Technical Editor/Document Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

Do you excel at formatting highly technical material into clear, precise and polished documentation? Are you detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated by work that supports national security missions? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a skilled Technical Editor to help deliver accurate documentation in support of a U.S. Navy weapon system program. In this role, you will closely partner with engineers and program leadership to turn highly technical material into polished, professional deliverables that meet Navy standards. Your work will ensure that program leadership, technical teams, and Navy stakeholders receive clear, cohesive, and decision-ready documentation. You’ll be part of a high-performing Editorial team within APL’s Communications Department, contributing to meaningful, mission-focused work in a collaborative environment. As a Technical Editor/Document Specialist you will...

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in writing, communications, English or a related field, and at least 3+ years of relevant experience.
Proven experience editing technical reports, briefs, and presentations, and formatting large documents.
Are willing and able to provide publications support at off-site, out-of-state locations as needed, including occasional travel of up to two consecutive weeks; frequency will vary based on program needs.
Experience in classified document marking and handling.
Experience formatting large documents and standardizing document structure.
Proficiency with Word and Adobe FrameMaker.
Some experience with XML, LaTeX, or other markup language.
Some experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with an eye for prioritization.
An active Secret security clearance by your start date and can obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirement for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity working with Strategic Systems Program documentation such as ordnance documents and weapons systems reports.
Advanced experience with Adobe FrameMaker and Word templates, including using fields, macros, cross-referencing, and outline numbering for sophisticated, multi-file documents.
Advanced experience with XML, LaTeX, or other markup language.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Familiarity with Vulcan.
Familiarity with multiple style guides, such as GPO and AP, and experience creating in-house style guides.

Responsibilities

Use Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, LaTeX and other production tools to structure, format, and finalize documents for both electronic and print distribution.
Proofread and edit technical reports, briefs, and presentations for organization, grammar, clarity, and adherence to organizational and sponsor-specific style and formatting requirements.
Build, maintain, and refine templates that standardize document structure, promote efficiency, and ensure consistency across publications.
Perform technical editing for correctness, coherence, and readability while preserving authors’ technical intent.
Coordinate and merge author and editor feedback, and prepare documents for program management and sponsor review.
Conduct final formatting, content verification, and compliance checks to confirm accuracy, completeness, and classification marking integrity.
Apply and verify security classification markings.
Follow APL and sponsor guidelines for the handling, storage, and transmission of classified material.
Collaborate closely with a production team to track and deliver multiple deadline-driven projects.