Engineering Writing Job Description

Machinery can be difficult to figure out without the operation manual.

Engineering is form of applied science that uses science and mathematics to solve problems in society. Engineers specialize in this discipline. In some cases, engineers build and design new products, while in other cases they repair that which has been damaged. The language they use to communicate about engineering is very technical and difficult to understand for those who are not trained in engineering. Therefore, writers who are specialized in communicating technical language in layman terms are often hired.

Types

Technical writers are basically writers who have a specialization in communicating complex technical ideas. Some technical writers specialize further by focusing on writing about engineering. These writers can specialize even further and write about specific engineering disciplines such as: mechanical, chemical, pharmaceutical, electrical, aerospace, civil, computer hardware, environmental, safety, industrial, marine, mining, nuclear and petroleum engineers.

Function

Technical writers communicate with engineers and also read notes taken by engineers. They then use this information to write instructional manuals, how-to manuals, assembly instructions and operating instructions for those who do not know the technical language of the engineer. They also provide any other type of writing services that the other engineers cannot perform themselves, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Advancement

Senior technical writers sometimes act as consultants for technical illustrators and photographers who create visual representations of various technical processes. Some engineering writers are also expected to work at call centers where they answer questions asked by customers, according to the BLS. Writers who fill more senior positions provide documentation during usability studies and also conduct research for the engineers.

Education

Engineering writers usually come from a professional writing or English educational background. Previous experience with engineering is a plus. However, some engineering writers have no educational background at all and are instead self-trained in writing. This especially occurs with freelance technical writing in which employers are less likely to expect an extensive educational background. According to the BLS, there are also some technical writers who have an engineering background and gradually assume writing duties overtime. These writers must have the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and logically.

Outlook

The need for technical writers was expected to grow 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS. Technical writers will be needed more and more as technology advances more rapidly and becomes more complex. Consumers are not likely to continue using a product if they cannot figure out how to use it and manufacturing plants often need clear instructions for manufacturing workers when new automated machinery is integrated into the factory. The median earnings for technical writers in 2008 were $61,620.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Engineering
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Technical Writing