Aerospace Engineering Documentation Specialist
Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Starting Pay: $40.00/hour (higher based on experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking an Engineering Technician with strong technical writing experience and an aerospace, aviation, or avionics background. This position combines hands-on engineering support with the creation and maintenance of technical documentation used for testing, maintenance, certification, and engineering activities.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on work including assembly, wiring, bench testing, functional verification, calibration, and inspection of aerospace/aviation components and subsystems
- Set up test equipment and rigs, instrument systems, collect and analyze data, and maintain test hardware
- Develop, revise, and maintain:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Test procedures and reports
- Maintenance instructions and work cards
- Engineering Change Notices (ECNs)
- Installation and troubleshooting guides
- Materials and Process (M&P) documentation
- Convert engineering specifications and test results into clear, organized technical documentation
- Ensure documentation aligns with applicable FAA, EASA, AS9100, DO-178, and DO-254 requirements
- Work with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and product teams to verify technical information and manage revisions
- Support root-cause investigations and prepare technical summaries and corrective-action reports
- Maintain calibration records for test equipment, spare-parts inventories, and laboratory safety documentation
- Organize certification evidence, test artifacts, and controlled documentation for audits and certification activities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, technical diploma, or equivalent technical certification in Aerospace Engineering Technology, Avionics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field; bachelor's preferred
- 3+ years of engineering technician experience in aerospace, aviation, or avionics
- Technical writing experience creating procedures, test reports, maintenance instructions, or similar documentation in a regulated environment
- Familiarity with FAA, EASA, AS9100, DO-178/DO-254, ATA iSpec 2200, or equivalent standards
- Hands-on experience with:
- Mechanical assembly
- Wiring and harnesses
- Soldering
- Bench testing
- Multimeters
- Oscilloscopes
- Spectrum analyzers
- Torque tools
- Calipers
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience with document-control systems such as SharePoint, Windchill, Teamcenter, or PDM/PLM
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to meet technical, schedule, and regulatory requirements
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting certification programs or regulatory audits
- Familiarity with schematic capture, basic circuit troubleshooting, and avionics systems such as communications/navigation, flight controls, and sensors
- Knowledge of configuration management and revision-control practices
- Experience with MadCap Flare, FrameMaker, or similar technical-authoring software
- Active security clearance or ability to obtain one, if required