Technical Writer Job Description

What is the job description of a Technical Writer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Technical Writer? What does a Technical Writer do?

Job description of a Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for preparing instruction manuals and articles with the main goal to communicate complex, technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information among customers, designers, and manufacturers.

This Technical Writer job description example includes the list of most important Technical Writer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Technical Writer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Technical Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Writer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Study product samples 
  • Communicate with product designers and developers to understand product details
  • Collaborate with technical staff 
  • Analyze and manage existing and potential content
  • Create and maintain the information architecture
  • Make high-quality documentation that meets standards, is appropriate and easy to use
  • Produce and distribute tutorials to help end-users use a variety of applications
  • research and collect usability feedback from customers, designers, and manufacturers

Technical Writer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Technical Writer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree Journalism
  • Professional Writing or Creative Writing is a big plus
  • Background in engineering or computer science is a big plus
  • x years of experience as a Technical Writer or similar role
  • x years of experience in technical writing of software documentation
  • Ability to translate highly technical information into easily understandable information for customers
  • Creative skills and usage of photographs, drawings, diagrams, animation, and charts that increase users’ understanding
  • Excellent written skills in English
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
  • Team player
  • Good time-management skills
  • Great interpersonal and communication skills

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Technical Writer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Technical Writer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Technical Writer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.