Technical Writer (Regulatory & Engineering Documentation)

Objective

Support the revision and modernization of a 103-page maintenance manual for an airport weather system to ensure compliance with current FAA standards. The writer will collaborate closely with an internal engineering expert to transform an existing training-oriented document into a clear installation and maintenance manual suitable for field technicians.

Profile Overview

The client is seeking an experienced Technical Writer with a strong background in regulatory documentation, engineering, or scientific writing. The ideal candidate has experience interpreting regulatory requirements, collaborating with subject matter experts, and producing highly accurate technical documentation for regulated industries.

Scope

• Project Type: One-time technical documentation project
• Approximately 200 hours
• Duration: Six months
• Preferred Start: End of July
• Workload:
  • Month 1: Discovery, engineering meetings, document assessment
  • Months 2–3: Primary drafting and revisions
  • Months 4–6: Editing, compliance review, and finalization

Responsibilities

• Update and rewrite an existing 103-page technical maintenance manual.
• Ensure documentation aligns with FAA regulatory requirements.
• Cross-reference provided FAA code throughout the manual.
• Collaborate regularly with the internal engineering subject matter expert.
• Incorporate updated engineering drawings supplied by the internal design team.
• Rewrite instructional content into clear installation and maintenance procedures.
• Improve organization, clarity, terminology, and usability for field maintenance personnel.
• Participate in recurring review meetings throughout the project.
• Produce publication-ready documentation.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• Extensive technical writing experience.
• Regulatory documentation experience (FAA or similar regulated industries preferred).
• Engineering or scientific writing background.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and regulatory language.
• Experience collaborating with engineers and technical SMEs.
• Excellent editing and document organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and version control.

Preferred

• Aviation, aerospace, transportation, industrial equipment, or weather systems experience.
• Experience producing installation or maintenance manuals.
• Familiarity with FAA documentation standards.
• Availability to overlap approximately four business hours daily with a Sacramento, California-based engineering team.

About the Client

The client develops integrated technologies that support airport airside operations, including runway lighting, guidance systems, gate docking technology, signage, and weather systems. This project focuses on modernizing documentation for one of its airport weather system products following an acquisition and aligning it with current FAA standards.