Technical Writer/Editor

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful work advancing science and technology for U.S. security and global stability. Our mission covers nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

About the role

The Technical Information Department (TID) seeks Technical Writers/Editors to support organizations within the Operations & Business Directorate. Successful candidates may work with the Authorization Basis Group in the ES&H Department to produce specialized technical communication products for Superblock facilities, or with the Security Organization to develop user documentation and training materials for security systems software and hardware. This role involves writing, editing, and finalizing complex technical content while guiding documents through established review and release processes. The position may offer a hybrid schedule, including remote work options after a probationary period, with specifics determined by team and organizational needs. This position will be filled at either the G04.2 or G04.3 level based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientific, technical, and program staff to organize and clarify content, determine audience needs, and develop appropriate communication products and styles.
• Plan, write, edit, organize, and maintain technical and nontechnical documents, presentations, web-based content, and training materials.
• Develop and edit specialized authorization basis documents and related technical communication products supporting nuclear facility operations and/or Superblock facilities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and training content for Argus, Portable Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), and Caerus security systems, including installation guides, user guides, web-based training, and hands-on training materials.
• Translate complex technical information into clear, accurate, and accessible content for internal, customer, and sponsor audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Copyedit, proofread, and provide editorial development for complex materials, including recommendations to improve logic, organization, coherence, terminology, formatting, and readability.
• Create or modify document templates, formatting styles, graphics, infographics, and related multimedia content.
• Work with subject matter experts, program managers, analysts, and reviewers to ensure usefulness and technical accuracy and guide products through established review, approval, release, production, and distribution processes.
• Follow applicable style guides, document-management processes, communication standards, and information-security requirements.
• Coordinate project activities and resources, prioritize workload with management and technical staff, and meet cost, schedule, and quality commitments in a deadline-driven environment.

At the G04.3 level, additional responsibilities include:

• Providing comprehensive writing and editing services for large, complex, or high-consequence documents and training products.
• Serving as the primary point of contact for documentation and training products within assigned technical areas.
• Coordinating all phases of complex document and training development from planning through review, release, production, and distribution.
• Defining communication strategies, audiences, messages, and key deliverables for complex and specialized projects.
• Scheduling and leading planning and status meetings, coordinating multiple contributors, and independently resolving competing priorities and stakeholder concerns.
• Making strategic recommendations to improve technical communications, documentation processes, and training content.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, engineering, a scientific or technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in technical communications.
• Experience in technical writing, editing, documentation development, training development, or a related technical communications discipline.
• Experience editing technical or scientific content using professional writing and editing techniques, style conventions, and technical communication practices and standards.
• Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar technical subjects and apply new knowledge to assigned work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience collaborating effectively with technical staff, managers, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain careful attention to detail in a high-consequence environment.
• Demonstrated customer service, interpersonal, teamwork, and independent-work skills, including discretion when handling classified, unclassified, sensitive, and confidential information.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and collaborative or document-management tools such as SharePoint, Confluence, or Teams.

At the G04.3 level, additional requirements include:

• Advanced writing and editing experience across a broad range of scientific or technical subject areas.
• Experience leading complex technical communications, documentation, or training projects involving multiple contributors and stakeholders.
• Experience independently resolving competing priorities, stakeholder concerns, and project issues to meet program objectives.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to make strategic recommendations regarding project scope and communication approaches.
• Ability to work under minimal direction with significant latitude in planning activities and achieving objectives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, English, journalism, engineering, a scientific or technical field, or a related discipline.
• Experience with software documentation, technical training, curriculum development, or web-based training.
• Knowledge of authorization basis documentation, nuclear facility operations, or activities.
• Knowledge of physical security systems, hardware, and software.
• Experience with Argus, Portable Intrusion Detection System, Caerus, or comparable security systems.
• Working knowledge of graphic design, photography, video-editing, or multimedia-development tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Studio, or DaVinci Resolve.
• Active DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Understanding of LLNL’s missions related to national security, the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, and advanced scientific and technological programs.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

Pay

$95,820 - $140,712 annually. The range is $95,820 - $117,312 at the G04.2 level and $114,900 - $140,712 at the G04.3 level. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

This is a career indefinite position, open to both Lab employees and external candidates.