Technical Writer Job at Bad Boy Mowers in Batesville

Role Summary

Bad Boy Mowers manufactures zero-turn mowers, compact tractors, articulating skid steers, UTV, and handheld tools. We're looking for an experienced Technical Writer to own the creation and lifecycle of our technical publications-operator's manuals, service manuals, parts catalogs, installation guides, technical bulletins, dealer communications, and related content. You'll turn engineering data and field knowledge into clear, accurate, and compliant documentation that helps dealers, technicians, and end users maintain and repair our machines safely and efficiently.

What You'll Do

• Plan & author operator's manuals, service manuals, parts books, installation instructions, quick-start guides, diagnostic procedures, and technical service bulletins for zero-turn mowers, compact tractors, and articulating skid steers.
• Translate engineering into procedures: derive service steps, torque specs, clearances, and safety notes from CAD, BOMs, drawings (incl. GD&T), and engineering change notices.
• Illustrations & visuals: create and edit exploded views, step illustrations, and callouts from CAD (e.g., Inventor) and 2D tools (Illustrator) to support procedures and parts identification.
• Standards & compliance: apply applicable standards (e.g., ANSI/OPEI B71 for turf equipment, machinery safety labeling best practices) and company style/terminology; ensure warnings, hazard classifications, and PPE notes are correct and consistent.
• Version control & release: manage document revisions, change logs, and approvals; publish to PDF and digital channels (dealer portal, web help, mobile) in sync with product releases and service campaigns.
• Service communications: draft and release technical bulletins, field fixes, product updates, and recall/retrofit instructions in collaboration with Product Support and Quality.
• Data alignment: coordinate with PLM/ERP to ensure parts numbers, kit contents, and service intervals match the latest BOMs and ECNs.
• Field/plant validation: observe builds, perform tear-downs with Tech Support, and verify procedures on actual machines to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Localization readiness: structure content for translation (DITA/XML or topic-based authoring); own terminology and glossary.
• Continuous improvement: develop and maintain style guides, templates, and content models; champion re-use across product families and model-year changes.

What You'll Bring

• Experience: 5+ years as a Technical Writer (heavy equipment, ag/construction, powersports, outdoor power equipment, or automotive preferred).
• Portfolio: examples of service/repair procedures, operator's manuals, parts catalogs, and technical bulletins.
• Mechanical aptitude: working knowledge of small engines, hydraulics, drivelines, electrical systems (incl. CAN bus diagnostics), and shop practices.
• Tools: proficiency with at least several of-MadCap Flare or Paligo; Adobe FrameMaker/InDesign/Illustrator; CAD-derived illustration tools (Inventor); graphics capture/editing; CMS/CCMS; PLM (Windchill/Teamcenter) and Jira/Confluence.-won't be necessary
• Data literacy: comfort reading CAD, ECNs, BOMs; ability to extract specs and convert to technician-friendly steps.
• Writing skills: plain-language, safety-forward writing; strong structuring, indexing, and visual communication.
• Process: disciplined approach to versioning, reviews, and change control; familiarity with publishing pipelines.
• Education: BA/BS in Technical Communication, Engineering, or related field-or equivalent industry experience.

Nice to Have

• DITA/XML topic-based authoring and single-sourcing across platforms-I don't know what this is. .
• Familiarity with ANSI Z535 safety labeling and ISO machinery-documentation principles.
• Experience building diagnostic trees and symptom-based troubleshooting.
• Video scripting/storyboarding for service procedures.
• Dealer network documentation and portal publishing experience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time publication rate for new/updated manuals and bulletins.
• Accuracy/defect rate post-release (errata, dealer feedback, returns).
• Service ticket deflection tied to documentation (downloads, search success, time-to-answer).
• Cycle time from ECN to published update-this would be more on my CAD personnel.
• Re-use rate of shared components/topics across model families.-also more on my CAD personnel.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a manufacturing and test environment around running equipment; PPE as required.
• Occasional lifting/carrying of parts and tools (up to ~35 lbs) during procedure validation.
• Occasional travel to plants, suppliers, test sites, and dealer locations (?15%).

Why Bad Boy Mowers

• Build documentation that directly helps technicians and owners keep machines running.
• Work hands-on with equipment in collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Product Support.
• Opportunity to modernize our publications stack and set best-in-class standards.