Technical Author - 18M FTC

We are offering an exciting opportunity be part of a growing team with a pipeline of exciting smart ticketing projects. The purpose of the Technical Author role is to meticulously craft and maintain technical documentation essential for the understanding, implementation, and adherence to digital ticketing standards within the RDG DTS ecosystem. Through clear and concise communication, the Technical Author ensures that stakeholders across the organisation and industry can effectively interpret and implement these standards, aiding interoperability, and innovation in digital ticketing systems. By distilling complex technical concepts into accessible documentation, the Technical Author plays a vital role in supporting compliance efforts, facilitating collaboration among teams, and ultimately enhancing the reliability and efficiency of digital ticketing standards.,

• Develop and maintain technical documentation within DTS projects, including industry ticketing standards, user guides, manuals, specifications, related to digital ticketing services within the RDG ecosystem.


• Collaborate with subject matter experts, engineers, and stakeholders to gather information and ensure accuracy and completeness of technical content.


• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and accessible documentation suitable for a diverse audience, including developers, engineers, and non-technical stakeholders.


• Adhere to documentation processes, standards, style guides, and templates to ensure consistency and professionalism across all documentation deliverables.


• Conduct thorough reviews and revisions of technical documentation to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with industry standards and best practices.


• Manage documentation version control, tracking revisions, updates, and changes to ensure traceability and accountability.


• Support compliance efforts by documenting and communicating relevant standards, regulations, and best practices to internal teams and external partners.


• Provide documentation support to cross-functional teams and external partners, including developers, testers, and project managers, throughout the software development lifecycle.


• Be aware of industry trends, emerging technologies, and changes in digital ticketing standards to ensure documentation remains relevant and up-to-date.


• Continuously improve documentation processes and practices by identifying opportunities for automation, streamlining workflows, and enhancing documentation tools and resources.
  
  Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Mathematics or related field, OR, equivalent professional experience.


• Prior experience in technical writing, documentation management, or content creation, preferably in the technology, transportation, or related industry.


• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear and concise documentation for diverse audiences.


• Excellent writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy and clarity.


• Proficiency in documentation tools and software, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or Markdown, and familiarity with version control systems.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts.


• Understanding of technical documentation principles and best practices, including information architecture, content organisation, and writing for usability.


• Strong attention to detail and a proactive attitude towards learning new technologies and techniques.


• Managing complex and time critical technical projects with multiple stakeholders.


• Experience in communicating technical requirements or technical issues to non-technical audiences.


• Desirable experience, skills and knowledge


• Although not essential, experience working with mobile based technologies is desirable.


• Familiarity with digital ticketing standards, technologies, and industry trends, such as ITSO, Barcode, smart card technology, and contactless payment systems.


• Although not essential, knowledge and understanding of rail systems.


• Although not essential, understanding of cloud-based systems such as AWS or Azure.


• Although not essential, experience of ITSO Smartcard Ticketing, broader smart ticketing technologies, and its application to public transport operating companies is desirable (e.g. RSPS3002)
  
  The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) brings together the companies that run Britain's railway into a single team with one goal - to deliver a better railway for passengers and their communities.


All the passenger and freight rail companies are members of the RDG, as well as Network Rail and HS2. RDG provides services and support to enable its members to succeed in transforming and delivering a successful railway, benefiting customers, taxpayers and the economy.

The Digital Ticketing Services (DTS) is part of RDG and provides an industry shared service to enable the use of smart ticket solutions by delivering a high performing back office service which enables a fully interoperable national smart ticketing system for now and the future.

The DTS will enable Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to deliver a fully interoperable service which allows their customers to travel seamlessly across Great Britain. The DTS will also enable TOCs to offer new/future smart ticketing solutions and the ability to increase intelligence on journeys through access to new data.


• 30 days annual leave


• 75% reduction on UK rail travel (for work and leisure) - more below


• Reduced international rail travel


• Interest free season ticket loan


• Contributory defined benefit pension scheme


• Give As You Earn scheme


• Subsidised private medical care


• Healthcare cash plan scheme


• Employee Assistance Programme scheme


• Flexible working


• 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (subject to eligibility)


• Personal Development Days


• Employees may sell up to a maximum of five days' leave. Employees can buy up to a maximum of five days' leave. These figures will be pro rata for part-time employees