📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Technical Publications Writer
🔹 Company: KBR, Inc.
🔹 Location: Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Technical Writing
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Researching, developing, and updating technical documentation for military equipment and systems
- Ensuring documentation accuracy, completeness, and adherence to government specifications
- Coordinating with internal/external customers and providing activity and status reports to management
- Working with various software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and XML development authoring applications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong research skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research, develop, and/or update content for printed manuals, CDRLs, I-types, and OEM documents using software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Arbortext, and/or Oxygen XML Editor
✅ Prepare written documents following standard guidelines for US Army technical publications using S1000D publisher, coordinate layout and organization of documentation
✅ Analyzes standard contractual documents, technical data, customer usage data, and related reports for assigned contracts to develop required technical publications
✅ Experience coordinating graphics development to prepare technical publication graphics and illustrated parts breakdown/exploded view diagrams for uploading into the NPA graphics storage area
✅ Gather and research technical information, including engineering and development information, for use in documentation activities
✅ Ensures technical documentation is accurate, complete, meets editorial and government specifications and adheres to standards for quality, graphics, coverage, format and style
✅ Maintains appropriate records and prepares reports
✅ Coordinates technical publication activities with internal/external customers
✅ Provides activity and status reports to management
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working with classified information, requiring a security clearance and the ability to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC).
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Experience: 2 years of related experience or 10 years of experience in the Technical Publications field, preferably U.S. Army
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro, Arbortext, and/or Oxygen XML Editor
- Strong research and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of U.S. Army Technical Publication functions using U.S. Army practices and guidelines
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with the preparation of varied types of technical documentation for ground combat and watercraft systems
- Knowledge of XML development authoring applications
ASSUMPTION: Candidates must be U.S. Citizens and be able to obtain a Security Clearance and a Common Access Card (CAC).
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Technical Publications Writer with 2-5 years of experience in the defense industry)
Benefits:
- 401K Plan With Company Match
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- AD&D
- Flexible Spending Account
- Disability
- Paid Time Off
- Flexible Work Schedule
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: KBR operates in the defense, engineering, and professional services industries, providing services to government and commercial clients worldwide.
Company Size: KBR is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: KBR was founded in 1998 and has since grown to become a leading provider of science, technology, and engineering solutions.
Company Description:
- KBR delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions for the world’s toughest challenges
- KBR does things that matter, providing innovative solutions to governments and companies around the world
- KBR’s Aviation & Ground Systems Directorate provides Systems Engineering & Integration support to the Army’s Aviation and Ground soldiers
Company Specialties:
- Engineering
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Professional Services
- Technology
- Consulting
- Project Management
- Operations and Maintenance
- Program Management
- Energy
- Cybersecurity
- Science
- Logistics
- Space
- Military Space
- Intel
- Cybersecurity
- Sustainability
- Supply Chain
- Asset Management
- Directed Energy
- Energy Transition
- Sustainable Technology
- Readiness and Sustainment
- and Base Operation Support
Company Website: careers.kbr.com
ASSUMPTION: KBR’s large size and diverse range of services provide opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in technical writing, seeking to advance their careers in the defense industry.
Reporting Structure: The Technical Publications Writer will report directly to the Technical Publications Manager and work closely with other technical writers, engineers, and subject matter experts.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the opportunity for flexible scheduling and remote work arrangements, depending on the specific needs of the project and the candidate’s qualifications.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior technical writing roles or management positions
- Expansion into related fields such as technical editing, instructional design, or information architecture
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of technical writing
ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities in this role are dependent on the candidate’s performance, the organization’s needs, and the availability of suitable positions within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: KBR’s Sterling Heights office is a modern, professional environment with collaborative workspaces and state-of-the-art technology.
Office Location(s): 33852 Sterling Ponds Boulevard, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Geographic Context:
- Sterling Heights is a suburb of Detroit, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The area is home to a diverse range of industries, including automotive, defense, and technology
- Sterling Heights offers a variety of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban single-family homes
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with the opportunity for flexible scheduling and remote work arrangements, depending on the specific needs of the project and the candidate’s qualifications.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment and schedule for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the project and the candidate’s qualifications.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the technical publications team
- Background check and security clearance process
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical writing skills and experience
- Familiarity with U.S. Army Technical Publication functions and guidelines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and processes
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter
- Provide examples of your technical writing work, if available
- Demonstrate your understanding of U.S. Army Technical Publication functions and guidelines in your application materials
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company
ATS Keywords: Technical Writing, Documentation, Research, Editing, Graphics Development, S1000D, MIL-STD-40051-2D, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, XML Development, Contractual Documents, Customer Coordination, Technical Data Analysis, Parts Breakdown, Illustrations, Quality Assurance
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the project and the candidate’s qualifications.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Arbortext
- Oxygen XML Editor
- S1000D publisher
- Common Access Card (CAC)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the project and the candidate’s qualifications.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
- One KBR
- Sustainability
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Innovative
- Results-driven
- Adaptable
- Customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality in your work?
- Are you comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
- Do you have a strong commitment to safety and a focus on delivering excellence in your work?
- Are you able to adapt to new tools and processes quickly and effectively?
ASSUMPTION: The cultural fit considerations for this role are based on KBR’s core values and the work style required for the Technical Publications Writer position.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with classified information and obtaining a security clearance
- Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Adapting to new tools and processes quickly and effectively
- Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are based on the nature of the work, the work environment, and the required qualifications for the Technical Publications Writer position.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Technical Writer (Defense Industry) vs. Technical Writer (Commercial Industry)
- Defense Industry: Focus on military equipment and systems, classified information, and government specifications
- Commercial Industry: Focus on consumer products, software, or other commercial applications, with a greater emphasis on marketing and branding
- Technical Publications Writer vs. Technical Editor
- Technical Publications Writer: Focus on creating and maintaining technical documentation, including manuals, guides, and illustrations
- Technical Editor: Focus on reviewing and editing technical content for accuracy, clarity, and compliance with editorial guidelines
- Technical Writer (On-site) vs. Technical Writer (Remote)
- On-site: Opportunities for collaboration, face-to-face communication, and immediate feedback
- Remote: Greater flexibility and independence, with the need for strong self-motivation and time management skills
ASSUMPTION: The comparison of similar roles is based on the differences in industry, focus, and work arrangement, and is intended to provide context for the Technical Publications Writer position at KBR.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a user manual for a new military vehicle, including illustrations, parts breakdown, and maintenance procedures
- Updating an existing technical manual to reflect changes in the design or functionality of a military system
- Creating a series of illustrated parts breakdown diagrams for a complex military system, using specialized software tools
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects provided are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that may be required for the Technical Publications Writer position at KBR.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does this role fit into the overall technical publications process for the organization?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities are there for advancement?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview are intended to provide insight into the role, the team, and the company, and to demonstrate the candidate’s interest and engagement in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your technical writing work, if available
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
