Volunteer Scientific Technical Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aptive is seeking a full-time Technical Writer to support the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). The Technical Writer will be responsible for researching, writing, and editing a wide range of technical and communications products, from one-page fact sheets to complex research reports exceeding 500 pages. This role serves as a bridge between subject matter experts and diverse audiences, translating complex engineering and research concepts into clear, accurate, and accessible content that meets federal publishing standards.

The Technical Writer role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with previous experience in technical writing, editing, and publication support within a fast-paced government or research communications environment. This position needs an individual that is committed to providing superior service, poised under pressure and has a positive and flexible attitude.

This is a contingent hire position. Offers will be contingent upon client approval, ability to meet security requirements, and the ability to adhere to any on-site requirements (which may change at contract award).

Remote work is anticipated. However, occasional travel for client engagements may be required.

• Research, write, and edit original content for technical reports, magazine features, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, user manuals, and other research communications products.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, and subject matter experts to translate complex technical and engineering concepts into clear, accurate narratives for both technical and general audiences.
• Provide substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading across all stages of production, correcting grammar, spelling, style, punctuation, and logical flow.
• Verify technical accuracy through interviews, research, and fact-checking, ensuring tables, schematics, and figures are seamlessly integrated with the narrative text.
• Ensure all content conforms to the GPO Style Manual, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the TFHRC RD&T Communication Reference Guide.
• Maintain compliance with Section 508 accessibility requirements and manage copyright permissions and attributions for all written materials.
• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned documents and articles, from outline and interviews through multiple review cycles to final publication, while maintaining version control.
• Coordinate review and approval of written materials with designated FHWA contacts and, when necessary, external stakeholders.

• 5-10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Demonstrated expertise applying the GPO Style Manual and Chicago Manual of Style, and ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance.
• Experience in the transportation sector, particularly highway or surface transportation research, is highly preferred.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach to marketing trends and technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Experience supporting complex projects and transformation efforts within the federal government.
• Comfortability with supporting complex client relationships.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and work well with others.
• Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, and solutions logically both written and orally.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.