Aptive is seeking a full-time Technical Writer to support the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). The Technical Writer will be responsible for researching, writing, and editing a wide range of technical and communications products, from one-page fact sheets to complex research reports exceeding 500 pages. This role serves as a bridge between subject matter experts and diverse audiences, translating complex engineering and research concepts into clear, accurate, and accessible content that meets federal publishing standards.

The Technical Writer role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with previous experience in technical writing, editing, and publication support within a fast-paced government or research communications environment. This position needs an individual that is committed to providing superior service, poised under pressure and has a positive and flexible attitude.

This is a contingent hire position. Offers will be contingent upon client approval, ability to meet security requirements, and the ability to adhere to any on-site requirements (which may change at contract award).

Remote work is anticipated. However, occasional travel for client engagements may be required.

• Research, write, and edit original content for technical reports, magazine features, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, user manuals, and other research communications products.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, and subject matter experts to translate complex technical and engineering concepts into clear, accurate narratives for both technical and general audiences.
• Provide substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading across all stages of production, correcting grammar, spelling, style, punctuation, and logical flow.
• Verify technical accuracy through interviews, research, and fact-checking, ensuring tables, schematics, and figures are seamlessly integrated with the narrative text.
• Ensure all content conforms to the GPO Style Manual, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the TFHRC RD&T Communication Reference Guide.
• Maintain compliance with Section 508 accessibility requirements and manage copyright permissions and attributions for all written materials.
• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned documents and articles, from outline and interviews through multiple review cycles to final publication, while maintaining version control.
• Coordinate review and approval of written materials with designated FHWA contacts and, when necessary, external stakeholders.

• 5-10 years of professional experience in technical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Demonstrated expertise applying the GPO Style Manual and Chicago Manual of Style, and ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance.
• Experience in the transportation sector, particularly highway or surface transportation research, is highly preferred.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach to marketing trends and technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Experience supporting complex projects and transformation efforts within the federal government.
• Comfortability with supporting complex client relationships.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and work well with others.
• Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, and solutions logically both written and orally.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.