Senior Technical Author
About The Position
We are seeking a Senior Technical Author to take a leading role in the creation and delivery of high-quality, user-focused technical publications that support the operation and maintenance of our maritime defence products. As a digital-first organisation, we are committed to advanced tools and methods including structured XML authoring, PLM and CAD integration, S1000D, multi-channel publishing, with a strong emphasis on content reuse and user experience. This is a hands-on role for someone who can produce accurate and consistent content across a range of publication types, including operator and maintainer documentation, while also helping to define the scope, structure and production workflows for our technical publication sets across our product range.
Requirements
- Strong working knowledge of ASD S1000D, including data module creation, applicability constructs, CIRs (Common Information Repositories), business rules, and structured XML authoring across a range of document types.
- Demonstrable experience creating and managing technical documentation for defence, aerospace, or similarly complex technical domains.
- Experience authoring in a CSDB environment and publishing to IETP formats.
- Proficiency in XML authoring tools.
- Ability to interpret CAD models, engineering drawings, system descriptions, equipment specifications, engineering change orders, and vendor documentation and translate them into clear, accurate user documentation.
- Proven ability to deliver documentation to military and industry standards.
- Experience developing and implementing content reuse strategies and digital delivery processes.
- Comfortable working independently in a build-phase environment and taking ownership of both delivery and capability development.
- Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading or mentoring small teams and scaling documentation functions.
- Familiarity with S2000M, S3000L, or other ASD specifications.
- Working knowledge of ERP or PLM systems, and integration with technical documentation workflows.
Responsibilities
- Authoring and publishing technical content (such as operator manuals, maintenance procedures, and parts catalogues) in structured XML in accordance with S1000D and other content standards, using a Common Source Database (CSDB).
- Applying content reuse strategies and modular authoring principles to maximise efficiency, consistency, and maintainability of documentation.
- Championing user experience by ensuring content is logically structured, easily navigable, and accessible via multiple channels including web and Interactive Electronic Technical Publications (IETPs).
- Collaborating closely with engineering, supportability, and programme teams to capture, validate, and convert technical inputs into accurate and compliant publications.
- Coordinating and liaising with internal resources and external suppliers for additional technical authoring and digital media creation.
- Developing business rules, templates, and style guides aligned with ASD S1000D and applicable military standards.
- Managing end-to-end documentation tasks, ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery to internal and external stakeholders.
- Advising on digital publication delivery formats and technologies, including the use of 3D assets, multimedia, and interactive content.
Benefits
- Annual Leave – Entitlement to 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing Day - An additional Wellbeing Day each year to focus on personal health and wellbeing.
- Private Healthcare – Access to comprehensive private healthcare coverage to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover – Comprehensive protection including Life Assurance (4x salary) and Critical Illness Cover for added financial security.
- Family Leave – Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Christmas Leave – A Christmas shutdown is typically observed.
- Professional Development – Commitment to ongoing learning and career growth, supported by training programmes and access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Pension Contribution – pension scheme with the option to contribute via salary sacrifice
- Flexible Working – Opportunities for flexible working arrangements to promote work–life balance.
- Inclusive Culture – A professional environment that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
