Al Thompson
Technical Writer
Beaverton,OR
Summary
Using technology to convey thought.
Efficient Technical Writer with over 25 years of experience. Extensive understanding of technical research and updating records. Adept at distribution and adaptation to audiences.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Writer
Applied Materials (Contract)
01.2022 - Current
- I developed a set of installation guides for the Applied Materials Facilities Task Force
- This project developed 40 step-by-step procedures for installing a variety of semiconductor manufacturing facilities tools
- In addition, I initiated document development policies and procedures that reduced the development time by 35%.
Technical Writer/Course Developer
Bureau of Land Management (Contract)
07.2015 - 03.2016
- I updated the electronic documentation and Help files for the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Resources Information System (FRIS)
- The FRIS software suite includes the Timber Sale Information System (TSIS), the Stewardship Contracting Information Database (SCID), and related utilities for financial and reporting functions
- In addition, I supported the development of an online training course for the software applications included in the software suite.
Technical Writer
Kaiser NW (Contract)
03.2015 - 07.2015
- I developed a complete set of procedures for the claim’s approval process
- Established MS Word document templates and created a document process tracking system
- I created a SharePoint site for new policy development and established a system that allowed RNs and MDs to access claims and process them for fraud, medical necessity, and accuracy.
Editor/Copywriter
Razorfish (Contract)
09.2014 - 03.2015
- I functioned as a consultant editor/copywriter for this advertising agency while developing the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) website
- In this role, I was the technical consultant for a group of less sophisticated copywriters
- HPE focuses on developing businesses for networking, cloud computing, servers, and flash storage.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes, and approved final versions for publication.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards.
- Communicated directly with writers to collaboratively assess work and guide editorial improvements.
Technical Writer
The Standard Insurance (Contract)
04.2014 - 09.2014
- Updated process flow diagrams for the new policy creation system
- Developed a complete set of procedures related to the policy creation process
- Created a SharePoint site for new policy development and established a system that allowed underwriters and support personnel to track policy creation and view the related procedure for each milestone in the policy creation process.
Technical Writer
Cambia Health Solutions (Contract)
02.2010 - 04.2014
- Developed a complete set of procedures for this recognized leader in the healthcare industry
- The procedures covered handling vendor payables, provider payables, the activities of payable leads and specialists, and corporate credit card activities
- The procedures were produced in MSWord as electronic manuals
- In addition, I developed a process for creating future documentation and updating the existing procedures
- A system for document control was also developed.
Technical Writer/Course Developer
Bureau of Land Management (Contract)
11.2007 - 02.2010
- I developed the electronic documentation set for the Bureau of Land Management/Department of the Interior Forest Resources Information System (FRIS) migration from a server-based system to a web-based application
- The FRIS software suite includes the Timber Sale Information System (TSIS), the Stewardship Contracting Information Database (SCID), and related utilities for financial and reporting functions
- In addition, I supported the development of an online training course for the software applications included in the software suite.
Publications Manager /Trainer
VTech Telephones (Staff)
11.2007 - 02.2010
- I developed and updated user documentation and customer training for this business, residential, and VOIP telephones manufacturer—coordinated efforts with the technical writing staff based in Hong Kong and Dongguan, China
- In addition, I supervised a reorganization of the publications process that reduced the document development cycle by six weeks
- In addition, I created illustrations and artwork using Adobe Illustrator, Visio, and Photoshop in this position.
Education
MBA (Organizational Development) -
University of Phoenix
BSBA (Organizational Development) - undefined
San Jose State University
Computer Science - undefined
Control Data Institute
Certified Project Manager - undefined
Portland State University
Skills
Instruction Writing
Graphics Creation
Effective Writing
Editing and Proofreading
Desktop Publishing
Requirements Gathering
Documentation Management
Baseball
I was born and raised a fan of the Cleveland baseball team and still follow them. There is an autographed picture on the wall in my office of me shaking hands with Bob Feller, a Hall of Fame pitcher for Cleveland.
Timeline
Technical Writer
Applied Materials (Contract)
01.2022 - Current
Technical Writer/Course Developer
Bureau of Land Management (Contract)
07.2015 - 03.2016
Technical Writer
Kaiser NW (Contract)
03.2015 - 07.2015
Editor/Copywriter
Razorfish (Contract)
09.2014 - 03.2015
Technical Writer
The Standard Insurance (Contract)
04.2014 - 09.2014
Technical Writer
Cambia Health Solutions (Contract)
02.2010 - 04.2014
Technical Writer/Course Developer
Bureau of Land Management (Contract)
11.2007 - 02.2010
Publications Manager /Trainer
VTech Telephones (Staff)
11.2007 - 02.2010
MBA (Organizational Development) -
University of Phoenix
BSBA (Organizational Development) - undefined
San Jose State University
Computer Science - undefined
Control Data Institute
Certified Project Manager - undefined
Portland State University