Technical & Proposal Writer

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Department: Technical Writing and Communications

Reports To: Bids and Technical Writing Manager

Applied Information is a leading provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions, focused on making roads across the United States safer, more efficient, and more connected. Our products include the Glance® SaaS platform and a range of integrated hardware and software technologies that help cities and transportation agencies improve mobility, reduce response times, and enhance roadway safety.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in Cape Town and India, we are a global team united by a shared mission: building the future of intelligent transportation.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are looking for a skilled communicator and writer to join our Cape Town team as a Technical & Proposal Writer. This is a full-time, in-office role focused on creating clear, accurate, and compelling documentation that supports our products and helps us win public sector bids. 

The majority of your work will be product documentation: user guides, installation manuals, quick-start guides, and other materials that help customers and partners get the most out of our technology. The remainder will be proposal and bid writing: developing responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and other procurement opportunities.

This position requires excellent writing and communication skills, strong attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. You will work closely with our Bids and Technical Writing Manager (based in Cape Town) and collaborate daily with Subject Matter Experts, Product Owners, and Engineering teams across our US and India offices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Documentation

• Create and maintain product documentation for the Glance® SaaS platform and Applied Information’s hardware and software solutions, including user guides, installation manuals, quick-start guides, cut sheets, and training materials.

• Translate complex technical material into clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate content for a range of readers, from field technicians to city officials.

• Develop and update internal documentation, standard work instructions, and SOPs that support quality and training processes.

• Identify documentation gaps and proactively develop content to address them.

Bid & Proposal Writing

• Support the development and submission of responses to RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and other procurement opportunities.

• Draft technical content, executive summaries, methodologies, and supporting proposal documentation.

• Incorporate information from subject matter experts, engineers, and product teams to produce compliant, accurate, and compelling responses.

• Proofread and fact-check documentation for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with procurement requirements.

Bid Response Library & Process Improvement

• Build and manage a structured bid response library — cataloguing previous proposals and reusable content so future bids can be developed faster and more consistently.

• Contribute to the development of our AI-assisted proposal tools by helping to organise and structure the knowledge base that underpins them.

• Maintain proposal templates, content repositories, and version control processes across platforms such as Google Drive.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with your manager and US-based colleagues across multiple time zones, with adjusted working hours to support regular collaboration.

• Engage proactively with subject matter experts to source, validate, and update technical content.

• Ensure consistency in tone, structure, branding, and terminology across all written materials.

• Manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

EXPERIENCE

The following backgrounds have proven to be strong preparation for this role:

• Professional writing roles where precision, structure, and clarity were essential. For example, science writing, medical writing, legal or policy writing, grant writing, journalism, or research communication could provide good fits.

• Documentation or communications roles in technology, engineering, or public sector environments

• Academic or research roles involving substantial writing, editing, and information management

We’re specifically looking for:

• Excellent written English — clear, precise, and adaptable to different audiences and formats

• Strong research instincts: the ability to find information, ask the right questions, and know when you understand something well enough to write about it accurately

• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and consistency

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

• Intellectual curiosity and the confidence to learn new technical domains quickly

• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; comfort with document collaboration tools

QUALIFICATIONS

A degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Technical Communication, or a related field; alternatively, a technical degree (Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or similar) combined with strong professional writing experience. What matters most is your ability to write clearly, research independently, and communicate complex ideas simply.

3+ years of professional writing experience in any field where accuracy, structure, and clarity were essential. Specific experience in technical writing or proposal writing is an advantage.

PREFERRED

• Experience with technical or product documentation for software, SaaS, or hardware products

• Familiarity with government procurement processes, RFPs, or tender writing

• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Canva, or similar tools for creating visual documentation

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Produce high-quality, compliant proposal responses and technical documentation.

• Translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly content.

• Support the successful delivery of bids, tenders, and customer-facing documentation.

• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and professionalism across all documentation.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of documentation standards, processes, and content libraries.

PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Based in Cape Town, or willing to relocate at your own cost (relocation assistance is not provided).

• Reliable transport to and from our Bellville office. This is an in-office position.

• Comfortable working adjusted hours (later start and end times) to accommodate regular collaboration with US-based colleagues.

• Able to obtain a South African passport if you do not already hold one. The role includes occasional travel to the United States.

• Comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented office environment and proactively engaging with others to gather information.

WHY JOIN APPLIED INFORMATION?

At Applied Information, we are committed to making a measurable difference on roads across the United States — improving safety, mobility, and efficiency through cutting-edge transportation technologies.

We also strive to create a welcoming and inclusive work environment, bringing together diverse teams and perspectives from our offices in the USA, South Africa, and India. You’ll be part of a global team that values innovation, collaboration, and clarity — and that’s passionate about building the future of intelligent transportation systems.