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Technical Copy Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fluid technical writing and editing skills, including the use of AP Style * Ability to research and analyze complex technical material and break it down into concise, compelling copy that engages the ...

$45.53/hr

... copy with appropriate departments, and will coordinate production and distribution of materials ... technical editing for test related documentation. • Supports the development of technical ...

New

... copy editing, word processing, template formatting, etc.) and as part of a proposal team (managing technical writers, book bosses, etc.). * Must have been responsible for managing and executing ...

... copy editing, word processing, template formatting, etc.) and as part of a proposal team (managing technical writers, book bosses, etc.). * Must have been responsible for managing and executing ...

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Technical Copy Editor information

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$11

$28

$57

How much do technical copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical copy editor in Virginia is $28.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $32.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a technical copy editor do?

A Technical Copy Editor reviews technical documents, such as manuals, reports, and instructional materials, to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. They check for grammatical errors, proper terminology usage, and adherence to style guides while making sure complex information is presented in a way that's easy to understand. Their work helps maintain the quality and reliability of technical content for both specialist and general audiences.

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

To thrive as a Technical Copy Editor, you need excellent command of grammar, style, and technical language, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and content management systems, as well as knowledge of style guides like APA or Chicago Manual of Style, is typically expected. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring clarity and accuracy in complex documents. These skills and tools are crucial for producing high-quality, error-free technical content that meets professional standards and supports user understanding.

How does a technical copy editor typically collaborate with subject matter experts during the content review process?

Technical Copy Editors frequently work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure that highly specialized material is both accurate and accessible to the intended audience. This collaboration often involves reviewing drafts, clarifying technical terminology, and resolving ambiguities or inconsistencies. Effective communication skills are essential, as editors must balance editorial standards with the integrity of the technical content. It's common to participate in review meetings, provide annotated feedback, and facilitate revisions, ensuring the final document meets both editorial and technical requirements.

What is the difference between Technical Copy Editor vs Technical Writer?

AspectTechnical Copy EditorTechnical Writer
Primary FocusEditing and proofreading technical content for clarity, accuracy, and consistencyCreating, developing, and organizing technical documentation and manuals
Skills & CredentialsStrong editing, proofreading, and technical knowledge; often requires editing certifications or experienceTechnical writing skills, subject matter expertise, and documentation experience
Work EnvironmentEditing teams, publishing houses, or in-house editing departmentsTechnical departments, engineering teams, or documentation departments
Industry UsageCommon in publishing, media, and technical communication sectorsPrevalent in engineering, IT, manufacturing, and software industries

The main difference is that a Technical Copy Editor focuses on refining and proofreading technical content to ensure clarity and correctness, while a Technical Writer is responsible for creating and organizing technical documentation. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their core tasks differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Technical Copy Editor jobs in Virginia?

For Technical Copy Editor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Technical Copy Editor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Technical Copy Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Copy Editor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,440 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Editorial Production Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.

Mclean, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

External Description
Editorial Production Specialist
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Editorial Production Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Editorial Production Specialist is responsible for copy editing, proofreading, editorial quality control, and desktop publishing support across the Association's print and digital communications platforms. This role ensures accuracy, consistency, readability, adherence to ALPA brand standards and The Chicago Manual of Style, and production readiness for a wide range of Association materials, including long-form publications, executive communications, newsletters, websites, email campaigns, presentations, promotional materials, and governance documents.
Working collaboratively with production coordinators, designers, writers, translators, and subject matter experts, the Editorial Production Specialist supports the successful development, layout, revision, and delivery of high-quality communications products. Responsibilities include substantive editing, document formatting, layout review, long-form publication coordination, and maintaining editorial and visual consistency across projects. The position also coordinates translation requests and works with internal stakeholders and external translation resources to support English and French communications, ensuring consistency with ALPA terminology, messaging, and editorial standards.
Success in this position requires consistent attention to detail, strong editorial judgment, advanced organizational skills, and proficiency with desktop publishing and document production workflows in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
Interested applicants are requested to submit online portfolio link(s) showing previous work.
Travel: 0 - 2%.
ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a related field required; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience in copy editing, editorial production, publishing, communications, or a related field required; five (5) or more years strongly preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of grammar, punctuation, The Chicago Manual of Style, editorial standards, and document quality control processes required.
  • Demonstrated experience working within desktop publishing and document production environments required.
  • Editing experience in a high-volume, association, advocacy, and/or union environment strongly preferred.
  • Working proficiency in both English and French strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with English and French communications and translation workflows strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly Adobe InDesign and Acrobat required.
  • Experience reviewing and editing long-form publications, complex layouts, and publication-ready files strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of typography, formatting consistency, layout review, and document accessibility principles preferred.
  • Experience coordinating multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-driven communications, publishing, advocacy, association, and/or union environment preferred.
  • Proven writing and copy editing skills for a variety of technical and nontechnical documents preferred.
  • Knowledge of desktop publishing techniques and software applications preferred.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet all deadlines.
  • Ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal and external contacts.
  • Software: Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe InDesign; Adobe Creative Suite experience a definite plus.

Physical Demands:
Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.
Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Vision, corrected or uncorrected, must be acute and discriminating. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office. May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack and/or move the shipping cases.
Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)
ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:
  • 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period;
  • Generous health care benefits on day one - Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
  • 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
  • Generous sick and bereavement leave;
  • Competitive parental leave;
  • Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
  • Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
  • Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
  • Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
  • Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 69,341.00 - $ 105,180.00
Relocation not provided.
Sponsorship not available for this position.