Job Description

Senior/Staff Technical Writer

Department: Production & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Tyler Sherman

Compensation: $123,000 - $188,000 / year

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

The Technical Writer supports the manufacturing and integration of high-reliability hardware and vehicles. You will create work instructions and visuals that technicians use to build and test hardware correctly. You will document and standardize processes to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency. You will partner with engineering and production teams to ensure content is clear, accurate, and current. You will identify gaps and improve how we create, manage, and deliver technical content.

What you'll do:

• Communicate complex technical information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• Collaborate with engineers, subject matter experts, and production personnel to create clear work instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and process documents.
• Interpret technical documents and specifications and interact with production personnel to ensure instructions are correct and usable on the shop floor.
• Standardize formats, structure, and best practices for work instructions and process documents.
• Create illustrations and annotated graphics to improve clarity and reduce ambiguity.
• Release and manage version-controlled documents in Document Management System (DMS) or Manufacturing Execution System (MES) applications in accordance with configuration management processes.
• Document workflows and business processes and create supporting training materials.
• Manage multiple projects and timelines while communicating status and risks to stakeholders.
• Maintain long-term documentation projects while also supporting real-time production needs.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase clarity, efficiency, and reliability.
• Own the document creation process and drive improvements to tools, templates, and workflows.

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM, Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or Writing field OR a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of experience in technical writing or process planning.
• Experience translating technical information into clear content for varied audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in technical writing or process planning in the space, aviation, or automotive industries.
• Experience using DMS or MES applications.
• Experience using illustrations and annotations to improve instruction clarity.
• Experience with illustration tools and software.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with mechanical or electrical manufacturing processes.

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Fully flexible and remote friendly work environment
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks