Principal Technical Writer at Leonardo DRS in Germantown, MD

Job description

Job ID: 115696 Location: Germantown, MD Business Unit: DRS RADA Technologies Schedule: 9/80 Shift: First DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. About the Role: DRS RADA Technologies is seeking an experienced Technical Writer IV to develop clear, accurate, and highly technical documentation supporting advanced radar, defense, and related technology solutions. This is a full-time, on-site role in Germantown, Maryland. In this role, you will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, program, and other subject-matter experts to transform complex technical information into user-focused equipment manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, technical publications, and supporting materials. You will serve as a key documentation-review resource for the site, ensuring materials are complete, consistent, easy to understand, and aligned with established standards. What You Will Do: Write, revise, and maintain complex technical documentation, including equipment manuals, appendices, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and other product-support materials. Organize technical content into clear, concise, and logical documentation that follows established standards for terminology, style, accuracy, and usability. Interview engineers, production personnel, and other subject-matter experts to understand product technologies, operating procedures, manufacturing processes, and system requirements. Review drawings, specifications, product samples, technical data, manufacturer documentation, and trade publications to develop accurate technical content. Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to document operating procedures, assembly sequences, and equipment details. Analyze product and technology changes to identify documentation impacts, recommend updates, and develop new materials as needed. Edit, standardize, and improve documentation prepared by other writers, engineers, or business personnel. Act as the site’s documentation-review expert, providing guidance on content quality, clarity, consistency, and publication readiness. Coordinate the layout, publication, duplication, distribution, and revision control of technical materials. Select or help develop photographs, drawings, diagrams, sketches, charts, and other visual aids that enhance technical understanding. Collaborate with customer representatives, vendors, internal leaders, and publishers to clarify technical specifications and determine documentation requirements. Work closely with the Configuration Management team to maintain accurate records and files for documentation, revisions, and publication history. Support and reinforce the mission, values, and culture of Leonardo DRS and DRS RADA Technologies. Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to document operating procedures, assembly sequences, and equipment details. What You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in English, technical communication, engineering, a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At least eight years of relevant technical writing, technical publication, or documentation-development experience. Experience creating complex technical documentation for equipment, systems, manufacturing processes, engineering products, or similar technical environments. Advanced proficiency with desktop publishing and document-development tools, particularly Microsoft Word. Strong ability to interpret and synthesize technical drawings, specifications, product data, operating procedures, and engineering information. Demonstrated ability to work directly with engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other subject-matter experts to gather, vali