Manager, Technical Writing

Job description

Job Description: The Manager, Technical Writing is responsible for leading and managing a team of technical writing professionals supporting complex products, systems, engineering programs, and customers. The role provides operational and functional leadership for the technical writing organization and oversees technical publications, documentation processes, workforce development, project execution, and quality. The role receives objective-based assignments and translates functional plans and business priorities into operational processes that support organizational goals. The manager provides direction and establishes priorities across the technical writing organization to ensure effective execution of business and program objectives. The role serves as a technical resource for complex documentation requirements and works closely with Engineering, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Technical Support, Training, and customers. The role ensures technical documentation supports product requirements, program objectives, customer needs, and broader business goals. The manager exercises independent judgment in selecting methods and techniques for achieving results, provides functional leadership and guidance to technical writing professionals, and manages operational initiatives that support tactical business objectives. The role may oversee multiple sections or functional groups through subordinate supervisors and/or senior technical professionals. Responsibilities: Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of technical writers, editors, documentation specialists, and publications professionals to deliver high-quality technical content. Recruit, hire, onboard, evaluate, retain, and develop high-performing technical writing personnel. Establish and manage team objectives, priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and resource requirements in alignment with organizational goals. Coordinate activities across multiple technical writing teams, sections, or functional groups, including oversight through subordinate supervisors and/or senior technical professionals. Provide guidance to employees in accordance with established company policies, procedures, management practices, and functional standards. Receive objective-based assignments and determine the appropriate resources, methods, priorities, and schedules necessary to meet technical, quality, cost, and delivery requirements. Develop, implement, and maintain operational processes, procedures, standards, templates, style guides, and quality criteria for technical documentation. Recommend and implement changes to procedures and departmental policies to improve documentation effectiveness, consistency, efficiency, and quality across disciplines. Direct the development, review, validation, release, and maintenance of complex technical documentation supporting products, systems, engineering programs, and customers. Apply advanced technical writing knowledge, professional judgment, and company objectives to resolve complex documentation issues and develop effective solutions. Analyze complex situations involving multiple variables and disciplines to determine appropriate documentation approaches, resources, priorities, and methods. Travel up to 20% domestically and internationally to support program reviews, customer meetings, technical documentation activities, business development efforts, internal meetings, and organizational initiatives. Compensation Range: $132,000 - $171,600 The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training. Skills and Experience: Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, English, Engineering, Information Design, Journalism, Computer Science, or a related field, with 10+ years of related experience in technical writing, technical publications, engineering documentation, or a related field; or a Master's degree with 8+ years of related experience; or a PhD with 5+ years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience leading or managing technical writing, technical publications, documentation, or related professional teams. Advanced, wide-ranging knowledge of technical writing principles, documentation development, technical communication, and content management practices. Demonstrated ability to apply professional knowledge, concepts, and company objectives to resolve complex documentation and operational issues. Demonstrated ability to determine methods and procedures for new assignments and exercise sound judgment when evaluating and adapting complex techniques. Experience managing multiple concurrent documentation projects, resources, schedules, and priorities. Experience developing and implementing departmental processes, procedures, standards, and quality metrics. Strong understanding of technical documentation development, review, approval, configuration management, document control, and change management. Ability to interpret and communicate complex engineering, system, product, software, hardware, manufacturing, or technical information. Demonstrated ability to work across multiple disciplines and understand the interrelationships between technical, operational, programmatic, and business requirements. Strong people leadership, coaching, performance management, workforce planning, and employee development skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with subordinate supervisors, technical professionals, customers, and cross-functional leadership. Strong written, verbal, presentation, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to manage resources and execute financial, business planning, and organizational priorities. Must currently hold or have the ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting defense, aerospace, radar, command and control, communications, electronic warfare, or other complex military systems. Experience managing technical writing or technical publications organizations supporting engineering-intensive products. Experience working in a government contracting or highly regulated technical environment. Experience with structured authoring, XML, DITA, content management systems, single-source publishing, or documentation automation. Experience with modern technical communication tools, content management platforms, and digital documentation technologies. Experience developing enterprise or departmental documentation standards, style guides, templates, and governance processes. Experience with configuration management, requirements management, systems engineering, or technical data management. Experience with project management, resource planning, budgeting, forecasting, and workforce planning. Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC), or similar certification. Experience with Lean Six Sigma, process improvement, or operational excellence initiatives. Experience supporting proposal development, Basis of Estimate (BOE) activities, customer demonstrations, program reviews, and new business pursuits. Experience managing technical documentation activities across multiple sites, programs, or business units. Experience with MadCap Central, TortoiseSVN, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Acrobat Pro/Distiller, PDF-XChange, Snagit, Adobe FrameMaker, Arbortext, Beyond Compare, Egnyte, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint, SolidWorks, PuTTY, and TigerVNC. Citizenship Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Drug-Free Workplaces: Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen. Benefits: Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits. Highlights include: Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays 401(k) with employer contributions Tuition assistance and student loan assistance Wellness and employee assistance resources Employee stock purchase opportunities Short-term and long-term disability coverage About Us: Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations. Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.