Senior Writer/Editor (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a Senior Writer/Editor for a 4-month part-time, fixed-term assignment with our Technical Communications team at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). In this role, you will craft and refine technical content for reports, the SEI website, blogs, and presentations, collaborating closely with researchers, engineers, and subject-matter experts to make complex 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, assistive technology, and manual testing; apply necessary changes to ensure compliance.
• Apply and enforce editorial standards and style-guide conventions across long-form, highly technical, multi-author documents.
• Write technical content and stories for the SEI website, Year in Review, and other communication channels.
• Collaborate with technical staff to develop blog posts on specialized topics.
• Write and edit brief articles, marketing materials, web content, video scripts, and other electronic media.
• Work with SEI Communication Design, Web Services, Public Relations, and Outreach teams on publications, presentations, web pages, infographics, and event materials.
• Plan, manage, schedule, and track project tasks independently.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in writing and editing, with a strong ability to develop original content and perform meticulous line-by-line editing of complex documents.
• Exceptional copyediting and proofreading skills, including mastery of grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, and consistency in technical and formal writing.
• At least five years of experience with Section 508 conformance, including the use of accessibility tools and assistive technologies such as JAWS.
• Commitment to customer service for subject-matter experts while advocating for their readers.
• Keen eye for detail, with a strong focus on quality and adherence to style guides.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills; ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interview subject-matter experts or collaborate closely with them to develop technical materials.
• Experience with complex subjects—preferably in software or science—and the ability to quickly learn new topics.
• Experience in research writing or long-form documentation, such as academic articles and reports.
• Proficiency with 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 and CMU community, and occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
• Ability to pass a background check, obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance, and potentially meet other customer-required background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an academic or technical research setting.
• Experience documenting software or writing for a technical or DoW audience.
• Experience coordinating with others to meet project 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 without requiring your own contribution.
• Tuition benefits for you and your dependent children to attend classes at CMU.
• Flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance.
• Access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, and free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System.
• Annual professional-development opportunities, such as attending conferences, training, or obtaining certifications.

Pay

Hourly pay basis.

Schedule

Part-time, 4-month fixed-term assignment.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA