Technical Writer

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

Viasat’s Carlsbad Secure Network Systems (SNS) Department needs an experienced Technical Writer to assist in generating technical documents related to software/hardware, installation/operation/maintenance manuals, security configuration, network architecture, system interface, data flow, and other related to customer deliverables. Furthermore, the writer will assist in managing the subsequent products produced from those efforts (e.g., Agile, Perforce, etc.) and any repositories where such information is actively being worked or stored (e.g., Wiki pages, SharePoint, etc.).

The writer will lead documentation efforts with engineering support for various teams within the SNS group. Their primary focus will be to handle Program Manager and Engineering support requests and will use other Technical Publication team members for surge support when required. They will work out of Carlsbad, but be expected to support the SNS group at any Viasat location.

The writer will be embedded with the SNS group to achieve the Technical Publications team’s 80%-20% support goal; attaining an 80% solution with 20% engineering engagement. Embedding a writer allows them to build relationships, trust, and build historical knowledge so they can promptly and effectively engage in arising tasks. Their activities will largely be governed by the SNS group (i.e., SNS team members will directly interact with the writer, while the Technical Publications Manager will oversee adherence to Viasat standards, additional support requests, and general personnel related concerns).

The Technical Writer must have excellent written, interviewing, interpersonal, analysis, and software skills to gather and synthesize information from a variety of sources. The writer must be able to read, understand, maintain, and develop schematics, Solution Design Documents (SDD), Interface Control Documents (ICD), Subcontract Data Requirements Lists (SDRLs / Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs)), network architecture diagrams, security plans, proposals, presentations, and all variety of manuals.

• Provide SNS documentation support to increase engineering efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Establish documentation standards and ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., DoD, Mil, NIST, ISO, etc.).
• Provide graphic design and publication support.
• Provide configuration management and quality control.
• Analyze product specifications, use products, and work with subject matter experts.
• Perform other document release activities as needed (e.g., translations coordination, technical reviews, etc.).
• Test documentation deliverables against product functionality.

• 5-8 years of technical writing experience in the networking/software/hardware/cybersecurity space.
• Secret Clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience reading technical schematics.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise documentation for varying audiences.
• Experience working with assembly/sub-assembly build records.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and complex environment.
• Comfortable and effective working under pressure and practicing strong organizational skills when faced with multiple, time-sensitive priorities.
• Solid critical thinking, problem resolution, and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment; taking photos and notes in constrained areas.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
  Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite;
  Photoshop and Illustrator.

This is an onsite role based in Carlsbad, CA