At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform engineering knowledge into clear, professional documentation for customers and teams.
- Company: Join Ridgway Machines, a leader in precision machinery with over 100 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development and international travel.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects like ITER and CERN while enhancing your technical writing skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical writing and ability to interpret engineering drawings required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
With over 100 years of engineering excellence, Ridgway Machines is a world-leading manufacturer of precision taping and winding machines for the electrical, energy, and oil & gas industries. Recently acquired by Tokamak Energy to accelerate superconducting technology, we're involved in some of the world's most exciting engineering projects—including ITER's Fusion Power Plant and CERN's Large Hadron Collider. From innovative designs to global customer support, we deliver expert solutions for clients worldwide. Based at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, we're a skilled team of specialist engineers working at the cutting edge of power generation machinery.
About The Role
We are seeking a Technical Author to help transform engineering knowledge into clear, professional and practical documentation that supports both customers and internal teams. This is a newly created role driven by business growth and the increasing demand for high-quality technical documentation. The successful candidate will take ownership of documentation activities, freeing technical teams to focus on engineering delivery while ensuring documentation standards continue to improve.
The role goes beyond producing customer manuals. You will also create shop-floor build instructions and assembly guidance, acting as a bridge between engineering design information and production teams. As a result, we are looking for someone who can understand technical drawings and engineering concepts and communicate them in a clear, structured and user-friendly way.
Key Responsibilities
- Create operation and maintenance manuals, installation guides and service documentation
- Produce build notes and assembly instructions for manufacturing teams
- Gather information from engineering drawings, specifications, schematics and technical discussions
- Work closely with engineers, project managers and production personnel to ensure technical accuracy
- Create and maintain diagrams, illustrations, photographs and annotated technical content
- Ensure documentation complies with relevant standards and company procedures
- Manage document control, version control and revision processes
- Prepare complete documentation packs for customer handover
- Continuously improve document quality, usability and consistency
What Success Looks Like
- Producing clear, professional documentation that is easily understood by customers and production teams
- Reducing the administrative burden on engineering and quality departments
- Establishing consistent documentation standards across projects
- Improving the quality and usability of internal build instructions and customer manuals
Requirements
Essential
- Experience as a Technical Author, Technical Writer or in a similar documentation-focused role
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical information
- Excellent written communication skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for different audiences
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management systems
- Experience collaborating with technical stakeholders in engineering, manufacturing or industrial environments
Desirable
- Manufacturing, automation, special purpose machinery or industrial engineering environments
- Knowledge of machinery regulations and relevant technical standards
- Experience using CAD systems or engineering document control systems
- Experience producing work instructions, build notes or manufacturing documentation
Benefits
- Salary range £35,000 to £45,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
- 37.5 hour working week, Friday finish at 1.30pm for production teams
- Free parking
- 25 days paid annual leave (includes 3 days for Christmas shut down) plus 8 days paid public holidays
- Company Bonus scheme
- Stakeholder Pension
- Family friendly policies
- Training and Personal Development
- Some onward International Travel Opportunities
- Complementary corporate work wear
- Relocation Assistance
Important information for candidates
Pre-employment screening
Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.
Data privacy
Please note that any personal data submitted to Ridgway Machines as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation.
Equality of opportunity
Entry into employment with Ridgway Machines and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We're committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We're happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.
Technical Author in Leicester employer: Ridgway Machines Ltd
Ridgway Machines Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to extensive training opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment. Located in Leicester, the company provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive bonus scheme, and generous annual leave, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Author in Leicester
✨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 role you’re after at Ridgway Machines Ltd.
✨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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Technical Author at Ridgway Machines Ltd, 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 in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Author, 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Ridgway Machines Ltd, 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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.
