Technical Writer Jobs for OPT Students
Technical Writer roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in English, communications, computer science, or information design. Most positions qualify under STEM OPT extension eligibility when tied to software documentation or engineering, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work.
See All Technical Writer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 106+ Technical Writer jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 106+ Technical Writer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Technical Writer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Date: Mar 25, 2026
Location: Denver, CO, US, 80202 Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Technical Writer & Documentation Specialist to create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for eBike systems. This role is critical in ensuring that OEM partners, dealers, service technicians, and end users have clear, accurate, and engaging information for integration, assembly, operation, and maintenance of our products.
The ideal candidate is familiar with standard bike interfaces, strong technical aptitude, and experience producing high-quality technical manuals, guides, and process documentation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Prototype Assembly Documentation
- Observe and document prototype and production assembly processes.
- Create step-by-step assembly guides, including photos, diagrams, and safety notes.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure accuracy.
2. OEM Integration Guidelines
- Develop clear, structured documentation guiding OEM partners on integrating our ebike systems into their bicycle platforms.
- Produce installation guides, compatibility documentation, cable routing instructions, and torque specifications.
- Regularly update documents as components evolve through the development lifecycle.
3. User Manuals
- Write and design user-friendly manuals for end consumers, covering product features, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Ensure manuals meet brand standards, regulatory requirements, and global readability expectations.
- Work with product managers and UX teams to refine clarity and visual layout.
4. Service Manuals
- Create detailed service and repair manuals for technicians, including diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component replacement steps, and calibration workflows.
- Coordinate with technicians to document troubleshooting flows and service bulletins.
- Maintain revision control and ensure documentation reflects current service processes.
Requirements and Preferred Skills
Required Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of experience as a Technical Writer, Documentation Specialist, or related role.
- Proven experience creating technical manuals, service guides, or assembly instructions.
- Strong ability to translate complex mechanical and electrical concepts into clear, accessible documentation.
- Excellent written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency with documentation tools such as:
- Adobe Illustrator / InDesign
- Markdown-based systems
- CAD-viewing tools for extracting visuals
- Microsoft Office and SharePoint
- Experience collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and product teams.
- Must be legally able to work in the United States without company visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience working with bicycles or eBikes, including mechanical assembly or maintenance.
- Familiarity with electric powertrains, wiring harnesses, sensors, controllers, and embedded systems.
- Experience with content management systems (CMS) and version control.
- Ability to capture high-quality process photos and annotate visual content.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple documentation projects simultaneously.
- Comfortable working in R&D environments and rapidly changing development cycles.
- Curious, proactive learner who enjoys understanding how mechanical and electrical systems work.
- Strong collaborator with clear communication style across technical and non-technical teams.
Join Us
If you are passionate about clear communication, excited by emerging eBike technologies, and enjoy working closely with engineering teams to tell the story of how products are built, integrated, and serviced - we’d love to hear from you.
PAY & BENEFITS
-
Full-Time
-
Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000
-
Relocation is not provided
-
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
-
Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
-
401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
-
Tuition Reimbursement
WHY GATES?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
Nearest Major Market: Denver

Date: Mar 25, 2026
Location: Denver, CO, US, 80202 Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Technical Writer & Documentation Specialist to create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for eBike systems. This role is critical in ensuring that OEM partners, dealers, service technicians, and end users have clear, accurate, and engaging information for integration, assembly, operation, and maintenance of our products.
The ideal candidate is familiar with standard bike interfaces, strong technical aptitude, and experience producing high-quality technical manuals, guides, and process documentation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Prototype Assembly Documentation
- Observe and document prototype and production assembly processes.
- Create step-by-step assembly guides, including photos, diagrams, and safety notes.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure accuracy.
2. OEM Integration Guidelines
- Develop clear, structured documentation guiding OEM partners on integrating our ebike systems into their bicycle platforms.
- Produce installation guides, compatibility documentation, cable routing instructions, and torque specifications.
- Regularly update documents as components evolve through the development lifecycle.
3. User Manuals
- Write and design user-friendly manuals for end consumers, covering product features, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Ensure manuals meet brand standards, regulatory requirements, and global readability expectations.
- Work with product managers and UX teams to refine clarity and visual layout.
4. Service Manuals
- Create detailed service and repair manuals for technicians, including diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component replacement steps, and calibration workflows.
- Coordinate with technicians to document troubleshooting flows and service bulletins.
