Technical Report Writer

Location: Granite City, IL (St. Louis Metro Area) – on-site or hybrid

About the role

Orbital is seeking a Technical Report Writer to support the Asset Integrity program for a local client. In this role, you will transform field inspection data, engineering evaluations, and asset condition assessments into professional client deliverables that help owners make informed decisions regarding safety, reliability, maintenance, repair, and capital planning activities. You will work closely with inspectors, engineers, construction personnel, project managers, and program managers to ensure reports are completed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with Orbital quality standards, client requirements, and contractual commitments.

Responsibilities

• Technical Report Development
  • Develop professional technical reports using Orbital's inspection databases, reporting platforms, and document management systems.
  • Convert field observations, inspection findings, engineering recommendations, and repair actions into client-ready deliverables.
  • Ensure consistency in report formatting, terminology, graphics, and presentation across all business units.
  • Review and edit reports for accuracy, completeness, grammar, readability, and technical consistency.
  • Coordinate report revisions and incorporate review comments from inspectors, engineers, and project managers.
• Data Management and Documentation
  • Organize, prioritize, and manage incoming field notes, inspection forms, photographs, sketches, and engineering documents.
  • Verify that inspection data and supporting documentation are complete prior to report generation.
  • Assist with maintaining document templates, reporting standards, and quality control checklists.
  • Maintain organized electronic project files and records.
  • Support document retention and project closeout activities.
• Graphics and Technical Illustrations
  • Develop technical sketches, markups, exhibits, and deficiency location drawings using AutoCAD, Bluebeam, GIS tools, or Orbital reporting systems.
  • Incorporate photographs, figures, and supporting graphics into technical reports.
  • Prepare condition maps, repair exhibits, and asset-specific visual documentation.
  • Assist inspection and engineering teams with development of technical figures and presentation materials.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control
  • Perform QA/QC reviews of technical reports before issuance.
  • Verify consistency between field documentation, engineering recommendations, repair priorities, and final report content.
  • Ensure compliance with Orbital's Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Identify missing information, inconsistencies, or technical discrepancies and coordinate resolution with project teams.
  • Support continuous improvement of report-writing processes and deliverable standards.
• Project Coordination and Support
  • Coordinate with inspectors, field personnel, engineers, project managers, and office managers to meet project deadlines.
  • Monitor report schedules and support on-time delivery of contractual deliverables.
  • Communicate report status and workload priorities to management.
  • Assist with proposal preparation, example deliverables, and marketing materials as requested.
  • Provide support during emergency response inspections and accelerated reporting assignments.
• Technology and Digital Platforms
  • Utilize Orbital's web-based inspection databases, digital inspection platforms, GIS solutions, and document management systems.
  • Support migration and organization of digital inspection data.
  • Assist with development and maintenance of report templates and automated reporting tools.
  • Participate in implementation of digital workflow improvements across the Asset Integrity organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of technical writing, report preparation, engineering documentation, inspection reporting, construction documentation, or related experience.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working within document management systems and digital reporting platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Communications, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience supporting engineering, inspection, construction, infrastructure, utility, steel, mining, power generation, manufacturing, or asset management organizations.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, GIS platforms, Adobe Acrobat, or technical illustration software.
• Familiarity with Asset Integrity, Asset Management, Mechanical Integrity (MI), or Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs.
• Experience writing structural, mechanical, civil, or industrial inspection reports.
• Familiarity with QA/QC procedures and document control systems.
• Experience working with databases and web-based inspection platforms.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, inspection forms, and technical specifications.

Pay

Salary Range: $21.00 - $31.00 hourly / $45,000 - $65,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• 401(k)-retirement savings plan
• Supplemental insurance options
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off program

About Orbital

Since 1969, Orbital has specialized in project development, project execution, and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands-on mentality, and worldwide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.