Technical Writer (Plumbing Products)

Overview

Job Description:

Our global manufacturing company (global leader in kitchen and bath design) is seeking a Technical Communicator (Writing Focus) for their Plumbing Engineering / Kitchen & Bath Team. 

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Writing Group Lead, is responsible for the on-time creation and accuracy of technical content developed for plumbing products – media to include publications, labels and packaging, and animations. Responsible for the coordination of publication requirements with Engineering, Marketing, and Technical Publications service parts, illustration, translation staff, and/or vendors. Leads the creation and maintenance of content and illustrations for installation instructions, homeowner guides, and servicing instructions. Recommends content and illustration standards for product support documentation.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the coordination of publication requirements with Engineering, Marketing, and Technical Publications service parts, illustration, and translation staff for our brands.
• Serves as the main contact for product teams for technical content and literature requirements for assigned literature projects. Completes qualification for all assigned literature projects.
• Evaluates project scope and product timing needs then negotiates and sets required documentation production schedule.
• Ensures the timely completion of assigned projects. Exhibits strong project leadership in the planning, scheduling, organizing, and team implementation of these publications; communicates and negotiates to appropriately apportion time and other resources.
• Has initial development and quality responsibility for technical product literature as assigned – covering product information, installation, use, and/or servicing.
• Represents department in matters of technical content and usability of publications. Recommends and supports maintenance of technical communication requirements, standards, and processes for all publication products.
• Maintains all project data including the determination of cost and timing parameters for projects and status notes.
• Other responsibilities and tasks as assigned.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS

Supervisory Relationships:
• Reports to the Writing Group Lead.

Organization Relationships:
• Has continuous contact with Technical Communications and Engineering Services staff.
• Has frequent contact with New Product and Current Product Development teams.
• Has frequent contact with Faucets and Fixtures Marketing and Communications.
• Has occasional contact with Customer Service.
• Has occasional contact with International Marketing, product development teams from other Kohler businesses, and other Kohler business Technical Publications Departments.

External Business Relationships:
• Has occasional contact with external vendors.
• Has occasional contact with end-use customers of product support documentation.
• Has occasional contact with technical writing and illustration software organizations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Technical Communications, Technical Illustration or other technical discipline along with strong technical writing background.
• 4+  years of technical writing experience for product and/or software is required.
• 2+ years experience in plumbing product installation, design, or documentation preferred, but will substitute similar experience in a related technical/manufacturing field.
• Mechanical aptitude, diagnostic skills, and ability to read drawings is required.
• Requires computer aptitude and demonstrated writing.
• Requires demonstrated visualization skills – the ability to translate between two- and three-dimensional data views. Illustration experience a plus.
• Must demonstrate proficiency at managing complex projects, and ability to adapt to changing priorities. T
• Experience with XML and DITA authoring tools is REQUIRED.
• Authoring for reuse is REQUIRED.
• Experience with SAP is preferred
• Familiarity working with a tagged language (XML/DITA) is required. Requires familiarity with InDesign.
• Illustration experience with CAD or Pro/E, Creo, Adobe Illustrator, or Arbortext IsoDraw a plus.
• Proficiency with database use and excel spreadsheets required.
• Candidate will use Astoria CMS, Oxygen Editor, InDesign, Windchill, MS Project Online, MS Teams and Office daily. Preference to candidates with this software experience.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $45-50 / hr. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

This is a long-term, open-ended contract opportunity (1 year to start with likely extension) and only candidates that can work hybrid in Kohler (onsite Tuesday through Thursday) will be considered. 

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. 

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.