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Software Technical Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Senior Software Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

SAIC is seeking a Senior Software Technical Writer to maintain program documents including but not limited to the training documentation including the How-to-Guides and System User Manuals to support ...

SAIC

Senior Software Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

SAIC is seeking a Senior Software Technical Writer to maintain program documents including but not limited to the training documentation including the How-to-Guides and System User Manuals to support ...

SAIC

Senior Software Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

SAIC is seeking a Senior Software Technical Writer to maintain program documents including but not limited to the training documentation including the How-to-Guides and System User Manuals to support ...

Stratolaunch

Technical Writer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

$65K - $105K/yr

REQUIRED * 5+ years' experience working with documentation publishing and/or management software ... Technical Writer ($52,000-$84,700) * Sr. Technical Writer ($65,000-$105,800) * Lead Technical ...

Accelint

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Combining differentiated hardware, software and mission expertise, Lyntris helps customers sense ... Technical Writer * Full time * Remote / Hybrid *This position requires an active U.S. national ...

Cypress HCM

Technical Writer

Santa Clara, CA

$65 - $82.39/hr

Experience in technical writing of software, hardware, or related documentation * Superior command of writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills * Skilled at organizing and ...

Skild AI

Technical Writer

San Mateo, CA

You will own documentation across the full stack-from software architecture, APIs, and SDKs to ... Experience as a technical writer producing documentation in a fast-paced, highly technical ...

ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO INC

Technical Writer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$30 - $60/hr

JOB SUMMARY: The Technical Writer is responsible for creating highly technical content in the ... Log all work, research, and status in Jira project management software. * Suggest improvements to ...

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How much do software technical writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for software technical writer in California is $38.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $46.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software technical writer?

A Software Technical Writer creates clear, concise documentation to help users and developers understand software products. They write user manuals, API documentation, tutorials, and release notes, often working closely with developers, product managers, and designers. Their goal is to translate complex technical concepts into easy-to-understand content for various audiences. Strong writing skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate effectively are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software technical writer?

To thrive as a Software Technical Writer, you need strong writing and editing skills, a good understanding of software development concepts, and often a degree in English, Communications, Computer Science, or a related field. Familiarity with documentation tools such as MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, markdown, and content management systems, as well as knowledge of version control (e.g., Git), is commonly required, and certifications like Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) can be advantageous. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure that documentation is clear, accurate, user-friendly, and effectively supports software users and development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by software technical writers, and how can they overcome them?

Software Technical Writers often face challenges such as rapidly changing technology, tight deadlines, and translating complex technical details into clear, accessible documentation. To overcome these, it's important to collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and QA teams to stay informed about updates and upcoming features. Effective organization and version control help manage evolving content, while ongoing learning and adaptability allow writers to keep up with new tools or programming concepts. Building strong relationships with subject matter experts and participating in team meetings can also greatly improve the accuracy and relevance of documentation.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Software Technical Writer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Technical Writer jobs in California are:

Software Technical Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Technical Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Senior Software Technical Writer

SAIC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2616178
Location: San Diego, CA, US
Date Posted: 2026-08-27
Category: Communications
Subcategory: Technical Writer/Ed
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_HYBRID
Description
JOB DESCRIPTION:
SAIC is seeking a Senior Software Technical Writer to maintain program documents including but not limited to the training documentation including the How-to-Guides and System User Manuals to support the Common Control System (CCS) software intensive program. The software requirements database also requires continuous updates to requirements, issues, and status which area used to generate reports and support decision making for continued software support activities. This will be a Hybrid position and will require on site work at the NIWC Pacific, Seaside location, San Diego, CA at least two days a week.
JOB DUTIES:
  • Develop, write, and edit materials for reports, manuals, briefs, instructions, and related technical and administrative publications concerned with the methods, procedures, installation, operation, and maintenance of software systems.
  • Support Configuration Management for data repositories, documents, and distributed media (physical and electronic) by uploading, submitting, routing, distributing, archiving and generating artifacts and media.
  • Perform requirements management and data entry to record, revise, and report changes to requirements and create new requirements and their associated issues within electronic databases including Jira and Confluence.

Qualifications
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE:
  • Bachelor's degree and six (6) years or more experience as a Technical Writer in a software engineering environment.
  • 2 years of experience with Jira Project Management Software to include status updating, new task creating and report generation.
  • Experience working in customer environments and collaborating with the other contracting firms.
  • Knowledge and experience with accessing, handling, and transporting classified material are required.
  • Knowledge and experience using computers to generate software distribution packages using specific software applications are required for creating deliverable packages on different types of media.
  • Knowledge and experience using Jira and Confluence to search and locate content, edit and update entries, create new entries, and generate reports will be required for requirements management.
  • Must have an Active Secret Clearance

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong understanding of software development processes.
  • Proven ability to take initiative, ask questions and take ownership of tasks to drive documentation quality.
  • Positive attitude toward challenged and problem-solving in a dynamic work environment.
  • Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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