At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop a Python desktop app to enhance DITA workflows.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team focused on modernising content management tools.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and competitive pay of £45–£55 per hour.
- Why this job: Be part of a project that transforms legacy systems into innovative solutions with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Strong DITA knowledge and Python skills are essential; experience with XML and Git is a plus.
- Other info: Part-time contract role with occasional on-site meetings in London.
Location: Remote (occasional on-site meetings required) - London
Type: Part-Time Contract (20 hours/week)
Rate: £45–£55 per hour (Outside IR35)
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: March 2026
About the Role
This role focuses on the design and development of a new standalone desktop application in Python, intended to replace and enhance a legacy Excel-based workflow management tool. The new application will support and extend our structured content workflows, with a specific emphasis on DITA. The goal is to modernize, extend, and reimagine the current functionality rather than replicate it.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build, and maintain a Python-based desktop tool to manage and streamline DITA workflows, replacing an existing Excel-based solution.
- Collaborate with content creators, information architects, and publishing teams to ensure the tool meets real-world workflow needs.
- Develop scripts and utilities that enhance structured content processing, publishing, and delivery.
- Integrate with the DITA Open Toolkit (DITA-OT), customize Oxygen XML frameworks, and support content automation pipelines.
- Contribute to the ongoing improvement of structured content authoring and publishing practices.
Key Skills and Experience
- Strong practical knowledge of DITA, demonstrated through hands-on development of tools and scripts that improve workflows, enable automation, and support structured content publishing.
- Proficiency in Python, especially for developing standalone desktop applications and automating publishing workflows.
- Skilled in XSL, CSS, and related technologies used in transforming and styling structured content for web delivery.
- Experience customizing and extending the Oxygen XML Editor environment, including framework development and DITA-OT integration.
- Familiarity with Git-based version control, structured content repositories, and content management systems.
- Understanding of modern programming methodologies, including Agile development, RESTful APIs, and automation best practices.
- Ability to interpret and translate legacy VBA logic as needed, with a focus on evolving it into more maintainable, scalable solutions.
If this sounds like you, apply now or send your CV to TPBN1_UKTJ.
Document Tools Engineer employer: outsource uk ltd
Contact Detail:
outsource uk ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Document Tools Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with DITA and its workflows. Understanding how DITA integrates into publishing processes will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Python skills, especially in developing desktop applications. Being able to discuss specific projects or challenges you've tackled in Python will show us your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Get comfortable with the Oxygen XML Editor and DITA Open Toolkit. Having practical knowledge of these tools will allow you to speak confidently about how you can enhance our existing workflows.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with version control systems like Git. We value collaboration, so being able to share how you've used Git in past projects will highlight your teamwork skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Document Tools Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Python and DITA. Include specific projects where you've developed desktop applications or improved workflows, as this will show you have the relevant skills for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the Document Tools Engineer position. Mention your familiarity with structured content workflows and how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Skills: When detailing your skills, emphasise your proficiency in Python, XSL, CSS, and any experience with the Oxygen XML Editor. Providing examples of how you've used these technologies to solve problems will strengthen your application.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Since the role involves working with content creators and publishing teams, include examples of past collaborations. Describe how you’ve worked with others to develop tools or improve processes, showcasing your teamwork abilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at outsource uk ltd
✨Showcase Your Python Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Python, especially in developing standalone desktop applications. Bring examples of past projects where you've used Python to automate workflows or enhance processes, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Understand DITA and Its Workflows
Familiarise yourself with DITA and how it integrates into content publishing. Be ready to explain how you've previously improved workflows using DITA, and think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Discuss Collaboration Experience
Since the role involves working with content creators and publishing teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure that tools meet the needs of various stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to XSL, CSS, and Git-based version control. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in your previous roles, particularly in relation to structured content processing and publishing.