Engineering Technical Writer

Ideal Vacuum Products is seeking an Engineering Technical Writer to create highly technical user manuals, service manuals, assembly procedures, and operational documentation for vacuum chambers, thermal vacuum (TVAC) systems, pressure-related equipment, and scientific instrumentation.

This role is intended for technically capable candidates who understand how complex mechanical systems work and can accurately document them for aerospace, semiconductor, laboratory, and industrial customers.

This is not a general content writing or software documentation position.

The ideal candidate possesses strong engineering or scientific aptitude and is comfortable working with vacuum systems, pressure differentials, schematics, CAD drawings, system layouts, and equipment safety considerations.

Documentation is produced primarily using Adobe InDesign and requires the ability to understand, organize, and accurately explain complex systems, procedures, and equipment operation while maintaining technical integrity.

The Engineering Technical Writer works directly with engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel during product development, assembly, testing, and release to ensure documentation reflects actual system behavior and safe operating procedures.

Applicants are encouraged to review the example manuals provided and submit samples of technical manuals, engineering documentation, service procedures, or equipment documentation they have prepared.

What You’ll Do:

Develop Engineering Documentation

• Create user manuals, service manuals, assembly procedures, and operational documentation for vacuum systems and scientific equipment.
• Develop structured technical documentation for vacuum chambers, TVAC systems, pressure vessels, and related equipment.
• Document installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service procedures.
• Translate engineering concepts into organized, technically accurate documentation without oversimplifying critical information.
• Build new manuals using CAD drawings, schematics, engineering notes, existing manuals, and testing feedback.
• Develop safety warnings, operational limits, maintenance guidance, and troubleshooting procedures.

Collaborate with Engineering & Production

• Work directly with engineers, technicians, and production personnel to gather accurate technical information.
• Observe equipment assembly, operation, and testing to ensure documentation reflects real-world procedures and system behavior.
• Interpret CAD drawings, electrical schematics, system diagrams, and engineering documentation.
• Participate in technical review cycles to verify accuracy, clarity, and safety before documentation release.
• Identify missing information, technical inconsistencies, or potentially unsafe instructions during documentation development.

Maintain Documentation & Revision Control

• Update manuals as products evolve and designs change.
• Maintain revision history and documentation consistency across product lines.
• Organize procedures, diagrams, specifications, and service information into clear structured documentation.
• Maintain document quality standards and formatting consistency.

Tools & Workflow

• Adobe Creative Cloud, with Adobe InDesign as the primary tool for manual layout and production
• Engineering collaboration using CAD drawings, electrical schematics, and manufacturing documentation
• Documentation review cycles with engineering and production teams
• Structured documentation processes for complex vacuum and mechanical systems
• Product testing observation and procedural validation

What You’ll Bring:

Education & Technical Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred in:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Physical Chemistry
• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Or another STEM-related technical field

Equivalent hands-on technical experience with vacuum systems, scientific instrumentation, industrial equipment, semiconductor equipment, or aerospace systems may also be considered.

Engineering & Technical Aptitude

• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, pressure, force, and equipment safety concepts
• Ability to reason through vacuum system operation, pressure differentials, atmospheric loading, and safe operating conditions
• Comfortable interpreting CAD drawings, schematics, technical diagrams, and engineering documentation
• Ability to recognize technically incorrect procedures, unsafe configurations, or operational concerns
• Strong engineering intuition and analytical thinking skills

Candidates may be asked basic engineering reasoning questions during interviews related to pressure, force, vacuum systems, and equipment safety.

Technical Writing Skills

• Strong written English and ability to produce structured, technically accurate documentation
• Experience writing equipment manuals, engineering procedures, or technical service documentation
• Ability to organize complex technical systems into logical documentation structures
• Strong attention to detail and revision discipline

Software & Technical Skills

• Adobe InDesign experience strongly preferred
• Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator experience is helpful
• Basic HTML knowledge is a plus for technical product listings
• Comfortable working from PDFs, CAD exports, schematics, diagrams, and engineering documents

Mindset

• Engineering-minded and technically curious
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Comfortable asking engineers and technicians detailed technical questions
• Able to work independently while collaborating closely with technical teams
• Willing to challenge unclear or potentially unsafe procedures when documentation appears incorrect

Samples Required

Applicants should submit 2-3 examples of technical documentation, such as:

• User manuals
• Service or troubleshooting documentation
• Assembly or installation procedures
• Equipment operation manuals
• Engineering documentation
• Industrial or scientific equipment documentation

Examples involving mechanical systems, industrial equipment, scientific instrumentation, or engineering processes are strongly preferred.

Additional Information:

This role supports customers in aerospace, semiconductor, laboratory, research, and industrial markets where technical accuracy, equipment safety, and procedural clarity are critical.

Visit our website at www.idealvac.com to view additional opportunities and company information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person