Alison Dann
Hampton
Summary
Accomplished Sr. Technical Writer with expertise in documentation management tools and project coordination, honed at Mercury Systems. Proven track record in developing mission-critical documentation and enhancing user guidance, while fostering collaboration across teams. Adept at utilizing Agile frameworks to streamline processes and improve clarity in technical communications.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Technical Writer
Mercury Systems
Andover
01.2024 - Current
- Developed mission-critical software and hardware solutions at Mercury.
- Processed documentation in Word or Flare through Sharepoint and tracked in Jira, including custom special request cover sheets, release notes, and device guides to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Created items in Confluence: Knowledge base to orient new employees in the Technical Communications (Tech Comms) group. Included background information, and process inputs and outputs. Cover Sheet tracking page.
Sr. Technical Writer, Lead, Global Writers Group
Revvity (PerkinElmer)
Hopkinton
01.2021 - 11.2023
- Created and/or revised these items with FrameMaker and other software tools: IVIS DimensionS and CT safety manuals and hardware manual, IVIS Queue (Posing Station) user manual, Living Image 5 software manual drafts, Quantum GX2 and Quantum GX3 user manuals, Vega (hardware) and SonoEQ (software) user manual, Living Image 4 with SpectrumCT 2 and Spectrum 2 user manuals, Living Image 4 with Lumina instruments: X5e, S5e, III, XRMS.
- Followed established templates and conventions for product documentation.
- Collaborated with the product manager to set timelines and monitor progress on deliverables.
- Evaluated and revised training materials to enhance effectiveness for sales personnel.
- Rebranded manuals and other documents per corporate rebranding guidelines.
- Created SOP template for Software Platforms group to standardize documentation practices.
- Evaluated content to ensure clarity for UX team members.
- Oversaw tasks and progress of junior writer to enhance collaboration.
- Revvity is a global company that enables scientists, researchers, and clinicians to address their most critical challenges through detection, imaging, services, and informatics. In 2023, Revvity split from PerkinElmer.
- Developed rebranding guidelines, including new covers for manuals in PDF output and legal mark usage.
- Facilitated discussions to reach consensus and codify a style guide.
- Contributed to the Knowledge Exchange initiative.
- Evaluated and mapped adoption of content creation tools such as MadCap Flare and Central.
- Mapped future initiatives such as collaboration with UX, Marketing, Training and other groups, reestablish an internship and mentoring program, reestablish peer reviews based on the new style guide, develop onboarding program for new hires.
Technical Writer
Candela Medical
Marlboro
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Authored technical support bulletins (TSBs) for dye pulse laser (595nm), Nd: YAG laser (1064), and IPL systems to provide critical updates and guidance for technical teams.
- Developed and revised service manuals for dye pulse laser (595nm), Alexandrite laser (735nm), Nd: YAG laser (1064nm), and microneedling systems to enhance Field Service and Technical Support documentation.
- Troubleshooting Handbook for dye pulse laser (595nm), Alexandrite laser (735nm), and Nd: YAG laser (1064nm) systems.
- Reviewed and improved training materials to effectively train Field Service Engineers (FSEs) on equipment operations and maintenance.
- Assisted in developing instructions for FSEs.
- Produced instructional videos demonstrating procedures for users.
- Compiled comprehensive parts catalog for easy reference.
- Coordinated graphics and formats for international Technical Writers, ensuring consistent look and feel for manuals.
- Created validation protocols and validation reports.
- Candela is a global company that develops and manufactures laser, IPL, microneedling, and related aesthetic products, services, and systems.
Technical Writer
Flight Centre, FCM group
Marlborough
06.2019 - 12.2019
- Developed and maintained support documentation in Confluence for Portal and ClientBank developers and Tech Support to enhance user guidance.
- Created and updated support documentation in Word and Confluence for Product Managers to streamline project communication.
- Created the Incident Management Procedure.
- Supported Tech Support by contributing to knowledge base creation, improving resource accessibility for troubleshooting.
- Developed software solutions for corporate travel clients at FCM, Flight Centre.
Sr. Technical Writer
L3 ESSCO
Ayer
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Developed user manuals for complex aerospace systems and software applications.
- Collaborated with engineers to gather technical information and specifications.
- Edited and reviewed documentation for clarity, consistency, and accuracy.
- Produced Qualification Test Reports, Acceptance Test Reports, Environmental Test Reports, and Repair and Modification Work Instructions in Word to support SDRL compliance.
- Manufactured radomes for mission-critical applications, focusing on composite and metal space frame designs.
Sr. Technical Writer
Rapid Micro Biosystems
Lowell
07.2016 - 06.2018
- Developed manufacturing work instructions with FrameMaker to facilitate assembly and commissioning of instruments for customer use.
- Designed and delivered training programs for in-house software to enhance user proficiency.
- Revised work instructions and the accompanying user guide.
- Revised work instructions and user guide to ensure clarity and compliance with updated processes.
- Assisted in developing efficient processes for manufacturing workflows.
- RMB manufactures an instrument that analyzes QC samples for environmental monitoring through their proprietary cassette system in half the time of conventional systems.
Technical Writer
Ogin Energy
Waltham
09.2013 - 04.2015
- Created factory work instructions, on-site installation instructions, and an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual.
- Developed Word templates for standard Engineering documents to enhance consistency and usability.
- Trained Engineering personnel on effective use of templates to streamline documentation processes.
- Transformed files into updated Word templates from multiple applications to standardize documentation.
- Ogin Energy (formerly FloDesign Wind Turbines) manufactured a smaller, more efficient wind turbine with a proprietary design.
