Technical Writer-Editor II

Location: Mc Lean, VA (occasional support at FHWA HQ, Washington, DC). Clearance required: Unclassified. Requires USDOT badge and favorable National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI, low risk / non-sensitive); E‑Verify required.

Responsibilities

• Research, generate, and edit magazine features, technical reports, and system documentation, transforming complex research into clear, accessible content.
• Research and write original content for magazines, newsletters, user manuals, and research documents, collaborating with engineers and technical staff to distill complex concepts into narratives, feature articles, and guest editorials.
• Provide comprehensive editorial support across all production stages for print and electronic formats, including substantive editing, rephrasing, and rewriting for logical flow, coherency, and structure while correcting grammar, spelling, and format.
• Verify technical accuracy through existing materials, interviews, and conferences; perform rigorous fact checking, reference checking, and data verification so schematics and tables integrate seamlessly with the text.
• Ensure content adheres to the GPO Style Manual and Chicago Manual of Style, maintain Section 508 compliance, and manage copyright and permission clearances.
• Work independently to manage the full document lifecycle with quality assurance protocols and version control across multiple edit cycles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Minimum of 5–10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Demonstrated expertise applying major style guides (GPO and Chicago) and ensuring Section 508 compliance.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree or specialized training in editorial standards or transportation research.
• Experience in the transportation sector, particularly highway and surface transportation research.