Senior Technical Writer

Leidos Holding$65K — $118K *
Vista, CA 92084In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, English, Journalism, Engineering, Business, or related discipline (relevant experience may substitute).
  • 4+ years of experience in technical writing or technical publications within regulated environments.
  • Strong grasp of technical writing principles and document lifecycle management.
  • Experience with controlled documentation and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems; Windchill preferred.
  • Proficiency in technical publishing tools like Adobe FrameMaker and XML-based platforms.

Responsibilities

  • Author and manage a broad range of technical documentation, including manuals, training materials, and reports.
  • Translate complex technical concepts into clear, audience-friendly documentation.
  • Ensure compliance and quality in documentation by conducting reviews and revisions.
  • Develop and maintain documentation standards, templates, and styles.
  • Support configuration management activities and ensure accurate documentation packages.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on complex engineering and defense-related projects.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teamwork.
  • Focus on process improvement and innovation in documentation practices.
  • Professional growth and mentorship opportunities for less experienced writers.
  • Flexible work arrangements with potential for travel.
Full Job Description
Leidos' Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) organization is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Writer to join our Configuration Management (CM) team. In this role, you will partner with program managers, engineers, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams to develop, maintain, and improve technical documentation supporting complex products, systems, and programs.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring technical accuracy, consistency, compliance, and quality across engineering, operational, and customer-facing documentation. This position requires a strong understanding of technical writing principles, document lifecycle management, configuration control processes, and continuous process improvement.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who can translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise documentation while collaborating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Documentation & Publications
  • Author, edit, and maintain a wide range of technical and operational documentation, including:
    • System specifications
    • Technical manuals
    • Service and maintenance documentation
    • Procedures and work instructions
    • Process documentation
    • Functional descriptions
    • Training materials
    • Reports and presentations
    • Business proposals and customer deliverables
  • Translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Develop document outlines, drafts, and final publications while ensuring compliance with customer, contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
  • Coordinate reviews and approvals with engineers, program managers, and subject matter experts.
  • Conduct technical editing and quality reviews to ensure documentation accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
  • Incorporate redlines, revisions, and updates while maintaining publication standards and document integrity.
  • Manage document conversion activities and validate outputs across multiple formats and platforms.


Technical Publications Management:
  • Maintain and continuously improve the Technical Publications Manual and associated documentation standards.
  • Develop and manage document templates, style guides, and publication standards.
  • Ensure documentation aligns with industry standards, customer requirements, and Leidos policies and procedures.
  • Support the planning, development, and delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual program deliverables.
  • Establish and maintain documentation best practices that improve efficiency, consistency, and quality.


Configuration Management & Compliance Support:
  • Support configuration management activities related to technical documentation and controlled program deliverables.
  • Review and analyze documentation packages and program data deliveries for accuracy, completeness, traceability, and compliance.
  • Support functional and physical configuration audits as required.
  • Assist with document status accounting and change control processes.
  • Ensure proper version control and maintenance of controlled documentation repositories.
  • Support technical writing activities associated with configuration-managed products and systems.
  • Support Configuration Management activities, when required, in accordance with program requirements and business needs.


Process Improvement & Collaboration:
  • Identify and implement process improvements that streamline documentation workflows and increase efficiency.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives to standardize templates, publication standards, document workflows, status accounting, and procedural implementation.
  • Collaborate with engineering, program management, quality, manufacturing, and other functional teams to ensure requirements, milestones, and commitments are met.
  • Communicate effectively with document authors, reviewers, and stakeholders throughout the document lifecycle.
  • Interview subject matter experts and technical staff to gather and validate information required for documentation development.
  • Support the resolution of documentation and process-related issues requiring analysis and independent judgment.
  • Provide guidance, mentoring, and peer reviews to less experienced technical writers when appropriate.
  • Communicate regularly across functional teams to ensure project deliverables, milestones, and commitments are achieved.
  • Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, English, Journalism, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 4+ years of experience in technical writing, technical publications, configuration management documentation, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining technical documentation for engineering, manufacturing, software, systems, or defense-related programs.
  • Strong understanding of the fundamental principles of technical writing, including document planning, audience analysis, content development, technical editing, document lifecycle management, publication standards, and version control.
  • Experience working with controlled documentation in highly regulated, classified, or sensitive environments.
  • Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems; Windchill experience preferred.
  • Proficiency with technical publishing and authoring tools, including Adobe FrameMaker, Arbortext, XML-based authoring systems, and/or equivalent technical documentation platforms.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organizational, problem-solving, and adaptability capabilities.
  • Excellent time management, prioritization, and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated experience influencing and partnering with cross-functional stakeholders in a complex, matrixed organization.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation quality and accuracy.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting defense, aerospace, government, manufacturing, or technology organizations.
  • Experience supporting Configuration Management (CM) processes and documentation control activities.
  • Experience supporting configuration audits, compliance reviews, and controlled technical data environments.
  • Familiarity with engineering drawings, schematics, software documentation, technical data packages, and product lifecycle documentation.
  • Experience developing documentation in accordance with military, government, industry, or ISO standards.
  • Experience using Windchill, Teamcenter, or other enterprise PLM/document management systems.
  • Experience supporting programs involving classified, export-controlled, or highly regulated environments.


What You'll Bring:
  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • The ability to simplify complex technical information for diverse audiences.
  • Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • A continuous improvement mindset and passion for process excellence.
  • The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
  • Strong time management and prioritization skills.
  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
  • The ability to influence stakeholders and drive documentation quality across cross-functional teams.


Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to travel up to 10-15%, including domestic and international travel (CONUS/OCONUS), as business needs require.
  • Ability to participate in virtual meetings with camera enabled as required 80% of the time.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.


Original Posting:
June 29, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

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Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

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At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

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Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

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For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

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Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

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