Technical Writer and Illustrator

Bend. Pak is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vehicle repair equipment, including automotive service lifts, parking lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, and other vehicle-service essentials. The Bend. Pak family of brands is recognized worldwide for quality. Team members work in a fast-paced, challenging environment that rewards initiative, passion, and hard work.

Many employees have built long-term careers with the company, advancing through the organization over more than twenty years. Bend. Pak supports professional growth by giving employees latitude to guide their development and by offering competitive base pay, strong benefits, a positive work environment, and career-development opportunities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Technical Writer and Illustrator converts complex technical data, engineering specifications, product layouts, and drawings into clear, concise, task-based instructions and illustrations for end users. This position collaborates with Product Development, Quality Control, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to develop, revise, edit, and design comprehensive installation and operation manuals.

The ideal candidate produces precise instructional content from primary source materials, applies ANSI Z535.6 standards, and works proficiently with word-processing and graphic-design software. KEY DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES Content Development, Graphic Design, and Compliance

• Analyze complex technical data, identify discrepancies, and recommend practical resolutions.
• Analyze and repair vendor sub-standard illustrations and/or diagrams.
• Write and revise technical publications while maximizing content reusability and efficiency.
• Apply ANSI Z535.6 standards to create appropriate section safety messages, embedded safety messages, and property-damage messages within user manuals and collateral materials.
• Improve existing documentation by analyzing engineering drawings, vendor sketches, service technician feedback, customer feedback, and physical product evaluations.
• Translate technical data and physical assemblies into high-quality visual illustrations and user-friendly instructions.
• Maintain and develop standardized templates, forms, style guides, and publication policies. Collaboration and Library Management
• Partner with Engineering, Drafting, Customer Service, and Field Technicians to guarantee documentation accuracy, safety compliance, and completeness.
• Facilitate the document review lifecycle by proofreading draft materials, analyzing stakeholder feedback, and integrating approved redlines.
• Maintain the technical documentation library by securely storing, systematically organizing assets, and by following formal change-control procedures.
• Track compliance using revision logs, historical archives, and structured technical specification data.
• Adjust priorities as business needs, project requirements, and deadlines change. Operational Support and Corporate Communication
• Create and distribute Technical Service Bulletins and formal revisions to communicate critical updates directly to service personnel and end users.
• Resolve documentation inquiries and product concerns raised by Engineering, Sales, and Customer Service.
• Manage technical publication projects independently, coordinate required inputs, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Complete other technical publication tasks as assigned by management. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) in Technical Communication, English, Instructional Design, or a related discipline preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent combined with substantial relevant professional experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in technical writing, copyediting, documentation review, and knowledge-repository development.
• Proven experience applying ANSI Z535.6 standards to consumer products, industrial equipment, product manuals, or labeling projects.
• Experience in the automotive equipment sector is highly advantageous.
• Professional certifications (such as CTP or CPTC) are preferred. Technical Competencies
• Excellent writing, grammatical, and editing skills across a range of formats and audiences.
• CAD and 3D Modeling: Proficient in Solid. Works or Solid. Works Composer.
• Graphic Design: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with emphasis on Illustrator, Photoshop, In. Design and Acrobat.
• Office and Document Management: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with advanced skills in Adobe PDF compilation and editing tools.
• Engineering Literacy: Ability to read and interpret mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical drawings and instructions. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Corporate Office
• Work primarily in a professional corporate office environment using computer systems and digital software.
• Sit for extended periods, walk, speak, and hear.
• Use close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and focus adjustment, when working with digital interfaces and evaluating technical materials. On-Site Warehouse Evaluations
• Travel occasionally to off-site warehousing facilities to conduct product research and complete practical training.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to industrial noise, moving machinery, and regulated chemicals.
• Stand, squat, engage in repetitive motions, and safely lift or move objects weighing between 40 and 50 lbs. during hands-on product assessments.