ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Technical Writing Lead Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Chenega Corporation

Mid Technical Writer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in a related field. * 4+ years of technical writing experience. * Experience ... and lead healthy, happy lives. Corporate citizenship Chenega MIOS is led by a purpose to make an ...

Maxonic

Be Seen First

Technical Writer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$31/hr

Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) for process deviations, non ... Strong technical writing capabilities a plus. * Experience within cell/gene therapies, biologics ...

Veredus - DC

Technical Writer / Trainer

Herndon, VA

$25/hr

Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with both technical and non-technical users ... Your Veredus Recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand ...

Chenega MIOS

Senior Technical Writer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105K/yr

Bachelors degree in Technical Writing, Communications, or related field. * 8+ years of technical ... and lead healthy, happy lives. Corporate citizenship Chenega MIOS is led by a purpose to make an ...

USM

Cleared Senior Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55/hr

Responsible for writing RFI and RFP responses across the health care marketplace to include ... May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.

Zantech

Senior Technical Writer/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Technical writing and editing of cybersecurity publications * Publication process management and ... lead for technical messaging and publication efforts, serving as the primary authority for ...

Zantech

Senior Technical Writer/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Technical writing and editing of cybersecurity publications * Publication process management and ... lead for technical messaging and publication efforts, serving as the primary authority for ...

Brillient

Senior Proposal Writer

Reston, VA · On-site

Proposal Leadership & Writing * Lead end-to-end development of proposal volumes including Technical, Management, Past Performance, and Executive Summaries for competitive federal procurements

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnical Writing Lead JobsTechnical Writing Lead Jobs in Reston, VA

Technical Writing Lead information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$162.7K

$214.3K

How much do technical writing lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical writing lead in Reston, VA is $162,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,700.00 and $213,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead technical writer do?

A lead technical writer oversees the creation and management of technical documentation, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. They coordinate with subject matter experts, assign tasks to team members, and often use tools like Markdown or XML to produce user manuals, guides, and online help systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technical Writing Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Writing Lead, you need exceptional writing, editing, and documentation skills, often supported by a degree in English, Communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), document authoring tools like MadCap Flare or Adobe FrameMaker, and documentation standards such as DITA is highly valuable. Leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure that complex information is communicated clearly and efficiently, supporting organizational goals and end-user needs.

Is technical writing still in demand?

Technical writing remains in demand across industries such as technology, healthcare, and engineering, as companies need clear documentation for products, processes, and compliance. Skilled technical writers with knowledge of tools like Markdown, XML, or content management systems are especially sought after, and the role often requires strong communication and technical skills. The demand is expected to grow with increasing complexity in products and regulatory requirements.

Is AI taking over technical writing?

AI tools are increasingly used in technical writing to assist with tasks like content generation, editing, and documentation updates. However, the role of a Technical Writing Lead remains essential for overseeing quality, ensuring clarity, and integrating complex technical knowledge that AI cannot fully replicate.

How does a Technical Writing Lead typically collaborate with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams?

A Technical Writing Lead often serves as the bridge between technical experts, product managers, and other departments to ensure documentation is accurate and user-friendly. They facilitate interviews, gather requirements, and review drafts with engineers and developers to clarify complex information. Additionally, they lead documentation planning meetings and coordinate with UX/UI designers to align content with product workflows. This collaborative approach ensures the final deliverables meet both technical and end-user needs.

What are the 3 C's of technical writing?

The 3 C's of technical writing are clarity, conciseness, and completeness. As a technical writing lead, ensuring these principles helps produce clear and effective documentation that meets user needs and reduces misunderstandings.

What is the difference between Technical Writing Lead vs Technical Writer?

AspectTechnical Writing LeadTechnical Writer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Technical Communication, English, or related field; experience in leadership rolesBachelor's degree in relevant field; strong writing skills
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with cross-functional teamsCreates technical documentation, follows established guidelines
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, engineering firms, software companiesCommon across tech, manufacturing, and software industries

The Technical Writing Lead oversees documentation teams and manages projects, requiring leadership skills and experience. In contrast, a Technical Writer primarily focuses on creating technical content. Both roles require strong writing skills and industry knowledge, but the Lead has additional responsibilities in team management and project coordination.

