachelor's in English, communications, or related field, technical writing certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, scientific companies, academiaCorporate, technology, manufacturing, or software companies
Industry UsageResearch, pharmaceuticals, biotech, academiaIT, engineering, software, manufacturing

Scientific Technical Writers focus on creating detailed scientific documentation, research papers, and technical reports within scientific and research environments. Technical Writers have a broader scope, producing manuals, guides, and documentation across various industries. While both roles require strong writing skills and technical knowledge, Scientific Technical Writers typically need a background in science or engineering, whereas Technical Writers may come from diverse fields. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right roles and qualifications.

Are scientific technical writers still in demand?

Scientific technical writers are in steady demand due to the need for clear communication of complex scientific information across industries such as healthcare, technology, and research. Strong writing skills, familiarity with scientific concepts, and proficiency with tools like MS Word and Adobe are valuable for these roles, which often require a bachelor's degree in a related field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Technical Writer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Scientific Technical Writer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Technical Writer jobs in California?

For Scientific Technical Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Scientific Technical Writer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scientific Technical Writer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Technical Writer jobs in CA?

For Scientific Technical Writer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scientific Technical Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,727 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA • On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Lyntris is a defense technology company that connects sensing to action across the connected battlespace. Lyntris brings together the talents of Accelint and Vitesse teams under one mission, with each contributing deep expertise within their domain. Combining differentiated hardware, software and mission expertise, Lyntris helps customers sense threats, make sense of complex conditions and act with greater speed, precision and confidence in contested environments.
Lyntris supports U.S. and allied defense organizations across every branch - including Navy, Army, Air Force, Space Force and allied partners - spanning strategic, operational and tactical missions and every domain: Space, Air, Land, Sea and Cyber. With more than 200 active defense programs, Lyntris works at every level of the mission, from national command authority to the tactical edge.
Solutions are designed by operators who understand the mission, engineered for the conditions that degrade or defeat standard systems, and built on an open, modular architecture that integrates into existing programs without requiring them to start over. Lyntris moves faster than the traditional defense cycle - with integrated design, build and test capabilities in-house - and delivers systems that sustain and endure long after initial fielding.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and security-conscious Technical Writer. In this role, you will develop and manage complex technical documentation for defense systems, software, hardware, and processes. You will collaborate with engineers, analysts, and program managers to ensure content is accurate, compliant with DoD standards (e.g., MIL-STD, DoD 5000 series), and accessible to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Job Description
  • Technical Writer
  • Full time
  • Remote / Hybrid

*This position requires an active U.S. national security clearance. To learn more about the security clearance process please access this link.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop, edit, and maintain a variety of documentation, including user manuals, system operation procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), test plans, SOPs, and training materials.
  • Work closely with engineers, developers, and technical leads to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into user-friendly documentation.
  • Establish documentation frameworks and best practices to ensure content is consistent, organized, and up-to-date. Continuously improve documentation processes.
  • Tailor documentation to suit different audiences, including engineers, developers, end-users, and internal stakeholders.
  • Provide on-demand documentation support to customers and internal teams for troubleshooting, deployment, and best practices.
  • Review technical content for accuracy, clarity, and coherence. Incorporate feedback from engineers and end-users to improve documents over time.
  • Conduct thorough proofreading and editing of technical materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and technical precision.

Required Qualifications
  • Currently holds an active U.S. national security clearance. To learn more about the security clearance process please access this link.
  • 3-5 years of experience as a technical writer in an engineering or technical field.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles, concepts, and terminology.
  • Strong knowledge of DoD terminology, technical documentation processes, and defense acquisition documentation.
  • Proficiency with documentation tools (Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, XML-based editors, Adobe FrameMaker).
  • Ability to interpret and write content from engineering drawings, design specifications, and software documentation. Proficiency in writing clear, concise, and user-friendly technical documentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communication, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Clearance Requirements
Some positions will require access to U.S. National Security information. Positions that require this access will be required to receive and maintain a U.S. government personnel security clearance (PCL). In order to qualify for this position, the candidate must be a US Citizen and either currently possess this National Security eligibility or be able to complete the investigation application process with a favorable determination and maintain that eligibility throughout their employment. To learn more about the security clearance process please access this link.
EEOC & Know Your Rights
Lyntris companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. We ensure that all employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment, are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. For more information about your rights, please review the "Know Your Rights" poster from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Know your Rights: English Spanish
Pay Scales & Benefits
The listed pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this position for the location for which it has been posted and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Other compensation considerations may include, but are not limited to, job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, or other applicable factors.
Benefits include...
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Company Holidays
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Optional HSA and FSA
  • Base and Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 401k Matching
  • Employee Assistance Program

The pay range for this role is:
78,000 - 98,000 USD per year (San Diego, CA)