Senior Technical Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Technical Writer

🔹 Company: Belay Technologies

🔹 Location: Fort Meade, Maryland

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Technical Writing

🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Preparing and maintaining operational documentation using tools such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc.
• Coordinating with subject matter experts to gather technical information and ensure document content is accurate
• Organizing document content for readability, with a focus on intended audience
• Writing/edit content, then publishing and distributing final product
• Maintaining documentation library using existing configuration management processes
• Strong editing and proofreading skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to gather technical information and requirements
• Strong experience with Atlassian Confluence
• Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint
• Experience with programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
• Customer-service mindset with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical writing experience and proficiency in relevant tools. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in preparing and maintaining operational documentation, with a focus on accuracy, readability, and intended audience.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Prepare and maintain operational documentation using tools such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc.

✅ Coordinate with subject matter experts to gather technical information and ensure document content is accurate

✅ Organize document content for readability, with a focus on intended audience

✅ Write/edit content, then publish and distribute final product

✅ Maintain documentation library using existing configuration management processes

ASSUMPTION: The primary responsibilities of this role involve creating, updating, and maintaining operational documentation. This includes coordinating with subject matter experts, organizing content, and ensuring the final product is accurate and well-structured.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. A Master's degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience, reducing the requirement to six (6) years of experience. Four (4) years of additional TW experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Experience: Eight (8) years' experience as a TW in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.

Required Skills:

• Strong editing and proofreading skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to gather technical information and requirements
• Strong experience with Atlassian Confluence
• Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with government or NSA/CSS policies
• Understanding of section 508/ADA documentation requirements
• Familiarity with Atlassian Jira

ASSUMPTION: The required qualifications for this role include a specific degree in a technical discipline, along with a significant amount of experience in technical writing. Preferred skills include experience with government policies and familiarity with specific tools.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $164,000 to $200,000

Benefits:

• 8 weeks paid leave - 4 weeks of personal leave, 3 Yay! days, take off on your birthday, 11 paid holidays and optional leave up to 6 days through Belay's volunteer program
• 10% matching in 401(k) contributions vested on day one
• $5,000 annual training/tuition
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• 100% company funded HSA
• Rich medical coverage (100% coinsurance)
• Dental coverage including orthodontia
• Up to $420,000 in life insurance, premiums 100% company funded
• Amazon Prime, gym reimbursement, monthly lunches, games and prizes
• Pet adoption program, generous referral bonus program, fun events, and more!

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range for this role is $164,000 to $200,000, with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid leave, retirement contributions, training opportunities, and health insurance.

📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context

Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting

Company Size: 11-50 employees

Founded: 2002

Company Description:

• Belay Technologies, Inc. is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) located in the Baltimore-Washington area
• Belay Technologies specializes in technical IT services including; software development, virtualization, systems administration, networking, and testing
• Belay Technologies provides leading technology and engineering solutions to the DoD, as well as state-of-the-art commercial products
• Belay Technologies is a laid-back, fun, innovative team that gets together monthly for lunches, enjoys company parties, bbq's and fun adventures together, and joins in volunteer and charity events as a socially aware company

Company Specialties:

• Software Development
• Virtualization
• Systems Administration
• Networking
• Technical Writing
• and Testing

Company Website: http://www.belaytech.com

ASSUMPTION: Belay Technologies is a mid-sized company specializing in IT services and consulting, with a strong focus on veteran employment and community involvement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Mission Management office-level, working closely with senior leaders throughout the organization

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time

Growth Opportunities:

• Belay Technologies offers opportunities for career advancement and professional development
• The company encourages employees to take on new challenges and expand their skill sets

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with the potential for career advancement and professional development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork

Office Location(s): Fort Meade, Maryland

Geographic Context:

• Fort Meade is located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
• The area is known for its military presence and offers a mix of urban and suburban living
• Fort Meade is conveniently located near major highways and offers easy access to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break

ASSUMPTION: Fort Meade offers a convenient location with easy access to major cities and a mix of urban and suburban living. The work schedule is typical for a full-time on-site role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical writing skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Prepare for technical writing assessments and case studies
• Research the company and be prepared to discuss your fit with their culture and values
• Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your career goals and aspirations

ATS Keywords: Technical Writing, Documentation, Editing, Proofreading, Communication, Collaboration, Teamwork, Government, NSA, CSS, Policies, Section 508, ADA, Atlassian Confluence, Microsoft SharePoint, Customer Service, Teamwork

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role involves a typical interview process, with a focus on assessing technical writing skills, communication skills, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Adobe Acrobat
• Atlassian Confluence
• Microsoft SharePoint

ASSUMPTION: The required tools for this role include Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Atlassian Confluence. Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint is also preferred.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Belay Technologies values a culture of trust, innovation, and collaboration
• The company encourages a work-hard, play-hard environment with regular team-building activities
• Belay Technologies is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace

Work Style:

• Belay Technologies offers a flexible work environment with a focus on results and productivity
• The company encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers remote work options for some positions
• Belay Technologies values a culture of open communication and continuous feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Are you comfortable working with senior leadership and subject matter experts?
• Do you have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in your work?

ASSUMPTION: Belay Technologies values a culture of trust, innovation, and collaboration, with a focus on a healthy work-life balance and open communication. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and be able to thrive in a results-driven work culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines
• Belay Technologies is a fast-growing company, which may result in changes and adjustments to the role and responsibilities
• The on-site work arrangement may require commuting to Fort Meade, Maryland
• The role may involve working with sensitive government information and require a security clearance

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to tight deadlines, rapid growth, and the need for a security clearance. Candidates should be prepared to adapt to changes and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other technical writing positions in its focus on operational documentation and management directives
• The role requires a higher level of experience and a TS/SCI clearance, compared to entry-level technical writing positions
• The role offers opportunities for career advancement and professional development within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on operational documentation and management directives, requiring a higher level of experience and a TS/SCI clearance. The role offers significant growth opportunities and career advancement within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and maintaining operational doctrine documents for a government agency
• Creating and updating management directives and implementation plans for a large-scale project
• Preparing standard operating procedures for a complex technical system

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may include developing and maintaining operational doctrine documents, creating and updating management directives, and preparing standard operating procedures for complex technical systems.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow for a project from inception to completion?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and departments within the organization?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
• How does Belay Technologies support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Key questions to ask during the interview for this role should focus on the project workflow, collaboration with other teams, challenges specific to the role, professional development opportunities, and key priorities for the first 90 days.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Prepare for technical writing assessments and case studies
• Research the company and be prepared to discuss your fit with their culture and values
• Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your career goals and aspirations
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.