At a Glance
- Tasks: Create clear technical documentation for electrical systems on naval vessels.
- Company: Join a leading defence-focused engineering business with exciting marine projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive hybrid work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on naval engineering while utilising your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical documentation and understanding of electrical systems required.
Role Purpose We are seeking an experienced Technical Author to develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation that supports the installation, testing, operation and maintenance of electrical systems aboard Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other marine vessels.
The successful candidate will translate complex engineering information into clear, accurate and practical documentation that enables shipyard personnel, electrical fitters, commissioning engineers and end users to safely install and operate equipment in accordance with customer, quality and regulatory requirements.
A military background, ideally Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is highly desirable (but not essential) due to the operational environment and the need to understand naval vessel systems, terminology and installation practices.
Candidate Benefits Summary This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting some of the UK’s most important naval and marine engineering projects.
Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers and installation teams, you will help translate complex electrical designs into practical documentation that enables successful installation and commissioning on board Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.
The role offers a unique blend of engineering, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement, providing exposure to varied marine projects while allowing you to utilise your operational and technical experience.
For candidates from a Royal Navy, RFA or defence-sector background, this is an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge in a civilian engineering environment while remaining close to the naval industry.
With a competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000, development opportunities and a collaborative team environment, the role provides both challenge and long-term career stability within a growing defence-focused business.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce installation, operation and maintenance manuals for marine electrical systems.
- Develop work instructions, installation procedures and technical specifications.
- Create ship and submarine electrical installation guides from engineering drawings, schematics and design packages.
- Produce commissioning, testing and inspection procedures.
- Generate technical data packs for customer approval and platform integration.
- Review engineering change requests and update documentation accordingly.
- Work closely with design engineers, project managers and production teams to ensure documentation accurately reflects the latest designs.
- Ensure documentation complies with customer, defence and quality management requirements.
- Support configuration control of controlled documents and technical records.
- Participate in design reviews, production readiness reviews and customer meetings where documentation support is required.
- Capture lessons learned from installation teams and incorporate improvements into future documentation. Key Skills & Competencies Technical Skills
- Ability to interpret and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules and engineering drawings.
- Working knowledge of marine electrical systems, power distribution, control systems and equipment installation practices.
- Experience creating technical documentation from engineering design information.
- Understanding of installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance activities within shipbuilding, refit or defence environments.
- Competent user of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Visio, Autocad.
- Familiarity with document control and configuration management processes.
- Ability to produce clear, concise and technically accurate documentation suitable for engineers, installers and end users. Industry Knowledge
- Understanding of Royal Navy and/or Royal Fleet Auxiliary operating environments.
- Familiarity with naval vessel and submarine modification projects.
- Appreciation of defence-sector quality standards and customer requirements.
- Knowledge of shipyard installation practices and electrical safety requirements.
- Understanding of engineering lifecycle documentation and technical data packs.
Communication Skills Excellent written communication with a strong command of technical English.
Ability to translate complex engineering information into practical, user-friendly instructions.
Confidence engaging with engineers, project managers, production teams and customers.
Strong proofreading, editing and review capabilities.
Personal Attributes Methodical and highly organised.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
Practical, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Professional and confident communicator with the ability to challenge and verify technical information when necessary.
Essential Experience Previous experience creating technical documentation within engineering, marine, defence or industrial sectors.
Strong understanding of electrical systems and engineering drawings.
Experience interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, general arrangement drawings and equipment data sheets.
Excellent written English and document control skills.
High level of attention to detail.
Ability to engage confidently with engineers, production staff and customers.
Desirable Experience Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary or other military engineering background.
Experience working on naval vessels, submarines or dockyard projects.
Knowledge of maritime electrical installation practices.
Experience supporting MOD or defence contracts.
Understanding of marine standards and naval shipbuilding documentation.
Experience with configuration management and controlled documentation systems.
Familiarity with submarine or surface ship electrical distribution systems.
Security clearance or ability to obtain clearance.
- Typical Deliverables
- Installation instructions and technical manuals.
- Operator guides and maintenance manuals.
- Test procedures, Factory Acceptance Test documentation and Site Acceptance Test documentation.
- Commissioning procedures and inspection records.
- Wiring and cable installation guides.
- Configuration control records and equipment technical files.
- Submarine and surface ship modification packs.
What We Offer Competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000 per annum.
Opportunity to work on Royal Navy, RFA and defence-sector programs.
Varied and interesting projects involving ships, submarines and marine infrastructure.
Close collaboration with experienced engineering and project delivery teams.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Supportive and flexible working environment.
Long-term career prospects within a growing engineering business.
Opportunity to influence engineering standards and documentation excellence across the organisation.
Medical and dental cover ( qualifying period) Pension Hybrid role Ideal Candidate Profile We are particularly interested in candidates who have served in the Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Auxiliary in an engineering, electrical, weapons engineering or technical support role and who have developed a strong understanding of how engineering systems are installed, tested and maintained on operational vessels.
This role would suit an individual looking to combine their technical and operational knowledge with strong written communication skills to support the delivery of critical naval and marine engineering projects.
Why This Role Matters This role sits at the critical interface between engineering design and successful installation on board naval vessels.
The quality of the documentation produced directly affects installation efficiency, safety, commissioning success and customer satisfaction
Contact Details:
Marstep Resourcing Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Author (Hybrid) in Portsmouth
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Technical Author (Hybrid) role you’re after at Marstep Resourcing Solutions.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Marstep Resourcing Solutions a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Marstep Resourcing Solutions.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Technical Author (Hybrid) at Marstep Resourcing Solutions, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Author (Hybrid) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Author (Hybrid), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Marstep Resourcing Solutions a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Marstep Resourcing Solutions specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marstep Resourcing Solutions
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Marstep Resourcing Solutions, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Marstep Resourcing Solutions want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
