Technical Communicator Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

ECHO Incorporated is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance, professional-grade, handheld outdoor power equipment. With distributors and thousands of dealers across North and South America, ECHO is constantly anticipating the future of the outdoor power equipment industry and the need for environmental sustainability. Working for ECHO means joining a team of people who are committed to collaboration, innovation, creativity, and high-quality products that make us a globally competitive brand.

ECHO is hiring a Technical Publications Manager! This role will lead a collaborative team of Technical Writers and oversee technical document development, content management, and web management for all technical publications. The Technical Publications Manager supports service and consumer-facing literature across ECHO Inc.’s North and South American dealer and distributor network. In addition, this position will partner with ECHO and Yamabiko Japan authoring teams to drive and implement an enterprise-level content strategy. This position offers a salary range of $110,000–$125,000, based on experience and qualifications.

This is a hybrid position that will offer the flexibility of working from home and on-site at our Lake Zurich facility.

ECHO’s benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays
• Extremely affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid PTO
• 5% 401K match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of technical writers, including hiring, coaching, goal setting, and performance management.
• Establish team objectives, goals, and performance metrics to drive engagement and productivity.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance content quality and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, SOPs, and process maps.
• Evaluate current authoring tools and research emerging technologies within the publications industry.
• Define and execute strategic plans for content management and authoring tools (e.g., XML/DITA, CMS).
• Partner with Yamabiko Japan and ECHO authoring teams to align best practices, responsibilities, and market requirements.
• Manage and execute cross-functional projects supporting technical publications.
• Participate in product development and product launch meetings.
• Serve as a key stakeholder for technical literature across all new product development and launch initiatives.
• Oversee publication schedules to ensure alignment with product launches, engineering changes, and release timelines.
• Collaborate with outsourced suppliers to review, modify, and standardize (“ECHOize”) CAD drawings and artwork.
• Ensure all publications meet compliance, safety, style, format, and market requirements.
• Manage translation processes, including vendor selection, performance, and cost negotiations.
• Respond to inquiries from distributors, dealers, field teams, and customers regarding technical documentation and parts.
• Oversee translation, printing, and digital publication of materials, including electronic parts catalogs.
• Manage vendor relationships, including purchase orders and invoice approvals.
• Support financial planning by participating in budget reviews and managing departmental expenses.

Job Experience/Skills:

• Experience with desktop publishing, structured content, XML/DITA, and content management systems (CMS).
• Strong project management experience.
• Analytical mindset with solid problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective leadership and strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior management experience preferred.
• Proven project management experience required.
• Technical background in small engines, automotive, or related industries.
• Experience with enterprise system integration preferred.
• Ability to operate effectively within a global, matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated ability to influence at the executive level.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a technical field and or related field or equivalent.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status.

E-Verification:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.