Technical Writer

About Us:

Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, USA, Afinitas is the global market leader for pipe and precast concrete equipment, forming systems and concrete accessories used to build the world’s critical transportation, water and utility infrastructure systems. Afinitas is known for the innovative technologies and services it provides through its trusted HawkeyePedershaab, BFS, New Hampton Metal Fab and other well-known brands, which customers have relied upon for decades. Afinitas is a part of BW Forsyth Partners, LLC, the investment arm of Barry-Wehmiller, a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

Job Description:

OVERVIEW

The Technical Writer is part of the Engineering team and is responsible for analyzing, organizing, writing, editing, laying out, and producing the end user’s technical documentation. This documentation includes Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Change Parts and Training Materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with Subject Matter Experts, including mechanical and electrical engineers, project managers, and assemblers, to learn about and document the equipment and its functions.
• Plan and organize content and format of all manuals, including publishing the company’s first standard for technical writing.
• Document technical information based on engineering drawings, contracts, schematics, order data sheets, and technical specifications.
• Photograph machinery and create all graphic content.
• Verifies accuracy of content by obtaining subject matter experts' technical reviews or performing hands-on reviews and cross-checking final documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Establish documentation standards, templates, and best practices to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Maintain documentation updates in line with product releases, ensuring timely revisions that reflect new features, enhancements, or changes.
• Gather and incorporate feedback from users to continuously improve documentation clarity and usefulness.
• Ensure documentation is optimised for searchability, readability, and accessibility best practices.
• Maintain and improve existing documentation, including guides, manuals and tutorials.
• Analyse, assess and report the impact of technical content.
• Stay updated on advancements in software, tooling and systems design to incorporate industry best practices into documentation.
• Ensure documentation adheres to company branding and style guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing or an Associate’s degree in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering, with ideally 3 plus years of Technical Writing experience.
• Must be able to must be able to understand and then explain highly technical information.
• Proven expertise in creating technical diagrams, including system architecture, workflows, process flows, and data visualizations.
• Familiar with a variety of technical communication field concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Previous experience developing training materials for an environment that specializes in capital equipment or machinery.
• Excellent communication skills, to be able to explain technical information clearly.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to deliver high-quality documentation, paying attention to detail.
• Ability to manage time and multiple projects.
• Ability to think analytically and creatively.
• Strong sense of user advocacy.
• Understands standardization needs in the documentation arena.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an office position associated with a manufacturing facility, with travel to customer plants. The employee must be able to correctly wear and use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the employer when in manufacturing areas.

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

Company:

Afinitas