Technical Writer

The Technical Writer for develops and publishes technical support information used by internal support employees, dealership technicians, and customers to use, maintain, and repair Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products. Technical accuracy and on-time delivery of these materials is critical for customer and stakeholder satisfaction. Efficient and controlled execution within the department's XML publishing environment is necessary for HDMC sustainability. Task assignments, project assignments, and deadlines are coordinated within the department, and between the department and other stakeholders. The job duties also involve working with Developmental Service Engineering to develop and validate technical content used to perform maintenance and repairs on vehicles.

The Writer must compose clear and concise procedures that conform to internal style, terminology and translation standards, and coordinate the development of supporting figures/illustrations. Procedures documenting service methods and diagnostics are developed in concert with Developmental Service Engineering. Engineering CAD, bills of material, blueprints, and specifications sourced from company systems are primary inputs. Technical illustrations are created from CAD virtual assemblies, and output as Adobe Illustrator SVG files. Procedure content and illustrations are structured into documents in the Blaise XML publishing system. Output files include Adobe Acrobat PDFs.

• Research product changes using various engineering information systems including change notices, bills of materials, CAD models and part/assembly drawings.
• Collaborate with Developmental Service Engineering to develop and validate technical content used to maintain and repair motorcycles.
• Support the collective timing goals for product launch activities.
• Ability to arbitrate stakeholder input as part of the review process to achieve timely results.
• Compose clear and concise procedures that conform to internal style, terminology and translation standards, and coordinate the development of supporting figures/illustrations.

Associate's degree in Technical Communication, Communication, Journalism, Engineering, Digital Publishing, or a related field preferred.

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years' experience writing technical procedures related to mechanical products.
• Requires a high level of computer-based publishing aptitude including XML (or HTML) publishing of technical content.
• Proficient in file management as well as MS Office, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Acrobat software.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and ability to work with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Requires basic mechanical ability including knowledge and safe use of hand tools in order to disassemble and assemble motorcycles, parts, accessories, electrical systems in order to update and/or create procedures.