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Engineering technical writer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer,
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical engineering technical writer skills. We ranked the top skills for engineering technical writers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.6% of engineering technical writer resumes contained api as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an engineering technical writer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 engineering technical writer skills for your resume and career

1. API

Here's how engineering technical writers use api:
  • Defined data interchange requirements, and developed API references and data management requirements in support of telecommunication company acquisition and mergers.
  • Developed client-specific developer documentation including deployment guides, Application Programming Interface (API) implementation guides, and technical architecture manuals.

2. Technical Documentation

Technical documentation means any documentation that gives a functional, architectural, and handling description of a technical product or a product in use or development.

Here's how engineering technical writers use technical documentation:
  • Interviewed Subject-Matter Experts for technical input into Operations and Maintenance Manuals, and other required technical documentation requirements.
  • Validated and verified engineering changes entered into technical documentation to be delivered to the U.S. Government.

3. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how engineering technical writers use java:
  • Utilized expertise in Content Management systems to customize Confluence Team Collaboration server via Plugin architecture in Python and Java.
  • Developed customized Plug-ins in Java to facilitate automated extraction and deployment of various documentation and web application elements.

4. Technical Writers

Here's how engineering technical writers use technical writers:
  • Coordinate projects and assignments of other department technical writers.
  • Provided on the job training to Egyptian military and civilian Technical Writers assigned to the Knox Perry Planning Office.

5. HTML

Here's how engineering technical writers use html:
  • Utilized HTML coding strategies to design dynamic written content for web pages to ensure clients received maximum internet search engine exposure.
  • Planned, designed, and developed over 130 HTML pages utilizing MS Visual Studio.

6. Subject Matter Experts

Here's how engineering technical writers use subject matter experts:
  • Facilitated interviews with many subject matter experts to re-write technical specs, eliminating technical language.
  • Consulted directly with authors and other subject matter experts about original content or revisions.

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7. Proofreading

Here's how engineering technical writers use proofreading:
  • Performed editing, proofreading, and quality control functions to produce technical training documents and presentations according to specified deadlines.
  • Identified areas for improvement in existing documentation and standards, proofreading and editing new process standards and development templates.

8. XML

XML is a medium for storing and transporting data that is independent of software and hardware. XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML, like HTML, is a markup language that was created to store and transport data. It was created with the intention of being self-descriptive. There are no predefined tags in the XML language. Another feature is that XML is extensible.

Here's how engineering technical writers use xml:
  • Created installation and upgrade procedures, verification tests, feature descriptions and operating manuals, using FrameMaker and Arbortext Epic XML.
  • Input technical data into SGML or XML format using Arbortext.

9. Technical Content

Here's how engineering technical writers use technical content:
  • Compiled technical content from multiple project team inputs.
  • Developed and maintained documentation on a corporate wiki for the worldwide management and dissemination of all technical content.

10. PowerPoint

Here's how engineering technical writers use powerpoint:
  • Prepare documentation using EDM, SharePoint, Compliance Wire, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Designed and ran PowerPoint based presentations for meetings with U.S. and foreign customers.

11. Project Management

Here's how engineering technical writers use project management:
  • Coordinate problem root cause investigation and provide recommendations to project management office.
  • Involved in DHF, FMEA, DMR, Compliance, QSR regulations, project management, Corrective Actions and Preventive Actions.

12. Test Procedures

Test procedure i defined as a tool for conducting an experiment to analyze or observe the specifications of a process or application.

Here's how engineering technical writers use test procedures:
  • Developed a BETA release process for implementing Test Procedures to manufacturing.
  • Generated detailed technical test procedures from established government criteria.

13. Adobe Photoshop

Here's how engineering technical writers use adobe photoshop:
  • Used Adobe Photoshop to open/edit photographs (adjust color, sharpness, crop, etc.)
  • Learned basics of Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator to keep ALATEC from relying on an outside graphic designer.

14. Visio

Visio or Microsoft Visio is computer software that allows users to create and draw vector graphics according to their requirements. The program is used to draw flowcharts, org charts, data flow diagrams, process flow diagrams, and modeling diagrams. Visio is also used to draw architectural designs including; building and floor plans, and 3D geographical maps.

Here's how engineering technical writers use visio:
  • Created Microsoft Visio flowcharts for processes and procedures, technical descriptions and other technical writing product.
  • Designed architectural diagrams, process map using MS Visio for Design Specifications (DS).

15. CAD

Here's how engineering technical writers use cad:
  • Formulated and verified turbine component CAD models in correlation to the specific machining process dimensions.
  • Read Technical Specification sheets, CAD Drawings, Catalog Cuts, and Technical Clarifications.
top-skills

What skills help Engineering Technical Writers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on engineering technical writer resumes?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.

What soft skills should all engineering technical writers possess?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Communication, teamwork.

What hard/technical skills are most important for engineering technical writers?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools

What engineering technical writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Tiffany Kinney PhD

Associate Professor of English, Colorado Mesa University

In terms of general advice, students just entering the career field after graduating should apply far and wide. In other words, I would suggest that students not limit themselves because they might be surprised where they can land a job. With that said, they should still tailor their application materials for the job that they want, instead of just sending out the same materials again/again.

What type of skills will young engineering technical writers need?

John RingJohn Ring LinkedIn profile

Director Engineering Outreach, Elon University

While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about engineering technical writer

List of engineering technical writer skills to add to your resume

Engineering technical writer skills

The most important skills for an engineering technical writer resume and required skills for an engineering technical writer to have include:

  • API
  • Technical Documentation
  • Java
  • Technical Writers
  • HTML
  • Subject Matter Experts
  • Proofreading
  • XML
  • Technical Content
  • PowerPoint
  • Project Management
  • Test Procedures
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Visio
  • CAD
  • Unix
  • SharePoint
  • Engineering Documentation
  • Engineering Drawings
  • R
  • SMEs
  • Configuration Management
  • FDA
  • Technical Manuals
  • FrameMaker
  • Technical Specifications
  • Technical Publications
  • Source Data
  • User Manuals
  • SQL
  • Engineering Data
  • Solidworks
  • Training Materials
  • QA
  • Product Documentation
  • ISO
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Linux
  • User Guides
  • Technical Accuracy
  • Maintenance Manuals
  • Test Scripts
  • Technical Data
  • Aided Design
  • Technical Reports
  • ATA
  • OQ
  • Test Cases
  • GMP
  • Logistics

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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