Technical Author Trainee

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Syntegon Kliklok International in Bristol is seeking a Technical Author Trainee to help create clear operation manuals for automated packaging machinery, translating complex engineering details into user friendly instructions for operators, technicians and maintenance staff. You will work closely with mechanical, electrical and software engineers, preparing content for multi format publishing and applying on brand typography. Key requirements include advanced Adobe Creative Cloud skills with InDesign expertise, strong English grammar, and the ability to simplify technical information, plus experience with templates, cascading styles and BOM or PLM exports where relevant. Desirable extras include graphic design, video and photography skills and localisation familiarity. To apply, tailor your CV with concrete manual examples, provide a portfolio, show cross functional collaboration, and email [email protected] or use the I am interested button.

Company Description

Together with 6,900 colleagues worldwide, we are the strategic lifecycle partner for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries. With seamless processes, innovative technologies, and sustainable solutions, we help our customers achieve their goals. For example, we ensure that vaccines are safely filled and that tablets can fully release their active ingredients. Your favorite chocolate and snacks are also sustainably packaged with our help.

Kliklok International Ltd., based in Bristol, UK is part of the Syntegon Group. We specialize in highly efficient and reliable secondary packaging machinery, with Syntegon technologies being used in industries such as bakery, snack, cereal, frozen and refrigerated foods, and confectionery.

Job Description

Are you a detail‑focused communicator with strong Adobe Creative Cloud skills and an interest in engineering and automation? As a Technical Author Trainee / Assistant you’ll support our Technical Author in creating clear, professional operation manuals for automated packaging machinery — translating complex engineering detail into user‑friendly documentation for operators, technicians and maintenance teams. This is a great opportunity to grow your technical writing craft while working closely with mechanical, electrical and software engineers.

Qualifications

Key responsibilities
You’ll help produce and maintain high‑quality documentation across the product lifecycle, working within established processes and templates.

• Assist in producing, editing and maintaining operation manuals and technical documentation tailored to operators, technicians and maintenance staff.
• Work within company templates and style guidelines to ensure consistent, on‑brand publications.
• Translate complex mechanical and automated system concepts into clear, task‑based instructions and procedures.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software engineering teams to gather, verify and clarify technical information.
• Prepare content for multi‑format publishing (interactive PDFs, ePub, print) and apply advanced typography and layout for professional output.

Essential skills & knowledge — core technical requirements
You’ll need strong Adobe CC expertise and a solid foundation in technical writing and multi‑format publishing workflows.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with expert‑level InDesign required; strong skills in Photoshop and Acrobat.
• Excellent command of English grammar, spelling and technical writing principles; ability to simplify complex information.
• Experience with page templates, InDesign (cascading) styles, object styles, advanced typography and multi‑format publishing workflows.
• Ability to produce detailed, production‑ready documentation and work with Bill‑of‑materials or PLM export requirements where applicable.
• Comfortable applying “design for readability”: clear structure, visuals and layout choices that support user tasks.

Communication & collaboration
You’ll be a bridge between engineering and end users, ensuring accuracy and usability of documentation.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interview engineers and validate technical content.
• Confident liaising with cross‑functional teams and following company branding and style guidelines.
• Ability to work in a collaborative engineering environment and adapt documentation to different audiences (operators, technicians, maintenance).

Desirable / bonus skills
These additional capabilities will help you stand out and add extra value to our documentation offerings.

• Graphic design skills (iconography, diagrams and layout refinement) to improve clarity and usability.
• Experience in filming and video post‑production (Adobe Premiere Pro) for how‑to and troubleshooting videos.
• Photography and advanced image editing in Photoshop to produce high‑quality visuals for manuals.
• Familiarity with technical translation/localisation workflows or content management systems is a plus.

Ideal candidate profile
We’re looking for someone eager to learn, meticulous and comfortable working in an engineering setting.

• Detail‑oriented and organised, able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining consistency and accuracy.
• Creative with a practical, hands‑on approach to solving documentation challenges.
• Enthusiastic about engineering design and automation with a willingness to learn technical concepts quickly.
• Strong team player who takes direction well and contributes positively to continuous improvement.

Additional Information

• Join a collaborative team where you’ll develop your technical‑writing skills and gain hands‑on engineering experience.
• On‑the‑job mentoring and development under an experienced Technical Author.
• Exposure to complex engineering projects in automation and packaging machinery.
• Opportunities to expand into multimedia documentation (video, interactive formats) and graphic design.
• A supportive, multidisciplinary environment with clear paths for professional growth.
• Competitive salary and benefits (details to be discussed during the hiring process).

Interested?
Click the “I’m interested” button! Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] — I’m happy to help.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.