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Test Item Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Technical Writer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Collaborate closely with software developers, systems engineers, test engineers, and other ... Data Item Description requirements, and fully address customer comments and feedback. * Work ...

Oasys

Sr. Technical Writer

Elizabeth City, NC · On-site

... test plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and user manuals. * Draft and update key ... Knowledge of configuration item versioning, CMDB constructs, and lifecycle tracking in IT ...

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How much do test item writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for test item writer in the United States is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Test Item Writer Do?

As a test item writer, you write questions and answers for use in various types of exams. This may involve creating multiple-choice questions, selecting content based on the expected educational attainment of test takers, or conforming to standardized test requirements for any given subject. Tests are particularly common in the educational industry but can also be used in situations like evaluating the skills of potential hires for a company. Most test item writers specialize in relevant areas, such as mathematics or biology. When questions do not have set answers, such as essay questions, this job usually involves creating a rubric for graders to reference when scoring.

What are test item writers?

Test item writers are professionals who design and develop questions or tasks (known as 'items') for assessments, such as standardized tests, certification exams, or classroom evaluations. Their responsibilities include creating questions that accurately measure the intended knowledge or skills, ensuring clarity and fairness, and aligning items with the test's objectives or curriculum standards. Test item writers often collaborate with subject matter experts and follow strict guidelines to maintain validity, reliability, and security in testing. They may specialize in particular subjects or grade levels and are essential to the assessment development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Test Item Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Item Writer, you need a strong command of subject matter expertise, excellent writing skills, and a background in education or instructional design. Familiarity with assessment platforms, item banking software, and knowledge of standardized test frameworks is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to interpret testing standards help set outstanding writers apart. These skills ensure that assessment items are accurate, fair, and effective at measuring the intended knowledge or skills.

What are some common challenges Test Item Writers face when developing assessment questions?

Test Item Writers often encounter challenges such as ensuring questions are fair, unbiased, and accurately aligned with learning objectives or standards. Balancing clarity with appropriate difficulty is crucial, as poorly worded or ambiguous items can confuse test-takers and compromise results. Additionally, writers must frequently collaborate with subject matter experts and editors to review and revise items, which requires strong communication and adaptability. Keeping up with evolving assessment best practices and maintaining the security and originality of test content are also ongoing responsibilities.
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Test Item Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Item Writer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,519 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Technical Writer

Technical Writer

Leidos

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 454 rated business services

Job description

Technical Writer
Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Technical Writer in our Intel Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!
JOB SUMMARY
The selected candidate will be responsible for authoring, editing, and proofreading a wide range of technical documentation, including operations and maintenance manuals, user guides, training materials, and other program-related documents. Thie individual will work closely with engineering and other technical team members to define document content, translate complex technical information into clear and usable written material, and ensure all documentation complies with program standards and applicable Data Item Description (DID) requirements. Responsibilities will also include gathering requirements from users and stakeholders, developing both user-facing and internal program documentation, and serving as the primary author for assigned deliverables. In addition, the selected candidate will collaborate with technical staff to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness across all materials while managing multiple documentation assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
  • Oversee the collection, organization, and analysis of technical information, and support the preparation, editing, and revision of a wide range of documentation for complex computer systems and network environments, including user manuals, training materials, installation guides, and other program deliverables.
  • Collaborate closely with software developers, systems engineers, test engineers, and other technical personnel to gather source data, screenshots, and supporting media required for the development of accurate and effective technical documentation.
  • Edit and refine functional descriptions, system specifications, user manuals, special reports, and other customer deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, clarity, consistency, and usability.
  • Perform quality assurance reviews to verify that all deliverables conform to program standards, satisfy applicable Data Item Description requirements, and fully address customer comments and feedback.
  • Work closely with program data management staff to maintain document configuration management, version control, and traceability for all assigned deliverables.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a technical, writing, or related discipline and at least 8 years of relevant experience. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • At least 5 years of technical writing experience preparing software and engineering-related documents, reports, user manuals, installation guides, training materials, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables, and other contractual deliverables for technical and management audiences.
  • Experience writing, formatting, editing, and maintaining large, complex, or multi-volume technical documents, manuals, and publications.
  • Experience using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, to develop and edit technical documentation and presentation materials.
  • Experience working with systems engineers, software engineers, test engineers, and program management personnel to collect, organize, and translate technical information into written documentation.
  • Experience editing and reviewing documents for accuracy, completeness, organization, clarity, consistency, grammar, formatting, and compliance with customer, contract, and program requirements.
  • Experience applying document standards, style guidance, and version control practices to maintain consistency across deliverables and incorporate customer comments, stakeholder feedback, and document revisions into final products.
  • Experience preparing documentation for audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge, including end users, technical staff, customer representatives, and management personnel.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments within established deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

  • Clearance Required: Must have TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency with advanced features of Word and generating pdf documents.
  • Recent experience on a system/software development program compiling, editing, and publishing CDRL documentation.
  • Understanding of CMMI ML3 best practices, DID formats, and agile methodologies.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you - apply today.
careers.leidos.com/CONMD
CSSKEY
CONMD
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 22, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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