Staff Technical Writer, X-BAT (R4997)

Shield AI is seeking an experienced X-BAT Technical Writer / Editor to support the development, integration, and operational lifecycle of next-generation autonomous aircraft systems. This role is embedded within engineering and flight test environments and is responsible for translating highly complex aerospace, avionics, and autonomy systems into precise, usable technical documentation.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience working alongside engineers and subject matter experts to produce clear, structured documentation across all program phases, from early design and system development through initial flight testing and sustained mission operations. This position will directly support X-BAT platform documentation, including operator manuals, maintenance procedures, system descriptions, and mission support materials.

What you'll do:

• Partner closely with aerospace, software, and systems engineers to develop accurate, high-fidelity technical documentation for advanced aircraft systems
• Manage multiple documentation efforts across development, flight test, and operational phases in a fast-paced, iterative environment
• Translate complex engineering concepts, including avionics, autonomy, and mission systems, into clear, structured guidance for operators, maintainers, and internal teams
• Review and edit technical content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to program standards
• Research and interpret engineering artifacts such as system architectures, design specifications, interface control documents, software descriptions, and test procedures
• Aggregate and synthesize technical inputs from cross-functional teams, including flight test, hardware, software, and operations
• Develop and maintain technical manuals, including aircraft operating procedures, maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guides, training materials, and mission documentation
• Ensure documentation aligns with evolving system configurations and reflects real-world operational use cases
• Create and manage supporting visuals such as system diagrams, workflows, illustrations, and annotated graphics
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or missing technical information and proactively drive resolution with engineering teams
• Maintain documentation standards, templates, and version control across a growing body of technical publications
• Support rapid updates to documentation based on flight test results, system changes, and operational feedback
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as required in support of X-BAT program objectives

Required qualifications:

• 5–10 years of technical writing/editing experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or complex engineering systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, Engineering, English, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining technical manuals for aircraft systems, complex hardware/software platforms, or similar domains
• Proven ability to work directly with engineers and subject matter experts to extract and document technical information
• Strong understanding of structured documentation practices and lifecycle documentation management
• Exceptional writing, editing, and organizational skills with a focus on clarity and precision
• Ability to distill complex system behavior into concise, user-focused documentation
• High attention to detail and consistency across large documentation sets
• Self-sufficient, proactive work style with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight timelines
• Ability to identify missing, ambiguous, or conflicting technical information
• Comfortable working across distributed teams and time zones
• Interest in working in a fast-moving, non-traditional defense and aerospace environment

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with advanced aircraft systems, UAVs, autonomy, avionics, or mission systems documentation
• Familiarity with DoD technical manual standards and specifications (e.g., MIL-STD, S1000D, or service-specific formats)
• Experience using MadCap Flare or similar structured authoring tools
• Background in flight test documentation or operational procedure development
• Defense industry or aerospace program experience
• Master’s degree in English, Technical Communication, or a related discipline
• Project management experience supporting complex technical programs
• Experience leveraging AI-assisted tools to enhance documentation workflows