Position Description:

Arlo Solutions is seeking a Technical Writer to provide high-quality writing, editing, document quality assurance, and writing-resource support to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), Office of the Executive Director of Operations (OEDO), and subordinate offices. The position is responsible for improving the clarity, accuracy, organization, consistency, and professional presentation of agency communications and technical materials. This role requires an experienced writer and editor who can work independently with technical, operational, financial, administrative, and policy-related content; assess whether technical conclusions are sufficiently supported; and translate complex scientific or engineering concepts into clear, accessible language for intended audiences. The Technical Writer will also provide writing training and mentorship to agency staff and support the maintenance of agency templates, style guides, and related writing tools.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Clearance: Government background screening and suitability approval required

Responsibilities and/or Success Factors: 

Writing, Editing, and Document Quality Assurance

• Review, proofread, edit, and format a broad range of agency documents, including correspondence and memoranda; directives, policies, and operating procedures; reports and statements of work; technical and engineering documents; agency planning and performance materials; financial and administrative documents; and presentations, speeches, fact sheets, press releases, and website content.
• Ensure final documents are well organized and logically structured; clear, concise, professional, and easy to understand; complete and responsive to document requirements; consistent in terminology, formatting, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style; and written so that a reader can understand the technical basis supporting conclusions and recommendations.
• Apply the DNFSB Agency Style Guide, the Office of the Technical Director’s Science and Engineering Writing Guide, and other approved agency writing, formatting, and editorial guidance.
• Evaluate whether technical arguments, analyses, and conclusions are presented methodically and contain sufficient supporting information for a knowledgeable but independent reader to follow the author’s reasoning.
• Provide constructive, actionable editorial recommendations using Microsoft Word Track Changes, redline/strikeout, comments, and other review features.
• Explain substantive editorial recommendations to document authors and collaborate professionally to resolve questions related to clarity, organization, technical support, and presentation.
• Complete document markups and technical editing assignments within required timeframes, including reviews of approximately 10-page reports within two business days when required by mission needs.

Writing Training and Author Mentorship

• Design and deliver writing and editing training sessions for agency personnel approximately quarterly.
• Develop training content focused on recurring writing issues, common editorial errors, revisions to writing and style guidance, and effective use of agency writing resources.
• Provide follow-up coaching, mentoring, and individualized assistance to authors after document reviews to strengthen future draft quality and build internal writing capability.
• Communicate diplomatically and effectively with authors, subject matter experts, managers, and senior executives regarding recommended revisions and document-quality expectations.

Templates, Guides, and Writing Resources

• Facilitate the development, refinement, standardization, and maintenance of agency document templates, writing aids, and style resources.
• Work with agency senior executives, office leadership, and subject matter experts to identify and prioritize writing guidance, templates, and tools needed by staff.
• Review existing agency templates and writing guides at least annually and submit recommended updates to the appropriate Office Director.
• Support staff adoption of current writing standards, templates, and document-production practices.

Administrative and Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including document formatting, styles, templates, automation, and review functions.
• Safeguard DNFSB information and use Government-furnished property solely for authorized contract performance in accordance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and DNFSB policies.
• Perform work primarily in person at DNFSB Headquarters in Washington, DC, during agency-established working hours, generally between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., as coordinated with the Technical Monitor.
• Remain available and responsive during approved work hours, whether working onsite or under authorized situational telework.

Minimum Qualifications Including Certificates: 

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts, engineering, or a related field. 
• At least five years of progressively more responsible scientific or engineering publication editing experience demonstrating strong writing and communication skills.
• Excellent command of English grammar, U.S. word usage, and spelling, along with knowledge of effective communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques.
• A basic understanding of scientific and engineering information, including the ability to communicate complex programs, projects, activities, and new developments or theories to nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to assess whether a document presents sufficient technical support in a logical, methodical manner to substantiate its conclusions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including advanced knowledge of formatting and automated functions and effective use of Word Track Changes and comments.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to meet document review deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting a federal agency, federal contractor, engineering organization, scientific organization, regulatory body, or safety-focused organization.
• Familiarity with technical editing standards and scientific or engineering writing practices.
• Experience developing or administering organizational style guides, writing guides, templates, or document standards.
• Experience delivering writing, editing, plain-language, or document-development training.
• Familiarity with web design, Adobe Acrobat, DreamWorks, or comparable visual-design and document-production software.
• Ability to edit content addressing technical, financial, policy, planning, performance, operational, and administrative subject matter.