Sr. Technical Writer

Location: Gaithersburg, MD (Hybrid options) | Compensation: $60‑65/HR | Clearance: Active TS/SCI (must be able to pass a polygraph)

Overview

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Technical Writer to create and maintain high‑quality documentation for complex GEOINT (geospatial intelligence) systems and software. You’ll partner closely with engineers, developers, architects, analysts, and other SMEs to translate technical and mission‑focused concepts into clear, usable documentation for multiple audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, edit, and maintain technical documentation for GEOINT systems, software, and mission capabilities.
• Turn complex technical content into clear, audience‑appropriate documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers, developers, architects, analysts, and subject‑matter experts to gather and validate information.
• Produce deliverables such as user guides, technical manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), release notes, architecture descriptions, and system documentation.
• Establish and maintain documentation standards, templates, and style guides.
• Review existing documentation for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and completeness.
• Manage multiple documentation efforts and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Work within controlled (potentially classified) environments while following security and documentation requirements.
• Contribute to improving technical communication processes and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years professional technical writing experience with complex technology/software/systems, ideally in defense or intelligence programs.
• Experience documenting software, systems, cloud, or DevSecOps environments.
• Strong experience creating system documentation, architecture docs, SOPs, user guides, and release documentation.
• Hands‑on experience with Confluence and Jira (or similar tools).
• Ability to work directly with engineers and quickly learn unfamiliar technologies.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and information‑organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
• Comfortable interviewing technical experts and asking strong follow‑up questions.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Technical Communication, or equivalent experience (advanced degree or additional years of experience accepted in lieu of degree).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community, DoD, or federal programs.
• Experience working in classified environments.
• Technical communication certification (e.g., CPTC).
• Familiarity with Markdown, XML, DITA, Git, or similar documentation workflows.
• Experience documenting Agile/DevSecOps teams.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Spending accounts and life insurance.
• Voluntary benefit plans.
• Participation in a 401(k) plan.

Pay

$60‑65 per hour (contract‑to‑hire).