University of Washington College of Engineering, Seattle, Washington
Ten years’ experience in technical writing and editing, producing aerospace and software documentation, process documentation, procedural guides, complex reports, knowledge base articles, and Web content. Areas of expertise include researching highly technical subjects, collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs), and crafting engaging content for lay and highly technical, internal and external audiences; managing projects and the documentation process, including planning, scheduling, implementation, and resource management; and ensuring compliance with standards and practices, including use of style guides and templates.
Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, Power Point (2003 and 2007); Publisher, Project, and FrontPage; MSTP; HTML and CSS; Adobe 3D; Microsoft HTML Help Workshop 1.3; Adobe Photoshop; Microsoft SharePoint 2003; Maximo 7; Salesforce; Windchill (PDMLink).
Technical Writer (contract): Isilon Systems/EMC
8/2010 - 12/2010
Edited and authored knowledge base articles on technical topics related to product information and problem resolution. Worked with members of the support team, field systems engineers, and product management to identify topics for articles, or to gather information for articles. Edited and proofread articles written by other members of the Global Services team. Audited existing articles for compliance to company style and content guidelines.
Technical Writer/Editor (contract):
City of Bellevue,
10/2009 - 7/2010
Technical Editor: Worked with division staff to formulate clear, concise, and compelling proposals for the City of Bellevue’s 2011-2012 outcome budget process. Teamed with Associate Director and other staff to draft new proposals, edit existing content, and manage proposal administration.
Technical Writer: Supported the City of Bellevue's Maximo 7 implementation by creating, editing, and maintaining documentation including testing scripts and user guides.
Created 250+ pages of user guide content, including 15 quick reference cards
(see sample here).
Technical Writer (contract):
Blue Origin, Kent, WA,
6/2008 – 2/2009
Using engineering drawings and 3D
CAD viewer, developed assembly and installation work instructions for an
experimental spaceflight vehicle. Included Manufacturing Planner duties.
Technical Writer:
Andrews Space, Inc., Seattle, WA,
03/2007 – 10/2008
Created proposals including
proofreading, editing, formatting, and expediting the proposal process.
Collaborated with project managers, SMEs, and directors to assist in
strategies, develop proposal text, and ensure quality and adherence to
delivery deadlines. Coordinated with SMEs to gather information for the
proposal. Participated in kickoff, solution, and status meetings.
Technical Writer (contract)
PEMCO Insurance,
06/2005 – 12/2005
Developed and implemented documentation set for a new IT processing
system. Interviewed staff, collected customer requirements, identified
existing resources, and documented processes and requirements.
Technical Writer III (contract): Windows Server User Assistance Team,
Microsoft
01/2005 – 03/2005
Developed online content and documentation set for
IT professionals to deploy, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot security in
a network infrastructure, focusing on network isolation and the IPSec
standard.
Program Manager/Technical Writer: Microsoft MSN Internet Access (MSNIA),
08/2002 – 09/2004
User assistance resource for a division of 120 employees on teams related to
reporting, program management, test, and development. Wrote and edited
technical documents and documentation plans. Managed project documents,
created document templates, and developed process maps.
Program and Technical Lead to develop division SharePoint document
management system. Initiated, researched, and made technical and
development proposals to stakeholders. Formulated functional
specifications.
Technical Writer (two contracts): MSN Internet Access
(MSNIA), Microsoft,
06/2001 – 08/2002
Wrote and edited an operations guide, troubleshooting guide, and converted
content to an online help file (.chm), and established processes and procedures for future
maintenance of the online help system.
Programmer/Writer, Technical Writer (two contracts): Boeing and
Microsoft,
07/2000 – 03/2001
Analyzed product
specifications, reviewed source code and test plans, and conducted
research to develop SDK documentation. Updated and edited documents supporting the
certification of Boeing's 777-300ER braking mechanism.
Web site Developer (project): Adolfson Associates, Inc. Seattle, WA
,
03/2000 – 08/2000
Developed Web site for Ballard environmental
consulting firm.
Science Payload Specialist and Webmaster
UW Aero/Astro Engineering Nanosat Project Seattle, WA,
01/1999 – 07/1999
Conducted research and wrote reports on the science payload
(ionosphere) component of the UW Dawgstar Nanosat project for a NASA
RFP. Led Web site design team in the development of the project site.
Program Assistant, Payroll/Personnel,
Seattle-King County Health Department,
1990 – 1997
Project lead for the implementation of a new payroll system. Worked with
programmers, reviewed code to ensure new program complied with labor union
contracts, and resolved compatibility issues. Wrote user manual and trained
40 payroll staff.
A list of courses taken for the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs at the UW School of Technical Communications is available here.
A list of courses taken for the Bachelor's degree program at the UW Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering is available here.