Senior WriterEditor (Fixed Term)

About the role
Do you love to address structural challenges in writing and craft words and paragraphs that engage the reader Do you excel at improving technical writing through rigorous copyediting and the use of precise language Would you like to work with leaders in the fields of software engineering cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) on projects that matter to the Department of War (DoW) government agencies and private industry

We are looking for a Senior Writer/Editor to join the Technical Communications team at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) for a 4-month part-time fixed-term this role you will write and edit technical content for reports the SEI website blogs and presentations. You will collaborate with SEI researchers engineers and other subject-matter experts to gather complex technical information and prepare it for distribution to different audiences from technical experts to lay readers. You will manage the content through all stages of the writing process from inception to completion including drafting stages but also through multi-author editing stages where you will play a central role in ensuring clarity optimal organization unity of voice grammatical correctness and adherence to style standards.

What youll do
Edit formal technical reports at all editorial levels including substantive editing copyediting and proofreading. Correct grammar punctuation syntax usage capitalization citations formatting and style-guide inconsistencies with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Analyze content for Section 508 conformance by testing against 508 standards manually as well as by using accessibility tools and assistive tech and media; apply changes to documents to ensure 508 conformance.
Apply and enforce editorial standards and style-guide conventions consistently across long-form highly technical multi-author documents.
Write technical content and stories for the SEI website Year in Review and other communication channels.
Collaborate with technical staff to write blog posts about technical topics.
Write and edit brief articles and marketing materials.
Write and edit web content video scripts and content for other electronic media.
Collaborate with SEI Communication Design Web Services Public Relations and Outreach teams on publications presentations web pages information graphics and event materials.
Plan manage schedule and track your project tasks.

Who you are
You have at least five years of experience in writing and editing.
You can both develop original content and perform meticulous line-by-line editing of complex documents.
You have exceptional copyediting and proofreading skills including mastery of grammar punctuation syntax usage and consistency in technical and formal writing.
You have at least five years of experience with 508 conformance including using accessibility tools and assistive tech and media such as JAWS.
You are committed to customer service for subject-matter experts but you are also a strong advocate for their readers.
You have a keen eye for detail and a strong focus on quality and adherence to a style guide.
You have strong organizational time management and project management skills and can prioritize multiple responsibilities.
You have the social skills to interview subject-matter experts or work closely with them to plan and develop written technical materials.
You have experience with complex subjectspreferably but not necessarily in software or scienceand can learn new topics quickly.
You have experience in research writing or long-form documentation such as academic articles and reports.
You have significant experience with Microsoft Office applications particularly Word and PowerPoint.
You can work with minimal or no supervision but you also participate in team decision making.
You are willing to travel within the SEI and CMU communityand occasionally to sponsor sites conferences and offsite meetingsto support the SEIs mission (<5%).
You can pass a background check get and maintain a DoW security clearance and possibly get and maintain other customer-required background checks.

You might also have experience in
an academic or technical research setting
documenting software
marketing writing for a technical or DoW audience
coordinating with others to meet service-level agreements for projects
issue- and project-tracking software
website content-management systems
learning a markup language or using LaTeX or other document-preparation systems

How to apply

With your resume please also upload
a short article or marketing piece that demonstrates your writing skills
a text sample that demonstrates detailed editorial markup
A cover letter is optional but can expand on your work history and explain how it aligns with the job description.
Final candidates will complete a copyediting assessment that evaluates grammar punctuation consistency clarity and adherence to editorial standards.

Who we are

Always focused on the future the SEI advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering cybersecurity and AI technologies at the intersection of academia industry and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the DoW and are based at Carnegie Mellon University a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering. Learn more about Careers at the SEI.
The Technical Communications team helps the SEIs subject-matter experts inform our sponsor and the public about the research methods products and services developed at the SEI.

Why work here

Work with subject-matter experts doing cutting-edge research to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
Join an experienced knowledgeable and friendly team.
Get an 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan without having to contribute yourself.
Get tuition benefits for you and your dependent children to attend classes at CMU.
Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with a flexible work arrangement.
Get access to university resources such as campus fitness facilities mindfulness programs childcare free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System and more.
Enjoy annual professional-development opportunities to attend conferences and training or get a certification.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical prescription dental and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs fitness center access and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials we evaluate the role and responsibilities your valuable work experience and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; its about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization! Apply today!

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