Job Description

We are seeking a seasoned Hardware Technical Writer and Technical Illustrator to join our documentation team supporting Applied Materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in authoring technical content for complex hardware systems and creating precise technical illustrations for engineering and manufacturing audiences. The candidate should have hands-on experience with DITA XML, technical illustration tools, and Simplified Technical English (STE) standards.

Responsibilities

• Create and update high-quality hardware technical documentation, such as installation manuals, service manuals, and engineering guides, using DITA XML authoring tools.
• Develop clear, accurate, and engaging technical illustrations and graphics using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Tech Illustrator.
• Work closely with hardware engineers, product managers, and field service teams to gather technical information and clarify requirements.
• Apply Simplified Technical English (STE) principles to ensure clarity, consistency, and global readability.
• Manage and maintain documentation in a structured content management system (CMS) and ensure adherence to Applied Materials documentation standards.
• Conduct peer reviews, usability testing, and update documentation based on feedback and product revisions.
• Support the documentation lifecycle from concept to delivery, including version control and release documentation.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience using DITA-based tools such as Oxygen XML Editor, Arbortext, or similar.
• Experience working within modular content structures and content reuse.
• Strong experience creating and editing illustrations for hardware manuals using Tech Illustrator, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to interpret complex mechanical drawings and 3D CAD data.
• Expertise in writing documentation in compliance with ASD-STE100.
• Proven experience improving the readability and translatability of content through STE.