Technical Writer

Job Description

Suncast Corporation is the leading US-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and industrial markets. A privately held company headquartered in Western Chicago, Illinois, Suncast prides itself on 35 years of innovation and sustainability across a wide range of product categories with materials proudly sourced in the USA. Everything we do is supported by the strength and ingenuity of American workers and we are committed to helping families across the country make the most of their unique spaces. We utilize state-of-the-art machinery and innovative manufacturing techniques to consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality.

Summary :

The Technical Illustrator is responsible for developing and updating all product instruction manuals. The candidate will assist in overseeing relationships with print and other third-party suppliers to ensure we meet production deadlines. Interaction with various supporting departments (Purchasing, Legal, Customer Service, Sales, and Marketing) requires clear and proactive communication. A meticulous attention to detail is crucial, along with the ability to create visuals that communicate effectively.

Responsibilities :

The following duties are considered essential to this position. Other responsibilities may be assigned.

• Development of product instruction manuals and updating of existing manuals
• Manual content, planning and sequencing.
• Development of installation and operating instructions using isometric views with insets and bubbles as needed.
• Manual development for multiple languages utilizing internal and external translations resources.
• The ability to assemble and evaluate products to ensure manual accuracy and completeness.
• Partnering with the Purchasing Department for the evaluation and awarding of print and third-party illustrator contracts.
• Managing and monitoring supplier performance related to the creation, development, and printing of Suncast manuals.
• Ensuring that manuals are properly reviewed and approved, with sign-off, prior to printing.
• Manual revision management including tracking active revisions, in progress revisions, archiving of manuals.
• Stay informed and make recommendations on changes and trends related to product manuals.
• Integrate feedback from other business units to improve manuals.
• Prioritize manual creation and revisions to meet varied production deadlines.
• Support and comply with safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping methods.
• Ensure that manuals are compliant with product safety commission requirements and any other regulations.

Qualifications :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will divide his or her time between working on product assembly and evaluation in the manufacturing area or developing manuals in an office environment. The employee is required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, or kneel. The employee may need to occasionally lift and / or move up to 35 pounds. While writing reports the employee is required to sit, use a computer with a keyboard and mouse, talk, and hear. Vision requirements include ability for close vision so printed reports and computer screens can be read, distance vision, and the ability to focus. Color acuity is a plus.

Work Environment :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing these duties, the employee will spend part of his or her time in a manufacturing environment, and part of the time in an office environment. Manufacturing areas are subject to seasonal variations in temperature. Noise level is generally moderate for manufacturing. Safety equipment is required when in manufacturing areas. Typically, offices are climate controlled and have a moderate noise level for an office.

The Anticipated Pay Range for This Position : $80-95K annually

Suncast offers a comprehensive benefits package including :