Manager Technical Publications

Manager, Technical Publications

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.

• 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

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

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 governance
• Experience with CAD-to-illustration tool chains (PTC Creo Illustrate, Cortona3D, or Iso Draw) and 3D technical illustration
• Experience documenting internal-combustion engines, alternators, ATS/switch gear, energy storage systems, or grid-interactive equipment
• Experience integrating documentation with field-service platforms (e.g., Service Max, Salesforce Service Cloud) and dealer portals
• Experience managing translation/localization programs across 15+ languages, including TMS

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Working knowledge of ASD-STE
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