Principal Technical Editor and Writer
Northrop Grumman · Rolling Meadows, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $122,600 / year
- Rolling Meadows, IL
Job highlights
- Write technical documents for advanced defense systems.
- Create manuals, guides, and diagrams for aircraft equipment.
- Work with Military Standards and specifications.
- Requires a Secret Security Clearance.
- Full-time, on-site role in Rolling Meadows, IL.
About the role
About Northrop Grumman
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Role Overview
The Principal Technical Editor and Writer will be responsible for authoring and editing technical documents for highly complex, state-of-the-art Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), Targeting Systems, and Countermeasures equipment. These systems protect host aircraft from Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) threats and are installed on various aircraft. The role involves creating a wide range of content, including Flight Manuals, Job Guides, General Equipment/Systems documentation, Fault Isolation, Fault Reporting, and Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB). Candidates must have specific knowledge and experience writing to Military Standards and Specifications, and be able to produce content covering Theory of Operation, Maintenance, Operation, and Troubleshooting, as well as create Block and Wiring Diagrams. The ability to clearly communicate technical specifications to operators and maintainers is essential. This role requires gathering subject knowledge through interviews with developers, observation, and reviewing technical specifications, blueprints, and illustrations.
Key Responsibilities
- Author and edit technical documents for ATE, Targeting Systems, and Countermeasures equipment.
- Create content such as Flight Manuals, Job Guides, Fault Isolation, and Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB).
- Write to Military Standards and Specifications, detailing Theory of Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting.
- Develop Block Diagrams and Wiring Diagrams.
- Clearly communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Gather information from product developers and technical documentation.
- Oversee preparation of illustrative materials (drawings, diagrams, charts).
- Conduct quality reviews of peer documentation.
- Prepare and present a short presentation on a chosen topic.
Travel and Work Arrangement
Occasional domestic travel up to approximately 10% for business meetings will be required. This position is full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years; OR PhD with 1 year of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated competency in desktop and publishing applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
- Experience with at least one of the following: FrameMaker or Arbortext Editor.
- Experience with Mil Standards (Air Force, Navy, Army).
- Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Suite.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret simple schematic circuits.
- Proven proofing and editing skills for technical documents.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to interpret and describe complex schematic circuits.
- Experience with XML/SGML.
- Basic knowledge of graphics packages (IsoDraw, Corel Suite, Adobe Illustrator).
- Experience with Content Management Systems.
- Knowledge of S1000D.
- Military background with proven experience documenting IR/RF Countermeasures Systems, ATE, Radar, or Targeting Systems.
Key skills/competency
Technical Writing, Technical Editing, Military Standards, Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), Targeting Systems, Countermeasures Equipment, Flight Manuals, Job Guides, Fault Isolation, Secret Clearance.
Skills & topics
- Technical Writer
- Technical Editor
- Defense Industry
- Aerospace
- Military Standards
- ATE
- Targeting Systems
- Countermeasures
- Secret Clearance
- Northrop Grumman
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with technical writing, editing, military standards, and specific defense systems like ATE or targeting systems to match the Principal Technical Editor and Writer role.
- Showcase relevant tools: Emphasize proficiency in Microsoft Office, FrameMaker/Arbortext, and Adobe Acrobat Suite on your application.
- Prepare writing samples: Have clear, concise writing samples ready that demonstrate your ability to explain complex technical information effectively for this Northrop Grumman position.
- Be ready for presentation: Prepare a short, 3-5 slide presentation on a topic of your choice to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview process.
- Understand security requirements: Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and process for obtaining a Secret Security Clearance.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of technical documents will I create as a Principal Technical Editor and Writer at Northrop Grumman?
- As a Principal Technical Editor and Writer at Northrop Grumman, you will be responsible for authoring and editing a variety of technical documents. This includes, but is not limited to, Flight Manuals, Job Guides, General Equipment/Systems manuals, Fault Isolation procedures, Fault Reporting documentation, and Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB). You will also create content detailing the Theory of Operation, Maintenance, Operation, and Troubleshooting for complex defense systems.
- What are the minimum qualifications for the Principal Technical Editor and Writer position at Northrop Grumman?
- The minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 3 years, or a PhD with 1 year. You must have demonstrated competency in Microsoft Office Suite and either FrameMaker or Arbortext Editor, experience with Military Standards (Air Force, Navy, Army), familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Suite, ability to interpret schematic circuits, and strong proofing/editing skills. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance are also mandatory.
- Is there a required security clearance for this Principal Technical Editor and Writer role?
- Yes, a Secret Security Clearance is required for this position. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and must be able to obtain and maintain this clearance. The job is contingent upon funding/contract award, which may also be related to clearance requirements.
- What software and tools are essential for the Principal Technical Editor and Writer role at Northrop Grumman?
- Essential software includes Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). You also need experience with either Adobe FrameMaker or PTC Arbortext Editor. Familiarity with the Adobe Acrobat Suite is required. Preferred qualifications include experience with XML/SGML and graphics packages like IsoDraw, Corel Suite, or Adobe Illustrator.
- Will I need to travel for the Principal Technical Editor and Writer position?
- Yes, occasional domestic travel is expected for this role, up to approximately 10% of the time. This travel will be for business meetings throughout the year.
- What is the work arrangement for this Principal Technical Editor and Writer job?
- This position is a full-time, on-site role located at Northrop Grumman's facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
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