At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and maintain clear, engaging customer documentation for innovative engineering products.
- Company: Join a trusted company that values accountability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and a focus on health and well-being.
- Other info: Embrace lifelong learning and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by simplifying complex information for users worldwide.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in engineering and three years of technical authoring.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Your role as a Technical Author is to produce and maintain customer documentation for Clevedon‑produced Edwards products, in accordance with the house style and to Edwards quality standards. The documentation includes, but is not limited to, instruction manuals, spare parts manuals, addendums and declarations of conformity, for Edwards personnel and customers using products from both Product Company Clevedon and Distributed Manufacturing sites globally.
You will report to the Lead Technical Author.
Your responsibilities include:
- Planning, researching, writing, and editing documents from conception to delivery to fulfil customer requirements, demonstrating a “right from me” approach.
- Conveying procedures in a consistent, clear, well‑structured way, using concise and accurate terminology to ensure understanding and avoid confusion.
- Creating and manipulating images, either photographs or illustrations, to complement the text in documents.
- Gathering information by studying existing technical content, consulting with stakeholders, and interacting with the product directly to ensure accurate and complete documentation.
- Working with stakeholders to review, proofread, and edit all documentation produced to ensure complete accuracy of content and presentation prior to distribution.
- Ensuring that documentation meets all requirements for compliance with industry and international standards and directives.
To succeed, you will need:
- A degree, HNC/HND qualification or equivalent experience in mechanical or electromechanical engineering, or time served in forces or engineering apprenticeships.
- At least three years of technical authoring experience in an engineering environment, writing instruction manuals for complex products.
- Experience in the use of an XML authoring application.
- A good understanding of a Component Content Management System (CCMS).
- A good understanding of the Microsoft suite, including SharePoint 365.
- A good understanding of image manipulation tools, for example CorelDraw.
- Able to accurately interpret mechanical drawings and electrical diagrams and also data and instructions given by SMEs.
- A good level of planning and time management skills and a basic level of problem-solving skills.
- Methodical work, showing accuracy and attention to detail, and demonstrating the ability to work using own initiative with good organisation and process adherence.
- Good communication skills to influence and negotiate with internal customers and SMEs.
In return, we offer:
- A culture of trust and accountability.
- Lifelong learning and career growth.
- Innovation powered by people.
- Comprehensive compensation and benefits.
- Health and well‑being.
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to split your time between working remotely and being on‑site at our office in Bristol, United Kingdom (GB).
Technical Author employer: Edwards Vacuum
At Edwards, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a culture of trust and accountability that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on lifelong learning and career growth, our hybrid working arrangement in Bristol allows for flexibility while fostering innovation powered by our talented team. Join us to enjoy comprehensive benefits and contribute to the creation of high-quality documentation that supports our cutting-edge products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Author
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best technical documentation work. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely, which is exactly what employers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical authoring questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with XML authoring applications and CCMS, as well as how you ensure accuracy in your documentation. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Author
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Author role. Highlight your experience in technical writing, especially with instruction manuals, and show how you meet the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with XML authoring applications and CCMS. If you've worked with image manipulation tools like CorelDraw, make that clear too! We want to see how your skills align with what we need.
Be Clear and Concise:Just like the documentation you'll be creating, your application should be well-structured and easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and keep your language straightforward to demonstrate your communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edwards Vacuum
✨Know Your Documentation Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of documentation you’ll be working on. Brush up on instruction manuals and spare parts manuals, and be ready to discuss how you would approach writing them. This shows you’re not just a candidate but someone who understands the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with XML authoring applications and CCMS. Bring examples of your previous work, especially any complex products you've documented. This will help demonstrate your technical authoring experience and your ability to handle the tools required for the job.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
Since the role involves conveying procedures clearly, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on being concise and structured in your responses. This will reflect your ability to create clear documentation, which is key for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Discuss your experience working with stakeholders and subject matter experts (SMEs). Share specific examples of how you’ve gathered information or collaborated with others to ensure accuracy in your documentation. This will highlight your communication skills and your ability to work well within a team.