Technical Editor

To apply for the Technical Editor position at Sargent & Lundy, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, technical writing, marketing, or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools like Word and PowerPoint, along with knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style, is also essential. While experience in an engineering firm can be a plus, a strong ability to take initiative and work independently is paramount.

As a Technical Editor at Sargent & Lundy, your primary responsibilities include reviewing and editing technical documents such as reports and proposals, providing constructive feedback to document preparers, and ensuring content clarity. You'll also lead tutorials, create marketing materials, maintain documentation, and assist in developing standard operating procedures to enhance team efficiency.

At Sargent & Lundy, Technical Editors enjoy a hybrid work environment that combines both in-office and remote work for a balanced lifestyle. This collaborative atmosphere fosters professional development and allows editors to engage with a variety of technical projects while working closely with teams to ensure top-quality deliverables.

Absolutely! Sargent & Lundy is dedicated to employee development, providing opportunities for Technical Editors to expand their skills within a supportive environment. You’ll have chances to take on new responsibilities, lead groups, and contribute to efficiency-improving processes, all of which can aid in career advancement.

Sargent & Lundy offers competitive, award-winning benefits that focus on employee health and work-life balance. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare plans, generous paid time off, a 401(k) plan, tuition assistance, and numerous other perks designed to support the well-being of Technical Editors and their families.

To ensure clarity and precision in editing, it's important to focus on the main message of the document and eliminate any jargon that could confuse the reader. I would also utilize tools such as style guides, particularly The Chicago Manual of Style, and collaborate closely with document preparers to align on expectations.

In my previous role, I managed multiple projects by prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and complexity. I used project management tools to track progress and synchronized with team members to meet project goals efficiently. Communication was key in ensuring that everyone was aligned and deadlines were met.

I typically use Microsoft Word for editing due to its robust tracking changes feature, while PowerPoint is essential for creating polished presentations. Adobe Acrobat Pro is invaluable for formatting PDFs. These tools enhance collaboration, maintain formatting integrity, and ensure the final product meets quality standards.

Receiving feedback is a vital part of the editing process. I approach it with an open mindset, recognizing it as an opportunity for collaboration. I engage in discussions with document preparers to clarify their intentions and ensure the feedback leads to improved clarity and quality in the final documents.

When creating engaging marketing materials, I focus on understanding the target audience and align the content accordingly. I incorporate clear visuals, compelling headlines, and concise messaging to grab attention. Additionally, I ensure brand consistency across all materials to reinforce the company’s identity.

My process for updating standard operating procedures involves reviewing existing documents to assess their relevance, collaborating with team members for feedback, and consulting best practices in technical writing. I aim to streamline content while making it user-friendly to ensure effective implementation across the team.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a Technical Editor is balancing tight deadlines while maintaining the quality of work. However, I always strive to set realistic timelines and prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring thorough reviews while meeting project requirements.

To stay current with industry trends, I regularly engage in professional development activities such as attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. I also follow relevant journals and blogs in technical writing and editing, which helps me incorporate best practices and new methodologies into my work.

I have hands-on experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which I use to enhance visual content for marketing materials and presentations. This familiarity enables me to support the design process effectively, ensuring that the visual elements complement the written content seamlessly.

To ensure my editing aligns with the company's voice and standards, I familiarize myself thoroughly with the company's style guide and conduct thorough reviews of past materials. Consistent feedback from team members helps me adapt and stay aligned with the desired tone and messaging.