Lead Technical Writer

About the role

Stratolaunch is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, focusing on the development of reusable air-launched platforms designed for hypersonic flight research, achieving speeds of Mach 5 and beyond. In this pivotal position, you will oversee the management of technical documentation and help establish comprehensive knowledge management processes that facilitate swift technology deployment. Your role will involve close collaboration with subject matter experts to produce and maintain essential engineering and operational manuals that support our ambitious projects.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create, revise, and maintain a variety of engineering, maintenance, and system documentation in partnership with technical experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Oversee the configuration management and version control of all documentation to maintain consistency and reliability.
• Develop templates and automated workflows that align with organizational standards, enhancing efficiency in documentation processes.
• Design and implement enterprise-level tools for knowledge management and document storage, ensuring easy access and retrieval of information.
• Ensure that all documentation complies with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on documentation systems and provide mentorship to junior writers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information and insights necessary for creating comprehensive technical documents.
• Review and edit documentation for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to company standards, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Maintain a proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement in documentation processes and suggest innovative solutions.
• Participate in project meetings to stay informed about ongoing projects and contribute to documentation planning and strategy.
• Assist in the development of user manuals and training materials that support operational readiness and user understanding.
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated on industry trends and best practices in technical writing and documentation management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience in a technical writing role.
• At least 2 years of experience working with documentation management systems or publishing software, demonstrating proficiency in this area.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring that all documentation is precise and free from errors.
• Ability to work independently while also being a collaborative team player, contributing positively to team dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information clearly and effectively.

Nice to have

• Over 5 years of experience in developing and managing technical libraries, showcasing a deep understanding of documentation best practices.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience with S1000D compliant systems, enhancing your capability to work with industry standards.
• Experience in creating hypertext internal documentation, which can improve the accessibility of information.
• Background in the aerospace sector, providing valuable context for the technical content you will be managing.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as JIRA or SharePoint, which can streamline collaboration and documentation processes.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Visio, for document creation and management.
• Experience with professional document management and creation software, facilitating efficient documentation workflows.

Practical notes

• Travel requirements for this position are minimal, expected to be less than 5%.
• The company offers a 9/80 work schedule, comprehensive healthcare benefits, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and a 50% match on 401(k) contributions up to $11,500.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to the Mojave area.
• U.S. Citizenship may be necessary due to ITAR regulations and government contract requirements.
• This position may involve the operation of company vehicles, necessitating a valid driver's license.

About the company

High-speed flight test services form the core work of this American aerospace team. Company roots trace to 2011, created by Paul Allen and Burt Rutan to explore air-launched space transport. Home base is Seattle. Earlier collaboration on SpaceShipOne informed the project. New ownership arrived in 2019 through Cerberus Capital Management. Funding remains private. Operations follow a non-traditional defense contractor model, focusing on test missions and system development under continued private investment.