Technical Writer

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

     

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Opportunity

At Abbott Molecular, we realize the potential of personalized care as the laboratory’s most trusted and preferred source for molecular diagnostic solutions. We are a division of Abbott Laboratories, a global, diversified healthcare innovator with a legacy of pioneering work in medical diagnostics.

Our location in Des Plaines, IL currently has an opportunity for a Technical Writer. This position will support MQ. The Technical Writer prepares technical documents in the forms of service manuals, instrument service advisories, technical service bulletins, and troubleshooting guides for diagnostic/non-diagnostic instruments. Additionally, they incorporate text, graphs, charts, tables, etc. in a clear and accurate manner. The Technical Writer confirms that data is presented in a clear, complete, accurate, and concise manner.

WHAT YOU’LL DO  

• Create technical written documentation in support of company’s medical device product lines. These documents will be used by our domestic and international field service, technical support, customer support and clinical applications personnel. These documents may include Service and Training Manuals, Labels, Technical Service Bulletins, and technical service procedures as required.
• Communicate with other writers, engineers, scientists, product managers, etc., to develop and understand technical content.
• Assist in document format and layout. 
• Prepares technical documents in the forms of service manuals, instrument service advisories, technical service bulletins, and troubleshooting guides for diagnostic/non-diagnostic instruments. Incorporates text, graphs, charts, tables, etc., in a clear and accurate manner.
• Confirms that data are presented in a clear, complete, accurate, and concise manner.
• Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the quality system.
• Serves as the technical writing representative on product teams.
• Coordinates all activities related to the preparation and compilation of data and information into a single comprehensive package for new and revised service manuals, instrument service advisories, technical service bulletins, and troubleshooting guides for diagnostic/non-diagnostic instruments.
• Communicates deliverables needed and writing process to team members.
• Assesses resource needs as timelines progress and communicates those needs to management.
• Utilizes format/style guidelines established by Global Service and Support (GSS). Obtains relevant product data and information.
• Converts relevant product data and information into a form that meets requirements.
• Assesses accuracy of information. Understands sources of information. Seeks out information to ensure complete documentation of all outputs.
• Uses Abbott Molecular documentation systems and databases.
• Explains data in a manner consistent with the target audience and regulatory requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING  

Required  

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Engineering, English, Journalism, or similar, is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exacting attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.

Preferred  

• 2+ years’ relevant professional experience in a related area such as R&D, Technical Product Support, or Medical/Technical Writing.
• Familiarity with word processing, flow diagrams, and spreadsheets.
• Good working knowledge of personal computer software programs in the Windows environment and familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe FrameMaker.
• Good interpersonal and team skills. Understands the need to critically review own work before sending out for internal/external review by team.

WHAT WE OFFER  

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer: 

• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance  
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans  

• Health care and well-being p