Leidos is hiring: Technical Writer and Editor in McLean

Description

Join our team and help shape the future of transportation!

Leidos is hiring an experienced Technical Writer and Editor based at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center's Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL) in McLean, Virginia. This advanced research lab and smart garage enable groundbreaking research and testing that allow the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to validate and refine new transportation services and technologies developed by Leidos and our partners.

About the Role:

As a Technical Writer and Editor, you will join a team dedicated to creating marketing, communications, and training activities that promote cutting-edge advancements in intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies. These initiatives support the USDOT and their Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

As an individual contributor, you will collaborate with professionals in Transportation, Engineering, Software Development, and Artificial Intelligence to produce training programs and products that advance research, shape the industry's future, and encourage adoption of intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies.

Leidos offers a collaborative environment where passionate professionals can thrive. Join us to make a significant impact on the future of transportation through innovative research and development.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Interview subject matter experts, observe field tests, and review scientific studies to gather information on transportation systems, intelligent transportation technologies, and human and social systems.
• Edit and draft comprehensive technical papers, reports, and articles on transportation operations, ITS technologies, and human factors in transportation. Articulate research findings, technical analyses, and policy recommendations clearly and concisely for diverse audiences, including researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and the public.
• Structure content logically to convey complex technical information effectively. Ensure documents adhere to organizational standards, including style guides and policy requirements. Review final versions of documents for consistency in style, design, layout, and editorial aspects.
• Plan and oversee documentation projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to objectives. Manage the publication process from draft through final release, coordinating with publishing personnel and stakeholders.
• Work closely with FHWA, ITS JPO, and HASS COE teams to align documentation with project goals and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and external stakeholders, including government agencies and industry partners.
• Write, rewrite, and/or edit a variety of technical documents such as fact sheets, white papers, presentations, video scripts, infographics, and journal articles. Oversee the preparation and selection of illustrative materials, including drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts.
• Ensure that all materials are comprehensive, accurate, and adhere to format, style, and Section 508 requirements. Validate content accuracy and completeness before review by Public Affairs personnel.
• Estimate costs and work required for technical writing components of new proposals. Recommend industry best practices and participate in process improvements. Write and review standard operating procedures and internal working documentation as needed.
• Write briefs to inform the creative team of project intent, audience, deadlines, and deliverables. Acquire subject knowledge by interviewing project stakeholders and engineers, observing production methods, and referring to technical specifications, blueprints, engineering illustrations, and trade journals.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with less than 2 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing government contract proposals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance (which includes three years of immediate residency in the US).
• Experience writing, editing, producing, and overseeing reports, presentations, and/or similar documentation and multimedia products; experience editing technical journal articles, research papers, manuscripts, and/or books; knowledge of the end-to-end documentation process, from intake to printed and electronic output and distribution.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate and advocate discipline-related knowledge, services, and programs.
• Capable of transforming complicated subject matter and diverse source material into accurate, coherent, and engaging content for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team in a highly flexible work environment.
• Demonstrated creative and technical initiative and resourcefulness.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
• Must have a digital portfolio demonstrating both technical and creative writing styles.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to pass DMV background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced understanding or experience in the transportation industry, engineering, automated vehicle technologies, Cooperative Driving Automation, intelligent transportation systems, or emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
• Proven experience in managing and delivering projects on time and within budget, with a strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
• Experience as a Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act subject matter expert, ensuring content is compliant as it relates to accessible documents and electronic media.
• Knowledge of web design and development.

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