- Maintain revision control and ensure documentation reflects current service processes.
Requirements and Preferred Skills
Required Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of experience as a Technical Writer, Documentation Specialist, or related role.
- Proven experience creating technical manuals, service guides, or assembly instructions.
- Strong ability to translate complex mechanical and electrical concepts into clear, accessible documentation.
- Excellent written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency with documentation tools such as:
- Adobe Illustrator / InDesign
- Markdown-based systems
- CAD-viewing tools for extracting visuals
- Microsoft Office and SharePoint
- Experience collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and product teams.
- Must be legally able to work in the United States without company visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience working with bicycles or eBikes, including mechanical assembly or maintenance.
- Familiarity with electric powertrains, wiring harnesses, sensors, controllers, and embedded systems.
- Experience with content management systems (CMS) and version control.
- Ability to capture high-quality process photos and annotate visual content.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple documentation projects simultaneously.
- Comfortable working in R&D environments and rapidly changing development cycles.
- Curious, proactive learner who enjoys understanding how mechanical and electrical systems work.
- Strong collaborator with clear communication style across technical and non-technical teams.
Join Us
If you are passionate about clear communication, excited by emerging eBike technologies, and enjoy working closely with engineering teams to tell the story of how products are built, integrated, and serviced - we’d love to hear from you.
PAY & BENEFITS
-
Full-Time
-
Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000
-
Relocation is not provided
-
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
-
Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
-
401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
-
Tuition Reimbursement
WHY GATES?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
Nearest Major Market: Denver
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Technical Writer
Lead with your documentation portfolio
Hiring managers for Technical Writer roles prioritize writing samples over resumes. Bring a portfolio with API docs, user guides, or structured content you've produced. A strong portfolio signals capability faster than credentials and reduces employer hesitation about OPT timelines.
Target companies with complex technical products
Software, biotech, and hardware companies have the highest demand for Technical Writers and are more accustomed to sponsoring work authorization. Employers building developer tools or regulated products depend on documentation quality and are more willing to invest in OPT talent.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
If your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 36-month OPT extension. Confirm this with your DSO before interviews so you can accurately tell employers how long you're authorized to work.
Highlight proficiency with documentation tools
Employers expect Technical Writers to know tools like MadCap Flare, Confluence, Oxygen XML, or Docs-as-Code workflows using Git. Listing these skills specifically addresses employer concerns about ramp-up time, which matters more when they're navigating OPT paperwork alongside onboarding.
Frame OPT as a low-barrier trial period
Some employers don't realize OPT requires no action from them during your authorization window. Explaining this directly, that you're already work-authorized and they face no filing burden upfront, removes a common objection before it becomes a reason to pass on your application.
Pursue roles with defined documentation scope
Job postings that list specific deliverables, release notes, API references, or onboarding guides, indicate a structured role with real documentation needs. These positions are more likely to extend to H-1B sponsorship because the employer has already quantified the value of the work.
Technical Writer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Technical Writer JobsSee all 106+ Technical Writer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Technical Writer roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Technical Writers in the U.S.?
Yes. Technical Writer is a recognized professional role that qualifies for F-1 OPT work authorization when it's directly related to your field of study. Degrees in English, communications, computer science, linguistics, or information design all commonly support eligibility. Your DSO can confirm the relationship between your specific degree and the role.
Do Technical Writer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information systems, or computational linguistics, and the Technical Writer role involves software or engineering documentation, it may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months. Confirm with your DSO and check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM list.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for Technical Writer roles?
Sponsorship exists but is less common than in engineering or data roles. Companies with large engineering teams, developer-facing products, or regulated industries like medical devices and aerospace are more likely to sponsor. Your strongest leverage is demonstrating clear documentation ROI during OPT, which makes the H-1B investment easier for employers to justify.
Where can I find Technical Writer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to hire on OPT. Browsing Technical Writer listings on Migrate Mate shows you roles where sponsorship history and OPT friendliness are already factored in, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never hired international students.
What degree fields do employers expect for a Technical Writer role on OPT?
The most common qualifying degrees are English, communications, technical communication, journalism, computer science, and information science. Some employers in software or engineering accept any writing-heavy degree paired with a strong portfolio. What matters most to USCIS and your DSO is that you can draw a clear connection between your coursework and the documentation work the role requires.
See which Technical Writer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Technical Writer Jobs