Technical Illustrator Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Creates, develops, plans, writes, and edits technical documentation and manuals for customers that describe KUAS products and how to use them, including proofing, verification & validation of, and the preparation of training materials in accordance with contractual requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Technical Writer. Each level of Technical Writer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

Technical Writer I:

• Generates documentation per contractual data requirements for projects that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require infrequent customer interface.
• Manages effort and time within the budget and schedule provided and is responsible for working within the allocated budget.
• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).
• With acute attention to detail, plans projects and executes to the plan.
• Utilizes understanding of government contractual requirements as defined in applicable Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) outlined in the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) to develop accurate and compliant documentation.
• Utilizes understanding of technical source data, including interviews of technicians and engineering personnel, interpreting that data into written assembly procedures, line art/illustrations, and descriptions.
• Prepares formal, controlled technical documentation (ie. user manuals, technical orders, training materials, flight manuals, etc.) in the formats requested by each customer.
• Prepares and presents documentation review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Supports business development efforts in preparation of quotes, proposals and sales efforts.
• Coordinates and conducts verification and validation activities associated with technical documentation, including interface with the customer.
• Develops and complies with standardized templates and formats for internal and external documentation, presentations, and training materials.
• Complies with established QMS procedures.
• Tracks time spent on jobs and enters it electronically.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Technical Writer II:

• Performs all duties listed above.
• Generates documentation per contractual data requirements for complex projects that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface.
• May be called upon to conduct training for customers and orient them to technical documentation from time to time.
• Acts as a key proposal lead for written technical volumes.
• Interacts with and may direct assignments of Technical Illustrator and lower-level Technical Writers to ensure final product is compliant with customer requirements and represents company professionally.
• Mentors and trains lower-level Technical Writers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Technical Writer III:

• Performs all duties listed above.
• Under minimal supervision, performs all duties listed above.
• Provides general leadership for the entire technical writing team by assigning tasks, mentoring writers, and making key decisions for the department.
• Maintains knowledge of all technical writers assignments and reports high-level status to management as needed.
• Assists with interviewing, determining new hires, and onboarding new hires.
• Tracks the work quality of lower-level technical writers to ensure the excellence of department deliverables.
• Research new tools and methods to improve department efficiency and quality as needed.
• Trains writers, engineers, and management on how to use required tools/software as needed.

Technical Writer IV:

• Performs all duties listed above.
• May act as Lead Technical Writer for very complex projects as assigned by their Manager.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Technical Writers.
• Lead the technical writing team's effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• Provides inputs for bid and proposal efforts.
• Mentors Level I-III Technical Writers.
• Supports complex requests from leadership, and presents results as required to executive team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

COMPENSATION: $80,000 - $120,000

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The education and experience listed below apply to and build upon all successive levels of Technical Writer.

Technical Writer I

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Some familiarity with Military Standards and Specifications applicable to technical manuals and documentation, i.e. MIL-STD-38784, MIL-DTL-23618, MIL-DTL-81927, MIL-STD-3001, and MIL-PRF-83495B.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records, controlling revision history.
• Ability to be self-motivated and work independently in a fast paced, dynamic work environment.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills
• Familiarity with desktop publishing tools (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Enovia DMU Navigator, DWG Editor, Catia, AutoCad, Arbortext and/or Framemaker).
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.
• Required to have and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Technical Writer II

• Understanding of Military Standards and Specifications applicable to technical manuals and documentation, i.e. MIL-STD-38784, MIL-DTL-23618, MIL-DTL-81927, MIL-STD-3001, and MIL-PRF-83495B.
• Working knowledge of desktop publishing tools (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Enovia DMU Navigator, DWG Editor, Catia, AutoCad, Arbortext and/or Framemaker).

Technical Writer III

• Ability to make decisions that may impact the Technical Publications team.
• Public speaking capability.
• Exceptional one-on-one communication skills.

Technical Writer IV

• Works under minimal supervision.
• Performs work of advanced complexity.
• Has frequent outside contacts as liaison with engineering and customers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Technical Writer I

• AA degree in a related field
• 2 years directly related experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, including experience in the development and maintenance of U.S. military maintenance and operations documentation, may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Technical Writer II

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Minimum 5 years directly related experience, preferably in aerospace industry.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, including experience in the development and maintenance of U.S. military maintenance and operations documentation, may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Technical Writer III

• Bachelor's degree or higher in related field
• Minimum 8 years directly related experience, preferably in aerospace industry.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, including experience in the development and maintenance of U.S. military maintenance and operations documentation, may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Technical Writer IV

• Bachelor's degree or higher in related field
• Minimum 10 years directly related experience, preferably in aerospace industry.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, including experience in the development and maintenance of U.S. military maintenance and operations documentation, may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Preferred:

• Technical writing experience in the aerospace industry.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work on/around subscale target/UAV aircraft and ground support equipment.
• Primarily office and or manufacturing environment.
• May work infrequently at manufacturing plant and/or at subscale target/UAV maintenance and launch facilities.
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-5% May be required between other KUAS locations

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES