Technical Writer And Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

The Technical Information Department (TID) has openings for Technical Writers/Editors who will be matrixed to organizations within the Operations & Business Directorate. Successful candidates may work with the Authorization Basis Group within the ES&H Department to produce highly specialized technical communication products for the Superblock facilities, or with the Security Organization to develop user documentation and training materials for security systems software and hardware. These roles involve writing, editing, and finalizing complex technical content and guiding documents through established review and release processes.

These positions may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Collaborate with scientific, technical, and program staff to organize and clarify content, determine audience needs, and develop appropriate communication products and styles.
• Plan, write, edit, organize, and maintain technical and nontechnical documents, presentations, web-based content, and training materials.
• Develop and edit specialized authorization basis documents and related technical communication products supporting nuclear facility operations, and/or Superblock facilities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and training content for the Argus, Portable Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), and Caerus security systems, including installation guides, user guides, web-based training, and hands-on training materials.
• Translate complex technical information into clear, accurate, and accessible content for internal, customer, and sponsor audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Copyedit, proofread, and provide editorial development for complex materials, including recommendations to improve logic, organization, coherence, terminology, formatting, and readability.
• Create or modify document templates, formatting styles, graphics, infographics, and related multimedia content.
• Work with subject matter experts, program managers, analysts, and reviewers to ensure usefulness and technical accuracy and guide products through established review, approval, release, production, and distribution processes.
• Follow applicable style guides, document-management processes, communication standards, and information-security requirements.
• Coordinate project activities and resources, prioritize workload with management and technical staff, and meet cost, schedule, and quality commitments in a deadline-driven environment.

In addition, at the G04.3 Level

• Provide comprehensive writing and editing services for large, complex, or high-consequence documents and training products.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for documentation and training products within assigned technical areas.
• Coordinate all phases of complex document and training development from planning through review, release, production, and distribution.
• Define communication strategies, audiences, messages, and key deliverables for complex and specialized projects.
• Schedule and lead planning and status meetings, coordinate multiple contributors, and independently resolve competing priorities and stakeholder concerns.
• Make strategic recommendations to improve technical communications, documentation processes, and training content.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, English, journalism, engineering, a scientific or technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in technical communications.
• Experience in technical writing, editing, documentation development, training development, or a related technical communications discipline.
• Experience editing technical or scientific content using professional writing and editing techniques, style conventions, and technical communication practices and standards.
• Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar technical subjects and apply new knowledge to assigned work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience collaborating effectively with technical staff, managers, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain careful attention to detail in a high-consequence environment.
• Demonstrated customer service, interpersonal, teamwork, and independent-work skills, including discretion when handling classified, unclassified, sensitive, and confidential information.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and collaborative or document-management tools such as SharePoint, Confluence, or Teams.

In addition, at the G04.3 Level

• Advanced writing and editing experience across a broad range of scientific or technical subject areas.
• Experience leading complex technical communications, documentation, or training projects involving multiple contributors and stakeholders.
• Experience independently resolving competing priorities, stakeholder concerns, and project issues to meet program objectives.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to make strategic recommendations regarding project scope and communication approaches.
• Ability to work under minimal direction with significant latitude in planning activities and achieving objectives.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, English, journalism, engineering, a scientific or technical field, or a related discipline.
• Experience with software documentation, technical training, curriculum development, or web-based training.
• Knowledge of authorization basis documentation, nuclear facility operations, or activities.
• Knowledge of physical security systems, hardware, and software.
• Experience with Argus, Portable Intrusion Detection System, Caerus, or comparable security systems.
• Working knowledge of graphic design, photography, video-editing, or multimedia-development tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Studio, or DaVinci Resolve.
• Active DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Understanding of LLNL's missions related to national security, the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, and advanced scientific and technological programs.

Pay Range

$95,820 - $140,712 Annually 

$95,820 - $117,312 Annually at the G04.2 level

$114,900 - $140,712 Annually at the G04.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.