Technical Writer

Process Documentation Engineer / Technical Writer

This onsite Process Documentation Engineer role focuses on creating clear, accurate, and user-friendly technical documentation that supports manufacturing operations. The position suits an individual with a mechanical or manufacturing engineering background who enjoys observing hands-on processes and translating them into structured, repeatable work instructions and procedures. You will collaborate closely with technicians, engineers, and production teams to capture critical tribal knowledge and convert it into standardized documentation that enhances consistency, quality, and efficiency across the manufacturing floor.
Responsibilities
Partner directly with manufacturing and engineering teams to observe production processes on the floor and document workflows in real time.
Translate informal, experience-based knowledge from technicians and subject matter experts into clear, step-by-step work instructions.
Capture photos and videos of processes and incorporate visual aids into work instructions and technical documents.
Develop, format, and maintain work instructions (WIs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and complete process documentation packages.
Review and validate engineering and manufacturing documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), manufacturing orders and methods (MOMs), assembly drawings, and technical schematics.
Ensure all documentation remains accurate, complete, and aligned with current engineering designs, configurations, and production practices.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and quality teams to verify content, resolve discrepancies, and continuously improve documentation standards.
Use document control practices and systems to manage revisions, approvals, and version histories for all documentation.
Create and update detailed work and assembly instructions that support consistent assembly, testing, and operation of electromechanical devices and high-end measurement equipment.
Leverage ERP and document management systems to access and maintain BOMs, manufacturing data, and records in support of accurate documentation.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by refining documentation to reflect process changes, lean manufacturing practices, and lessons learned from the production floor.
Work hands-on in the production environment as needed to fully understand processes, tooling, and equipment in order to document them effectively.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
2–5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly drawings, and technical schematics.
Ability to read and interpret bills of materials (BOMs) and related manufacturing documentation.
Proven experience creating or updating work instructions, SOPs, or technical documentation in a manufacturing setting.
Experience writing detailed work and assembly instructions for production environments.
Comfort working hands-on in a production environment and interfacing directly with technicians and operators.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to extract information from subject matter experts and translate it into clear documentation.
High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy, clarity, and completeness in documentation.
Familiarity with document control practices and document management or records management systems.
Experience with ERP systems, including working with BOMs, manufacturing orders, and related data.
Engineering experience, particularly in mechanical or manufacturing disciplines, is a strong plus.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with document control systems or product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
ERP system knowledge, preferably Epicor, including working with bills of materials, assembly data, and document control workflows.
Exposure to instrumentation, analytical equipment, or highly regulated manufacturing environments such as pharma, biotech, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, or semiconductor industries.
Familiarity with continuous improvement or lean manufacturing principles and their application to documentation and process standardization.
Experience documenting electromechanical devices, analyzers, sensors, or monitoring systems.
Engineering degree is a plus if not already required by the role.
Ability to incorporate visual aids such as photos, diagrams, and videos into technical documentation to enhance usability.
Comfort working in environments that involve high-end measurement equipment and complex industrial processes.
Work Environment
This role is fully onsite in a manufacturing environment that designs and builds high-end measurement equipment for industrial processes. The organization develops analyzers, sensors, and monitoring systems that measure gas composition, moisture and humidity, and the chemical makeup of liquids and solids. These solutions support industries such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, and semiconductor production. You will spend significant time on the production floor working closely with technicians, engineers, and production teams to observe and document real-world processes. The environment involves electromechanical assemblies, instrumentation, and analytical equipment, with a strong emphasis on precision, quality, and adherence to standardized procedures. You can expect to work with ERP systems, document control tools, and engineering documentation while navigating a setting that balances hands-on production activity with structured, process-driven engineering practices.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Upland, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Upland, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.