Senior Writer/Editor

About the role

Do you love to address structural challenges in writing and craft words and paragraphs that engage the reader? Would you like to work with leaders in the fields of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) on projects that matter to the Department of War (DoW), government agencies, and private industry? Are you enthusiastic about copyediting, style guides, and quality control?

We’re looking for a Senior Writer/Editor to join our Technical Communications team at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) to manage content for reports, the SEI website, blogs, news stories, and presentations. You will collaborate with SEI researchers, engineers, and other subject-matter experts through all stages of the writing process from inception to completion.
 

What you’ll do

• Edit formal technical reports. Tailor your work for each project—from substantive editing, to copyediting, to proofreading—depending on project requirements, schedule, and budget.
• Write technical news and feature articles for the SEI website, Year in Review, and other communication channels.
• Collaborate with technical staff to write blog posts about technical topics.
• Write and edit brief articles and marketing materials.
• Write and edit web content, video scripts, and content for other electronic media.
• Work with SEI Communication Design, Web Services, Public Relations, and Outreach teams on publications, presentations, web pages, information graphics, and event materials.
• Plan, manage, schedule, and track your project tasks.
   

Who you are

• You have at least five years of experience in writing and editing.
• You have excellent document planning, writing, substantive editing, and copyediting skills.
• You are committed to customer service for subject-matter experts, but you are also a strong advocate for their readers.
• You have a keen eye for detail and a strong focus on quality and adherence to a style guide.
• You have strong organizational, time management, and project management skills and can prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• You have the social skills to interview subject-matter experts or work closely with them to plan and develop written technical materials.
• You have significant experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• You can work with minimal or no supervision, but you also participate in team decision making.
• You are willing to travel within the SEI and CMU community—and occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings—to support the SEI’s mission (<5%).
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.
   

You might also have experience in

• an academic or technical research setting
• marketing writing for a technical or DoD audience
• coordinating with others to meet service-level agreements for projects
• issue- and project-tracking software
• website content-management systems
• accessibility or 508 compliance
• learning a markup language or using LaTeX or other document-preparation systems
   

How to apply
 

With your resume, please also upload

• a short article or marketing piece that demonstrates your writing skills
• a text sample that demonstrates the impact of your editing skills, via tracked changes, redlining, or first/final versions (or a second writing sample)
   

A cover letter is optional but can expand on your work history and explain how it aligns with the job description.
 

Who we are

Always focused on the future, the SEI advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the DoD and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering. Learn more about Careers at the SEI.
 

The Technical Communications team helps the SEI’s subject-matter experts inform our sponsor and the public about the research, methods, products, and services developed at the SEI.
 

Our benefits

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, the SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits to help you live well, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, and a generous PTO and retirement-savings policy to name a few. 
 

To learn more, visit these resources:

• Why Carnegie Mellon: Learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 
• Benefits at a Glance: Get a listing of all employee benefits.
• Staff Member Benefits: Get detailed information about benefits for employees who are not faculty. 

Why work here?

• Work with subject-matter experts doing cutting-edge research to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
• Join an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly team.
• Get an 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan, without having to contribute yourself.
• Get tuition benefits for you and your dependent children to attend classes at CMU.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with a flexible work arrangement.
• Get access to university resources such as campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
• Enjoy annual professional-development opportunities to attend conferences and training or get a certification.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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