Documentation engineers can do a variety of things, but their primary responsibility is to write and coordinate all of the documentation required for a project. The work usually entails a lot more than simple filing and paperwork; the “engineering” part of the title denotes that this person is in charge of designing a system in which all of the documentation, filing, and required documents work together to meet the larger organization’s goals efficiently and completely. Working closely with various departments to ensure that technical information about a product is recorded clearly and accurately, as well as the preparation of schedules, contracts, and marketing materials, are examples of this. These engineers work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, and computer software, and the job description varies depending on the industry. Regardless of the context, a document engineer must have a thorough understanding of the products he or she is documenting, and education in a related field, such as engineering or computer science, is frequently required.
Job Conceptualization
Most companies and businesses today have a large number of paper-based files, and keeping them organized and precise can be difficult. A documentation engineer can assist in the design and implementation of systems for keeping this information available and up-to-date for both internal and external users.
Administrators and secretaries can handle some internal paperwork, but they usually work within a pre-determined framework of best practices and filing protocols. Document engineers are usually the ones who come up with these overarching structures in the first place. Engineers sometimes work full-time for companies, as is common in large multinational corporations. They’re also occasionally hired on a contract basis, usually to set up a working system and train employees on how to use it. Engineers who do this type of work are frequently employed large corporations or consulting firms.
The Most Important Responsibilities
The document engineer can perform the many different duties required in this job combining specific engineering knowledge with experience in a specific industry. Coordination of all paperwork and other materials related to project documentation is one of the main responsibilities. Engineering drawings, product specifications and modifications, and production schedules are examples of these documents. The engineer may also be required to examine all aspects of the design and manufacturing process in order to determine what type of documentation is needed at different stages of the project.
Contract Modification and Review
This person’s core responsibilities may also include contract review and modification. Government regulations may require that specific processes or methods be recorded or documented along the way as a project is started. A company that manufactures fuel tanks for a spacecraft, for example, might be required to provide documentation of the materials, manufacturing processes, and inspection procedures used during production. In the event that a tank fails to perform as expected, this documentation allows technicians and engineers to go back and find problems in the design or manufacturing processes. The engineer examines the contract details and makes any necessary changes to ensure that the item’s design and manufacture meet the contract’s requirements.
Communication Skills are Critical
Working with people from various disciplines, as well as customers in some cases, necessitates excellent communication skills. Very complex systems must often be explained in a clear and concise manner. Depending on the industry, the job may entail maintaining documentation for how-to guides, release notes, installation guides, and other technical documentation. Because this documentation is increasingly being kept in an electronic format, familiarity with such systems is usually required.
Education and Training Requirements
Most employers expect documentation engineers to have a bachelor’s degree in the engineering discipline that is most relevant to their industry. A company that runs a large manufacturing operation, for example, will almost certainly require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, whereas a company that makes computer software will almost certainly prefer a degree in computer science or software engineering. A master’s degree in business or management may be required for those who want to advance to upper management positions. Documentation engineers are typically well-versed in the engineering and technology used to design and manufacture the equipment required for various processes.