Technical Writer Job Description

Key responsibilities

• 📝 Create clear, helpful content: Turn complex technical details into user-friendly guides, manuals, and documentation that people can actually use.

• 💬 Work with subject matter experts: Collaborate with developers, engineers, or product teams to understand technical details and translate them into plain English.

• 🔁 Keep content up to date: Regularly review materials to ensure accuracy, making updates as systems, products, or user needs change.

• 📁 Organise and manage documentation: Use tools and templates to maintain consistency and make content easy to access across teams.

• 🔍 Focus on user experience: Write with clarity, structure, and accessibility in mind—ensuring content supports users in real-world scenarios.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Information Technology, or a related field: This combines writing skills with an understanding of technical concepts.

• Experience in writing technical content: Previous experience creating manuals, guides, or product documentation demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• Strong writing and editing skills: Excellent grammar, structure, and attention to tone ensure content is professional and easy to follow.

• Ability to simplify complex topics: Translating technical jargon into plain English is essential for helping users understand and engage with content.

• Collaboration with technical teams: Working closely with engineers, developers, or product managers helps gather accurate and up-to-date information.

• Knowledge of documentation tools: Familiarity with tools like Confluence, GitHub, or Markdown ensures consistency and supports team workflows.

• Understanding of user experience: A user-first mindset helps create content that is not only informative but also accessible and easy to navigate.

• Tech expertise: Comfort working in digital environments and with content management systems is expected, especially when documenting APIs or software products.

• Attention to detail: Careful editing and version control contribute to the accuracy and usability of final materials.

• Time management skills: The ability to manage multiple content requests and updates simultaneously helps maintain project momentum.

Career path and opportunities

Technical Writers may advance into roles such as Content Manager, Documentation Lead, or UX Writer. With industry knowledge, they can move into product management, instructional design, or technical training.
Some transition into specialist areas like API documentation or regulatory writing. Strong writers with domain expertise often become valued team leads or consultants.

Related job titles

• Content Designer
• Documentation Specialist
• Information Developer
• UX Writer
• Content Strategist (Technical focus)
• Knowledge Base Writer
• Product Documentation Writer
• Instructional Designer
• API Documentation Specialist
• Proposal Writer

Example job description

Job title: Technical Writer

Job overview:
We’re looking for a Technical Writer who can turn complex technical information into clear, engaging content that people actually want to read. Whether it’s user guides, internal wikis, or product manuals, you’ll be the go-to person for simplifying the tricky stuff and making knowledge easy to access.

Key responsibilities:

• Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation and manuals
• Work with engineers, product teams, and subject matter experts to gather info
• Translate complex topics into user-friendly content
• Manage content workflows, templates, and version control
• Review and update documentation to reflect product changes or feedback
• Contribute to knowledge bases, FAQs, and internal help materials

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Tech Writing, or related field
• 2–4 years’ experience in a technical writing or documentation role
• Excellent writing and editing skills with strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with content management systems and tools (e.g., Confluence, GitHub)
• Ability to break down complex information into digestible content

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in SaaS, engineering, or software development environments
• Understanding of user experience principles and accessibility
• Knowledge of Markdown, HTML, or API documentation tools

Perks/benefits:

• Competitive salary with growth opportunities
• Flexible remote/hybrid work model
• Training budget for writing courses or technical certifications
• Wellbeing support, EAP program, and extra personal leave days
• A supportive team that values clarity, collaboration, and curiosity

Frequently asked questions

What does a Technical Writer do?

A Technical Writer takes complex, technical info and turns it into content that’s easy to understand—think how-to guides, manuals, FAQs, or product documentation. They're the link between the tech experts and the everyday user.

What are their key duties and responsibilities?

They write and edit user-friendly documentation, often working with engineers or developers to break down technical jargon. They also help create internal resources, training materials, or support content—basically, anything that helps people use a product or system with confidence.

What makes a great Technical Writer?

A mix of writing skills and tech curiosity. A great Technical Writer loves learning how things work and has a knack for explaining tricky concepts in simple terms. They’re detail-oriented, clear communicators, and super organised—always keeping the user experience front and centre.