Technical Writer

At SHELLBACK, a Technical Writer is responsible for preparing and maintaining technical manuals tailored for internal and external customers. This includes documenting product descriptions, usage, operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with engineering and production teams to gather accurate technical details and transforming these insights into clear, concise, and engaging written formats.

To become a successful Technical Writer at SHELLBACK, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, Engineering, Communications, or a related field, along with 3+ years of technical writing experience in a manufacturing setting. Proficiency with Adobe FrameMaker and Microsoft Office tools, and the ability to interpret complex mechanical drawings, are also required. Strong communication skills and the capability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment are essential.

The Technical Writer at SHELLBACK ensures accuracy in documentation by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers and manufacturing staff. By gathering verbal and written information, as well as using photographs and recordings, the writer can create documentation that reflects the actual processes and technical specifications. Frequent reviews and validations with the technical teams also play a critical role in maintaining high accuracy in the documentation.

Yes, a Technical Writer at SHELLBACK must have experience with Adobe FrameMaker as a primary documentation tool. Additionally, proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, such as Word and Excel, is required for editing and creating technical content. Familiarity with image and video editing tools for technical illustrations would be beneficial, enhancing the quality and comprehensibility of the documentation.

At SHELLBACK, we are committed to professional development and career growth. Technical Writers have access to various opportunities for training and skill enhancement, allowing them to expand their technical writing toolkit and deepen their industry knowledge. As our team continues to innovate and grow, there are also prospects for advancing into senior or specialized technical writing roles or even transitioning into related fields within engineering and product management.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of how you’ve used Adobe FrameMaker in past projects. Share the types of documentation you created, how you utilized its features, and any challenges you faced while leveraging the tool's capabilities.

Detail your approach to collecting information by discussing methods such as interviews with subject matter experts, reviewing existing documentation, and observing processes in action. Emphasize your ability to distill complex information into clear writing.

Highlight your commitment to clarity by mentioning techniques you use, such as writing for the intended audience, utilizing bullet points for better understanding, and incorporating visual aids to complement written content.

Share a specific instance that demonstrates your time management skills. Describe how you prioritized tasks, used planning tools, and collaborated with others to deliver quality documentation on time.

Discuss your validation process, including sharing drafts with technical teams, performing fact-checking against product specifications, and implementing feedback to ensure accuracy and reliability in the content.

Emphasize your interpersonal skills and adaptability, discussing your approach to building relationships with technical teams. Highlight your methods of effective communication to gather technical details while also facilitating mutual understanding.

Be specific about the types of technical documents you’ve created, such as user manuals, installation guides, or maintenance instructions. Share your experiences and how these documents supported end users or manufacturing operations.

Express your openness to feedback and your proactive approach to implementing suggestions. Share an example where feedback improved the quality of your work and discuss how you see it as a part of the writing evolution.

Share a specific challenging topic and your approach to breaking it down for your audience. Discuss the research you conducted, how you simplified complex ideas, and any visual aids you incorporated to enhance comprehension.

Talk about the essential qualities such as attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to simplify complex information. Emphasize your personal attributes that align with the role at SHELLBACK.