Technical Writer/Editor

We have an opening for a Technical Writer/Editor with a background in writing for highly complex scientific areas such as physics, engineering, or weapons, experience producing and/or managing documents for experimental procedures, intelligence products and/or nuclear policy and related topics. Our national-security mission encompasses aspects of computational, theoretical, and experimental physics associated with the complex processes of nuclear explosives. Documents produced on these subjects must be edited, properly formatted, and portion marked for dissemination to internal research teams and the broader community within the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), and other government agencies and contractors. This position is in the Technical Information Department and will be matrixed to the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Provide writing and editing services for large and complex projects, including documentation outlining the scientific methodologies used to certify modernized nuclear warheads as safe secure and effective without nuclear testing.
• Engage directly with program managers and subject matter experts to gather input, assist in enhancing written communication skills, and conduct reviews to ensure usefulness and technical accuracy of the final documents.
• Provide comprehensive copyediting and proofreading of complex documents with careful attention to grammar, spelling, syntax and mechanics, formatting, and legibility while ensuring all standards and protocols regarding information security are applied.
• Interpret complex technical information and translate to ensure the content is accessible to experts in other fields.
• Establish document templates, document management processes, and standards by which technical input can be evaluated for potential inclusion.
• Serve as point-of-contact for program documents to ensure products meet all standards and commitments to cost, schedule, and quality.
• Regular onsite work is required for this position, given the sensitive nature of the materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition at the G04.3 Level

• Operate independently as the point of contact for all documents developed and updated for the Certification Methodologies Program.
• Serve as project manager by defining technical communications strategies, messages, audiences, and key deliverables for a variety of complex and specialized products/projects; coordinate all aspects of development, and schedule and lead planning and status meetings.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in communications or related field with experience in science (physics, chemistry, etc.), engineering, political science, policy, legal/paralegal, and/or technical writing or the equivalent combination of education and experience in the area of technical communications.
• Editing experience in scientific areas using broad-based professional technical editing/writing skills and techniques, including general knowledge of and experience creating and using styles, professional principles, and technical communication practices and standards.
• Aptitude for learning topics of new fields quickly and ability to directly apply new knowledge to tasks at hand.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience working effectively both independently and in a multidisciplinary team research environment. Verbal and written communication and presentation skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports, publications, invited papers, and technical presentations.
• Experience helping experts improve their writing across various levels of an organization, and ability to handle classified, unclassified, sensitive, and confidential issues with tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience using style conventions, professional principles, and technical communication practices and standards.
• Ability to work under minimal direction with significant latitude in determining and planning activities to reach objectives and address challenging problems.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience using collaborative tools such as SharePoint, Confluence, or Teams. Knowledge of document management tools and software.

In addition at the G04.3 Level

• Advanced writing and editing experience in a wide variety of scientific areas or technical areas.
• Project management and/or document management experience leading complex multi-functional technical communication projects and teams with multiple technical groups, including establishing team commitments of cost, schedule, and quality.
• Experience independently deconflicting competing priorities and conflicting interest between stakeholders to meet program objectives.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Advanced degree with experience in science (physics, chemistry, etc.), engineering, political science, policy, legal/paralegal, and/or technical writing.
• Active Q-clearance prior to start date.
• Understanding of LLNL’s primary missions of enhancing national security, ensuring the safety, security and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, and pursuing advanced scientific and technological programs to further the national interest.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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