Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Technical Author to develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation that supports the installation, testing, operation and maintenance of electrical systems aboard Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other marine vessels.
The successful candidate will translate complex engineering information into clear, accurate and practical documentation that enables shipyard personnel, electrical fitters, commissioning engineers and end users to safely install and operate equipment in accordance with customer, quality and regulatory requirements.
A military background, ideally Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is highly desirable (but not essential) due to the operational environment and the need to understand naval vessel systems, terminology and installation practices.
Candidate Benefits Summary
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting some of the UK’s most important naval and marine engineering projects. Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers and installation teams, you will help translate complex electrical designs into practical documentation that enables successful installation and commissioning on board Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels. The role offers a unique blend of engineering, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement, providing exposure to varied marine projects while allowing you to utilise your operational and technical experience. For candidates from a Royal Navy, RFA or defence-sector background, this is an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge in a civilian engineering environment while remaining close to the naval industry. With a competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000, development opportunities and a collaborative team environment, the role provides both challenge and long-term career stability within a growing defence-focused business.
Key Responsibilities
* Produce installation, operation and maintenance manuals for marine electrical systems.
* Develop work instructions, installation procedures and technical specifications.
* Create ship and submarine electrical installation guides from engineering drawings, schematics and design packages.
* Produce commissioning, testing and inspection procedures.
* Generate technical data packs for customer approval and platform integration.
* Review engineering change requests and update documentation accordingly.
* Work closely with design engineers, project managers and production teams to ensure documentation accurately reflects the latest designs.
* Ensure documentation complies with customer, defence and quality management requirements.
* Support configuration control of controlled documents and technical records.
* Participate in design reviews, production readiness reviews and customer meetings where documentation support is required.
* Capture lessons learned from installation teams and incorporate improvements into future documentation.
Key Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
* Ability to interpret and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules and engineering drawings.
* Working knowledge of marine electrical systems, power distribution, control systems and equipment installation practices.
* Experience creating technical documentation from engineering design information.
* Understanding of installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance activities within shipbuilding, refit or defence environments.
* Competent user of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio, Autocad.
* Familiarity with document control and configuration management processes.
* Ability to produce clear, concise and technically accurate documentation suitable for engineers, installers and end users.
Industry Knowledge
* Understanding of Royal Navy and/or Royal Fleet Auxiliary operating environments.
* Familiarity with naval vessel and submarine modification projects.
* Appreciation of defence-sector quality standards and customer requirements.
* Knowledge of shipyard installation practices and electrical safety requirements.
* Understanding of engineering lifecycle documentation and technical data packs.
Communication Skills
Excellent written communication with a strong command of technical English.
Ability to translate complex engineering information into practical, user-friendly instructions.
Confidence engaging with engineers, project managers, production teams and customers.
Strong proofreading, editing and review capabilities.
Personal Attributes
Methodical and highly organised.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
Practical, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Professional and confident communicator with the ability to challenge and verify technical information when necessary.
Essential Experience
Previous experience creating technical documentation within engineering, marine, defence or industrial sectors.
Strong understanding of electrical systems and engineering drawings.
Experience interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, general arrangement drawings and equipment data sheets.
Excellent written English and document control skills.
High level of attention to detail.
Ability to engage confidently with engineers, production staff and customers.
Desirable Experience
Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary or other military engineering background.
Experience working on naval vessels, submarines or dockyard projects.
Knowledge of maritime electrical installation practices.
Experience supporting MOD or defence contracts.
Understanding of marine standards and naval shipbuilding documentation.
Experience with configuration management and controlled documentation systems.
Familiarity with submarine or surface ship electrical distribution systems.
Security clearance or ability to obtain clearance.
Typical Deliverables
* Installation instructions and technical manuals.
* Operator guides and maintenance manuals.
* Test procedures, Factory Acceptance Test documentation and Site Acceptance Test documentation.
* Commissioning procedures and inspection records.
* Wiring and cable installation guides.
* Configuration control records and equipment technical files.
* Submarine and surface ship modification packs.
What We Offer
Competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000 per annum.
Opportunity to work on Royal Navy, RFA and defence-sector programs.
Varied and interesting projects involving ships, submarines and marine infrastructure.
Close collaboration with experienced engineering and project delivery teams.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Supportive and flexible working environment.
Long-term career prospects within a growing engineering business.
Opportunity to influence engineering standards and documentation excellence across the organisation.
Medical and dental cover ( qualifying period)
Pension
Hybrid role
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in candidates who have served in the Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Auxiliary in an engineering, electrical, weapons engineering or technical support role and who have developed a strong understanding of how engineering systems are installed, tested and maintained on operational vessels.
This role would suit an individual looking to combine their technical and operational knowledge with strong written communication skills to support the delivery of critical naval and marine engineering projects.
Why This Role Matters
This role sits at the critical interface between engineering design and successful installation on board naval vessels. The quality of the documentation produced directly affects installation efficiency, safety, commissioning success and customer satisfaction
Salary description
£45000.00 - £50000.00 per year