Senior Writer/Editor (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a Senior Writer/Editor for a 4-month part-time, fixed-term assignment with the Technical Communications team at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). In this role, you will write and edit technical content for reports, the SEI website, blogs, and presentations, collaborating with researchers, engineers, and subject-matter experts to make complex technical information accessible to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Edit formal technical reports at all editorial levels, including substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
• Correct grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, capitalization, citations, formatting, and style-guide inconsistencies with precision.
• Analyze content for Section 508 conformance using accessibility tools and assistive technologies (e.g., JAWS) and apply necessary changes.
• Enforce editorial standards and style-guide conventions across long-form, multi-author technical documents.
• Write technical content and stories for the SEI website, Year in Review, and other communication channels.
• Collaborate with technical staff to write blog posts on specialized topics.
• Develop and edit brief articles, marketing materials, web content, video scripts, and electronic media.
• Work with SEI Communication Design, Web Services, Public Relations, and Outreach teams on publications, presentations, web pages, and event materials.
• Plan, manage, schedule, and track project tasks independently.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in writing and editing, with a focus on technical or formal documents.
• Exceptional copyediting and proofreading skills, including mastery of grammar, punctuation, syntax, and style consistency.
• At least five years of experience ensuring Section 508 conformance, including use of accessibility tools and assistive technologies.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to interview subject-matter experts and collaborate closely to develop technical materials.
• Experience with complex subjects, preferably in software or science, and ability to learn new topics quickly.
• Experience with research writing or long-form documentation, such as academic articles and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while participating in team decision-making.
• Willingness to travel within the SEI/CMU community and occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, or offsite meetings.
• Ability to pass a background check and obtain/maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance, as well as other customer-required clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an academic or technical research setting.
• Experience documenting software or writing for a technical/DoW audience.
• Experience coordinating projects to meet service-level agreements.
• Familiarity with issue- and project-tracking software.
• Experience with website content-management systems.
• Knowledge of markup languages, LaTeX, or other document-preparation systems.

Benefits

• 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan (no employee contribution required).
• Tuition benefits for you and dependent children at Carnegie Mellon University.
• Flexible work arrangements for a healthy work/life balance.
• Access to university resources, including fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, and free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System.
• Annual professional-development opportunities, such as conferences, training, or certifications.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation.

Schedule

Part-time, fixed-term assignment lasting 4 months.

Pay

Hourly pay basis.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA