Principal Technical Editor and Writer

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.