Intermediate Technical Manual Writer

At PURVIS Systems, the Intermediate Technical Manual Writer is primarily responsible for the development and update of technical manuals related to Naval shipboard systems. This includes authoring documents on operations and maintenance procedures, as well as creating illustrations and diagrams to enhance the clarity of the technical information. You’ll work collaboratively with engineering teams to compile data from technical reports and drawings, ensuring that the manuals are comprehensive and user-friendly.

To be considered for the Intermediate Technical Manual Writer role at PURVIS Systems, candidates should have a high school diploma, trade school, or ideally a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in technical writing, particularly with Naval technical documentation, is essential. Strong communication skills, experience with editing tools, and familiarity with regulations like S1000D and XML authoring are advantageous for this position.

Yes, the Intermediate Technical Manual Writer position at PURVIS Systems requires applicants to have or be able to obtain a government security clearance at the level of SECRET. This is necessary due to the nature of the work undertaken, which supports the Navy and other government entities.

Ideal candidates for the Intermediate Technical Manual Writer role at PURVIS Systems should be experienced with various technical writing and editing tools, including FrameMaker 11, Adobe Photoshop, Arbortext Editor, and MS Word. Experience with S100D and the Navy's SDL Contenta Publishing Suite is also beneficial, as these tools are essential for creating and managing technical documentation effectively.

At PURVIS Systems, the work environment is collaborative and supportive, emphasizing teamwork and the core values of transparency and integrity. The team fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where your input is valued, and your contributions are recognized. As part of a mission-focused organization, you'll be working alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to providing high-quality service to clients and partners.

When asked about your experience with developing technical manuals in a military context, it's best to highlight specific projects you've worked on that relate to the U.S. Navy or military systems. Share insights on the types of documents you created, the tools you used, and how your writing facilitated understanding for the end-users. Mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

To answer this question effectively, discuss your process for ensuring accuracy in technical documentation. You might mention strategies such as conducting thorough research, collaborating with subject matter experts, and using version control tools to track revisions. Highlight how these approaches have helped you maintain high standards in your past work.

When faced with multiple projects, a good response is to explain your organizational methods. You can mention using project management tools, prioritizing based on deadlines and project complexity, and communicating with team members to align responsibilities. Emphasizing your ability to manage time effectively showcases your professionalism.

In response to this question, outline your proficiency with editing tools like FrameMaker and Adobe Photoshop. Discuss specific functions you use regularly, such as formatting documents, creating illustrations, or managing complex layouts. If you have examples of how these tools helped enhance technical manuals, be sure to mention those as well.

If you have experience with S1000D or similar XML authoring standards, share details on how you applied those standards in your previous roles. Mention any specific projects where you created structured content and how adhering to these standards improved the documentation process. If not, discuss your willingness to learn and adapt to new standards.

When discussing how you handle feedback, emphasize your openness to constructive criticism and your commitment to improving your work. Explain how you incorporate feedback into your writing process, whether through direct edits or collaborative discussions, and share examples of how this has enhanced your final deliverables in the past.

In this response, outline your research methods, which might include consulting engineering documents, reaching out to subject matter experts, using credible online resources, and reviewing industry standards or guidelines. Being thorough in your research helps ensure that your documentation meets high technical standards, so emphasize this in your answer.

When asked about teamwork, provide a specific example of a technical project that demonstrated your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss your role in the project, how you coordinated with team members, and the outcome of the collaboration. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in technical writing.

To address how you ensure clarity for different audiences, discuss your strategies for tailoring content based on the knowledge level of the reader. You could mention creating glossaries for technical terms, utilizing straightforward language, and incorporating visual elements to aid understanding. This shows that you're aware of the diverse needs of documentation users.

When asked why you want to work for PURVIS Systems, it’s crucial to align your values and career goals with the company's mission and principles. Speak about your passion for technical writing in a military context and how PURVIS’s commitment to integrity, teamwork, and serving the government resonates with you. Express enthusiasm for being part of a team that delivers significant documentation and solutions.