What does a Technical Writing Lead do?

A Technical Writing Lead oversees a team of technical writers, guiding the creation of clear and accurate documentation such as user manuals, help guides, and technical specifications. They coordinate writing projects, set documentation standards, and ensure that content meets the needs of both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, they often collaborate with engineers, product managers, and designers to gather information and maintain consistency across all documentation. Their leadership ensures that documentation is high-quality, up-to-date, and accessible for users.
What are popular job titles related to Technical Writing Lead jobs in Reston, VA? For Technical Writing Lead jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Writing Lead jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Writing Lead jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Technical Writing Lead jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Technical Writing Lead job openings:
Technical Writing Lead jobs near you
Technical Writer

Technical Writer

Science Applications International Corporation

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 210 rated it services

Job description


SAIC is seeking a Technical Writer to join a dynamic Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) team supporting the Department of the Air Force's Integrated Fires Command and Control (DIFC2) program. As a critical member of the team, you will take ownership of creating, maintaining, and managing technical documentation, including technical reference materials, governance artifacts, and technical baselines. Your work will ensure vital information is effectively communicated to support operational and strategic decision-making.
We are seeking a detail-oriented professional with the ability to author structured materials, ensure documentation accuracy and compliance, and oversee updates to baseline governance and technical materials. This role requires close collaboration with engineers, project managers, and subject matter experts. You will serve as the authoritative lead on technical authorship and enterprise documentation quality while delivering high-quality materials in compliance with customer-defined formats and governance standards.
This role requires on-site support in the Reston/Chantilly, VA area.
Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Documentation: Develop, revise, and manage diverse documentation types, including technical reference manuals, operational guidelines, system diagrams, and procedural workflows, ensuring accuracy, clarity, completeness, and consistency across all deliverables.
  • Governance and Baseline Documentation: Maintain and update governance documentation, such as the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), Configuration Management Plan (CMP), and Statements of Work (SOW), ensuring alignment with organizational standards and program requirements.
  • Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with engineers, project leads, and other subject matter experts to gather and consolidate data, enabling the development of tailored, effective materials to align with diverse stakeholder needs.
  • Compliance and Standardization: Ensure all technical references and governance documentation adhere to applicable organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and established standards. Provide quality assurance by auditing documentation for completeness, accuracy, and relevancy to existing systems.
  • Project Coordination: Create and manage detailed Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) and other project documentation to support planning, compliance, and streamlined workflows.
  • Version Control and Document Management: Update and organize documentation repositories, implement version control practices, and ensure meticulous tracking of revisions and reference sources to maintain traceability and accessibility of information.
  • Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify and address gaps, inconsistencies, or areas of improvement in documentation and governance processes to enhance overall quality and usability.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance; must have the ability to obtain and maintain additional access as needed.
  • Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Technical Communication, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, OR equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree. Minimum of 9 years of professional experience in technical writing or configuration management roles.
  • Professional Expertise: Demonstrated experience in developing technical documentation such as technical reference manuals, SEMP, CMP, or similar governance documents. Extensive knowledge of writing standards and regulatory compliance practices.
  • Project Management Acumen: Strong familiarity with developing project schedules and management tools such as POA&Ms to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
  • Skills:
    • Superior written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical concepts in accessible, user-friendly formats.
    • Strong organizational and time management capabilities; adept at handling multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
    • Proactive approach to identifying issues and driving solutions with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Team Player: Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills-capable of working effectively both on independent tasks and within cross-functional teams.

Desired Qualifications
  • Design Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator or other design tools for creating high-quality diagrams and visual aids in technical documentation.
  • Configuration Management Expertise: Working knowledge of CM practices, including version control, baseline management, and compliance documentation workflows.
  • Certifications: Professional certifications such as ITIL Foundation or Configuration Management credentials are a strong plus.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply