OPT Technical Writer Jobs
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.
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Get Access To All JobsDescription Overview
The Technical Writer is responsible for the development, creation, and revision of controlled documentation using the OpenText System in accordance with Perrigo policies and procedures and current GMP practices. The Technical Writer will partner with Quality department, other cross functional managers/supervisors, and engineers to ensure that controlled documents being revised contain the correct information. Additionally, the role will provide support for maintaining the Learning Management System (LMS).
The salary range for this role is between $75,000 to $80,000.
Scope of the Role
- Support/Train functional departments and subject matter experts in the creation and revision of the following cGMP documentation to optimize processing and ensure alignment with current practices utilizing the OpenText system:
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Standard Work Instructions
- Training Completion Statements
- Job Aids
- Controlled Forms
- Execute tasks associated with LMS administration, including but not limited to the creation and maintenance of:
- Creates and maintains GMP curricula, courses, and items.
- Enter training records in the LMS system or using the ATA system.
- Generate and track the audit of each curriculum working with department heads or curriculum owner.
- Provides training reports, training material and metrics as requested for compliance to support FDA audit, internal/external audit and miscellaneous requests.
- Recognizes and resolves training discrepancies, reaches out to Global training and communicates corrective action to affected personnel.
- Review cGMP documentation for standardized formatting, technical accuracy, clarity, grammar, and spelling.
- Select and edit images/videos (photographs, diagrams, technical drawings) to enhance training materials.
- Files all training documentation (hard copy) and provides general administrative support for the department as required.
- Excellent understanding and working knowledge of PC and Microsoft applications (Microsoft Office) and presentation tools (PowerPoint).
- Details oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines as well as strong interpersonal and team building skills.
- Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
- Administration duties:
- Member of the site committees.
- Ordering supplies/decorations, lunches, catering.
- Utilizing the RedZone system to post communication, recognition and site event.
- Oversee the Company store, working with Operations, Manufacturing and Warehouse with scheduling of employees.
Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 2 or more years of relevant systems experience required in a regulated industry, preferably in Life Sciences.
- Learning Management System (LMS).
- Understands the application of GMP concepts and understands 'why' behind the regulations.
- Possesses basic technical knowledge and background in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of OpenText, Microsoft suite, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint.
Description Overview
The Technical Writer is responsible for the development, creation, and revision of controlled documentation using the OpenText System in accordance with Perrigo policies and procedures and current GMP practices. The Technical Writer will partner with Quality department, other cross functional managers/supervisors, and engineers to ensure that controlled documents being revised contain the correct information. Additionally, the role will provide support for maintaining the Learning Management System (LMS).
The salary range for this role is between $75,000 to $80,000.
Scope of the Role
- Support/Train functional departments and subject matter experts in the creation and revision of the following cGMP documentation to optimize processing and ensure alignment with current practices utilizing the OpenText system:
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Standard Work Instructions
- Training Completion Statements
- Job Aids
- Controlled Forms
- Execute tasks associated with LMS administration, including but not limited to the creation and maintenance of:
- Creates and maintains GMP curricula, courses, and items.
- Enter training records in the LMS system or using the ATA system.
- Generate and track the audit of each curriculum working with department heads or curriculum owner.
- Provides training reports, training material and metrics as requested for compliance to support FDA audit, internal/external audit and miscellaneous requests.
- Recognizes and resolves training discrepancies, reaches out to Global training and communicates corrective action to affected personnel.
- Review cGMP documentation for standardized formatting, technical accuracy, clarity, grammar, and spelling.
- Select and edit images/videos (photographs, diagrams, technical drawings) to enhance training materials.
- Files all training documentation (hard copy) and provides general administrative support for the department as required.
- Excellent understanding and working knowledge of PC and Microsoft applications (Microsoft Office) and presentation tools (PowerPoint).
- Details oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines as well as strong interpersonal and team building skills.
- Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
- Administration duties:
- Member of the site committees.
- Ordering supplies/decorations, lunches, catering.
- Utilizing the RedZone system to post communication, recognition and site event.
- Oversee the Company store, working with Operations, Manufacturing and Warehouse with scheduling of employees.
Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 2 or more years of relevant systems experience required in a regulated industry, preferably in Life Sciences.
- Learning Management System (LMS).
- Understands the application of GMP concepts and understands 'why' behind the regulations.
- Possesses basic technical knowledge and background in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of OpenText, Microsoft suite, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint.
See all 93+ OPT Technical Writer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa sponsorship because the employer has already quantified the value of the work.
Technical Writer OPT: Frequently 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.