Technical Writer Jobs in Illinois

Job Title:
Technical Report Writer

Location:
Granite City, IL (St. Louis Metro Area)

FLSA Classification

Non-exempt

Job Description:
Orbital is seeking a Technical Report Writer to support Asset Integrity program for a local client.

In this role, you will transform field inspection data, engineering evaluations, and asset condition assessments into professional client deliverables that help owners make informed decisions regarding safety, reliability, maintenance, repair, and capital planning activities.

Working closely with inspectors, engineers, construction personnel, project managers, and program managers, you will ensure reports are completed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with Orbital quality standards, client requirements, and contractual commitments.

This position is ideal for an organized and detail-oriented individual who possesses strong technical writing skills and enjoys supporting complex infrastructure and industrial asset management programs.

Essential Functions

Technical Report Development

• Develop professional technical reports using Orbital's inspection databases, reporting platforms, and document management systems.
• Convert field observations, inspection findings, engineering recommendations, and repair actions into client-ready deliverables.
• Ensure consistency in report formatting, terminology, graphics, and presentation across all business units.
• Review and edit reports for accuracy, completeness, grammar, readability, and technical consistency.
• Coordinate report revisions and incorporate review comments from inspectors, engineers, and project managers.

Data Management and Documentation

• Organize, prioritize, and manage incoming field notes, inspection forms, photographs, sketches, and engineering documents.
• Verify that inspection data and supporting documentation are complete prior to report generation.
• Assist with maintaining document templates, reporting standards, and quality control checklists.
• Maintain organized electronic project files and records.
• Support document retention and project closeout activities.

Graphics and Technical Illustrations

• Develop technical sketches, markups, exhibits, and deficiency location drawings using AutoCAD, Bluebeam, GIS tools, or Orbital reporting systems.
• Incorporate photographs, figures, and supporting graphics into technical reports.
• Prepare condition maps, repair exhibits, and asset-specific visual documentation.
• Assist inspection and engineering teams with development of technical figures and presentation materials.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Perform QA/QC reviews of technical reports before issuance.
• Verify consistency between field documentation, engineering recommendations, repair priorities, and final report content.
• Ensure compliance with Orbital's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Identify missing information, inconsistencies, or technical discrepancies and coordinate resolution with project teams.
• Support continuous improvement of report-writing processes and deliverable standards.

Project Coordination and Support

• Coordinate with inspectors, field personnel, engineers, project managers, and office managers to meet project deadlines.
• Monitor report schedules and support on-time delivery of contractual deliverables.
• Communicate report status and workload priorities to management.
• Assist with proposal preparation, example deliverables, and marketing materials as requested.
• Provide support during emergency response inspections and accelerated reporting assignments.

Technology and Digital Platforms

• Utilize Orbital's web-based inspection databases, digital inspection platforms, GIS solutions, and document management systems.
• Support migration and organization of digital inspection data.
• Assist with development and maintenance of report templates and automated reporting tools.
• Participate in implementation of digital workflow improvements across the Asset Integrity organization.

Other Duties

Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of technical writing, report preparation, engineering documentation, inspection reporting, construction documentation, or related experience.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working within document management systems and digital reporting platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Communications, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience supporting engineering, inspection, construction, infrastructure, utility, steel, mining, power generation, manufacturing, or asset management organizations.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, GIS platforms, Adobe Acrobat, or technical illustration software.
• Familiarity with Asset Integrity, Asset Management, Mechanical Integrity (MI), or Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs.
• Experience writing structural, mechanical, civil, or industrial inspection reports.
• Familiarity with QA/QC procedures and document control systems.
• Experience working with databases and web-based inspection platforms.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, inspection forms, and technical specifications.

Location Note:
This is an on-site or hybrid position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

Salary Range:
$21.00 - 31.00 hourly / $45,000-65,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits:
A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability coverage, company-paid maternity and bonding leave, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital:
Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands-on mentality, and world-wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best-practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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