Technical Writer - job 1 of 2

As a Technical Writer at Barbaricum, your responsibilities include drafting various process and engineering documents, documenting meeting minutes, reviewing deliverables for grammar and formatting accuracy, and assisting in documentation control alongside our software configuration management specialist. You’ll also be involved in integrated master schedule development and data entry to ensure smooth operations within the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

To be considered for the Technical Writer position at Barbaricum, you need an active DoD Secret clearance, along with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in fields such as business, engineering, or a technical discipline. Additionally, having over 3 years of related experience, particularly in DoD technical writing, is essential for the role to ensure you can effectively support the team with your expertise.

The Technical Writer role at Barbaricum directly contributes to the support of engineering, technical, and program needs at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane by ensuring the accuracy of documentation shared within the team. By providing well-drafted process reports and attending engineering meetings, you'll facilitate informed decisions that lead to successful project outcomes, crucial for the Navy’s mission-focused initiatives.

At Barbaricum, Technical Writers will find themselves in a collaborative and mission-driven working environment. The position involves being on-site three to four days a week, embedding with the technical team to enhance communication and project success. This setup allows for meaningful engagement in dynamic projects while maintaining a strong foundation in teamwork and support.

Barbaricum stands out as an employer due to its rapid growth, commitment to innovative solutions, and focus on supporting government contracts that are mission-critical. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Barbaricum embodies values of dedication and service, providing a nurturing environment for Technical Writers to thrive and contribute to real-world challenges in technology and engineering.

When answering this question, highlight your previous roles involving technical writing for the Department of Defense. Discuss specific documents you’ve created, your understanding of DoD standards, and how your contributions helped facilitate project success, demonstrating familiarity with the technical jargon and relevant processes.

List the technical writing tools and software you are familiar with, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, or Markdown editors. Explain how you have utilized these tools in past roles to enhance document quality, streamline processes, and improve collaboration within teams.

To ensure accuracy and clarity, emphasize your meticulous approach to reviewing your work. You might speak about utilizing checklists, performing peer reviews, or soliciting feedback from subject matter experts to catch any errors in grammar, format, and content before final submissions.

Discuss various methods you use to gather information such as interviewing engineers, analyzing existing documentation, and attending project meetings. Highlight how you synthesize this information to craft clear, comprehensive documents that meet the needs of the intended audience.

Describe a specific, challenging task where you had to create a complex technical document. Explain the context, the challenges faced, the steps you took to overcome them, and the positive outcomes resulting from your documentation, showcasing your expertise in the field.

Express your openness to constructive criticism and how you view feedback as an opportunity for improvement. You might mention your strategies for integrating feedback into revisions and how you engage with colleagues to clarify expectations and ensure consensus on the documentation.

Articulate that clarity and audience-focused communication are the cornerstones of effective technical writing. Discuss the importance of understanding the end-users’ needs and adapting your documentation style to ensure that complex information is accessible and useful.

Indicate your commitment to professional development by discussing the resources you use to stay informed, such as industry blogs, webinars, workshops, and technical writing groups. This shows an eagerness to adapt and refine your skills continuously.

Outline your organizational skills and tools used, such as project management software or methods like the Eisenhower Matrix, to prioritize tasks effectively. Share examples to demonstrate your ability to multitask, ensuring on-time and quality deliverables.

Articulate your interest in Barbaricum by mentioning its unique focus on mission-driven solutions and innovative technology. Share how your skills align with their values and goals, emphasizing your desire to contribute to meaningful projects that support the military and defense sectors.