A technical author plays a key role within an organisation in terms of providing technical communication for diverse audiences. They may work as freelance professionals or for government or private organisations and are often referred to as technical writers.
The main duties of a technical author include, preparing development guides and specifications for engineers, medical journals, technical documents, and online help files. The job holder is expected to interview experts in their field to establish best-practice methods and then mentor and train those professionals who are less experienced in the specific area of expertise.
The job holder is expected to possess an excellent attention to detail, technical aptitude and technical writing skills. The ability to communicate in clear, concise language is paramount for this role.
Most employers require a Bachelors degree with a focus on English, communication or journalism. It is also beneficial to be proficient in a foreign language.
The average salary for this role is £25,000, however, it is possible to earn in excess of £30,000.