Manager Technical Publications

## Manager Technical Publications Apply locations:
Waukesha, WI - USAtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Yesterday job requisition :
JR14806#
** We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.
** For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.  Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?# The
** Manager, Technical Publications
** leads the development, and delivery of technical documentation supporting Generac's residential, commercial, and industrial power-generation products across global markets. This role owns the end-to-end documentation lifecycle, from authoring and illustration through translation, publishing, and post-release maintenance, for operator manuals, installation guides, service literature, illustrated parts catalogs (IPCs), service bulletins, and digital content. The manager directs an in-house team of technical writers, illustrators, and content specialists who author and illustrate within PTC Windchill and Arbortext;

coordinates the external translation/localization vendor that delivers multi-language versions; and partners with Engineering, Product Management, Service, Compliance, and Legal to ensure documentation is accurate, safe, compliant with global regulatory standards, and optimized for dealer, installer, and end-user audiences# #
** Major Responsibilities
*** Leads, mentors, and develops a team of technical writers, editors, and content specialists
* Sets priorities, manages workloads, and ensures timely delivery of documentation projects
* Establishes best practices, standards, and processes for content creation and governance
* Defines and executes the technical publications strategy aligned with business goals
* Develops and maintains documentation standards, style guides, and templates
* Ensures consistency, accuracy, and clarity across all technical content
* Drives adoption of structured authoring, content reuse, and modular documentation practices
* Oversees creation of product manuals, service documentation, user guides, release notes, and knowledge base articles
* Collaborates with engineering, product management, service, and support teams to gather and validate content
* Coordinates the end-to-end translation and localization program with the external language services vendor, covering operator, installation, and service literature across all markets where Generac products are sold
* Utilizes and optimizes platforms such as PTC Windchill (PLM) and Arbortext (structured authoring and publishing)
* Evaluates and implements new tools and technologies (e.g., AI-assisted authoring, content automation)
* Manages documentation workflows and controls while ensuring adherence to regulatory, legal, and industry standards
* Oversees quality assurance and documentation effectiveness by implementing audits, feedback loops, and data-driven performance monitoring#
** Minimum

Job Requirements
**** Education
* ** Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related technical field (equivalent demonstrable experience documenting mechanical/electrical systems considered)
** Work Experience
*** 7 years of progressive experience in technical documentation for engineered products, with 5+ years in a regulated or safety-critical industry (power generation, automotive, heavy equipment, industrial machinery, aerospace, or similar)
* 5 years of direct people-management experience leading writers, illustrators, or content teams
* Demonstrated ownership of the full documentation lifecycle: authoring, illustration, review, translation, publishing, and revision control
* Hands-on experience with structured authoring in XML (DITA and/or S1000D) and a component content management system (CCMS)
* Proven track record managing cross-functional delivery with Engineering, Product Management, and Service organizations
* Demonstrated experience coordinating external translation/localization vendors, including SOW management, SLA enforcement, and translation memory governance
* Budget and vendor management experience, including translation/localization vendors
** Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
*** Familiarity with ISO/IEC 82079-1 (preparation of instructions for use) and ISO 20607 (machinery instruction handbooks)
* Leadership and team development
* Strategic thinking and planning
* Strong written and verbal communication
* Content architecture and information design
* Project management and prioritization
* Attention to detail and quality focus
* Data-driven decision making#
** Preferred

Job Requirements
**** Education
* ** Master's degree in Technical Communication, Engineering, or related field
** Work Experience
*** Hands-on experience with PTC Windchill (PLM) and PTC Arbortext Editor / Publishing Engine in a production environment
* Experience with S1000D and/or DITA at scale, including module reuse strategy and BREX/specialization…