Technical Writer
Brooks Automation, Vacuum Products Division
Chelmsford
05.2011 - 12.2011
- Revised or created the following end-user and in-house documentation using FrameMaker, Word, Dreamweaver, Snag-It, and other software tools: Installation and operation manuals for high-pressure cryopumps, compressors, nitrogen cooling systems, and robotics chambers, Network terminal manuals, Quick installation guides, Safety Sign Guidelines, Style Guide for logos and legal notations, Training handbooks.
- Oversaw China ROHS implementation, ensuring alignment with international regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated file migration from network shared drive to data vault (source control) and intranet, enhancing accessibility and organization.
- Maintained documentation compliance with ISO, ANSI, and SEMI standards.
- Supported the Accounting department during Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts.
- The Vacuum Products Division (VPD) manufactures accessories for the semiconductor industry, such as cryopumps (extremely low-temperature, multiple-state vacuum pumps).
Technical Writer
MagneMotion
Ayer
11.2007 - 10.2010
- Developed end-user and in-house documentation using FrameMaker, Word, Illustrator, Snag-It, and other tools, including hardware and software manuals, quick installation sheets, and document control policies with templates and forms.
- Coordinated inter-departmental document reviews and routing, ensuring timely feedback and compliance among Engineering, Marketing, Product Managers, Accounting, and other groups.
- Reviewed and edited IEEE journal articles for clarity and adherence to publication standards.
- Assisted in implementing ISO practices.
- MagneMotion (MMI) is a privately owned company that researches, develops, and manufactures electro-magnetic conveyance systems. In 2016 they were acquired by Rockwell Automation.
Technical Writer
Bard Endoscopic Technologies (BET)
Billerica
12.2003 - 11.2004
- Revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) and related forms, based on Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements.
- Streamlined project management and workflow processes to enhance clarity and efficiency.
- Coordinated inter-departmental training sessions for revised documents to ensure consistent understanding and implementation.
- Verified adherence of all documentation to GMP standards, contributing to compliance and quality assurance.
Document Control Specialist
Vitex (V.I. Technologies)
Watertown
03.2003 - 11.2003
- Controlled the lifecycle of documents and deviation reports in a manual document management system including cGMP-related documentation, such as SOPs, batch records, controlled material specifications, validation protocols, and validation reports.
- Developed and implemented document templates in Word, enhancing consistency in cGMP-related documentation.
- Supported QC personnel in accurately recording analytical results within the document control system, ensuring compliance.
- Participated in the development of document review process, streamlining workflow and improving accuracy.
- Established an organized filing inventory system to streamline document retrieval processes.
- Developed a user manual for departmental SOP authors, and trained the authors.
Technical Writer
Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories
Jamaica Plain
09.2001 - 11.2002
- Revised production batch records and processes to ensure compliance with FDA standards.
- Created reports for validation protocols.
- Investigated and wrote deviation reports related to a validation protocol.
- Compiled comprehensive reports for validation protocols to facilitate regulatory approval.
- Conducted investigations and authored deviation reports to document issues and ensure adherence to validation protocols.
- Revised production batch records and processes based on FDA standards.
- Contributed to the assessment and implementation of Adobe FrameMaker.
Technical Writer
CambridgeSoft
Cambridge
05.2000 - 09.2001
Technical Writer
Kewill E Commerce
Marlboro
01.2000 - 05.2000
Education
Simmons Conference
01-2024
Revvity (PerkinElmer) Leadership Academy
01-2023
Writing and Self-Editing -
nSight Professional Training
11-2009
Improving Workplace Communication -
Vitex (employer sponsored)
09-2003
Basic Interview Skills -
Vitex (employer sponsored)
09-2003
Compliance Training -
Vitex (employer sponsored)
04-2003
Single Sourcing -
nSight Professional Training
06-2001
Polishing Your Writing Through Self-Editing -
nSight Professional Training
03-2001
BA - English, concentrations in Professional Writing & Technical Communication, and Chemistry
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories
Skills
- Operating systems expertise
- Office productivity software
- DevOps practices
- Creative design software
- Project coordination tools
- Agile frameworks
- Source control systems
- Web programming languages
- Documentation management tools
- Continuous integration
Websites
Timeline
Sr. Technical Writer
Mercury Systems
01.2024 - Current
Sr. Technical Writer, Lead, Global Writers Group
Revvity (PerkinElmer)
01.2021 - 11.2023
Technical Writer
Candela Medical
01.2021 - 01.2021
Technical Writer
Flight Centre, FCM group
06.2019 - 12.2019
Sr. Technical Writer
L3 ESSCO
11.2018 - 05.2019
Sr. Technical Writer
Rapid Micro Biosystems
07.2016 - 06.2018
Technical Writer
Ogin Energy
09.2013 - 04.2015
Technical Writer
Brooks Automation, Vacuum Products Division
05.2011 - 12.2011
Technical Writer
MagneMotion
11.2007 - 10.2010
Technical Writer
Bard Endoscopic Technologies (BET)
12.2003 - 11.2004
Document Control Specialist
Vitex (V.I. Technologies)
03.2003 - 11.2003
Technical Writer
Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories
09.2001 - 11.2002
Technical Writer
CambridgeSoft
05.2000 - 09.2001
Technical Writer
Kewill E Commerce
01.2000 - 05.2000
Simmons Conference
Revvity (PerkinElmer) Leadership Academy
Writing and Self-Editing -
nSight Professional Training
Improving Workplace Communication -
Vitex (employer sponsored)
Basic Interview Skills -
Vitex (employer sponsored)
Compliance Training -
Vitex (employer sponsored)
Single Sourcing -
nSight Professional Training
Polishing Your Writing Through Self-Editing -
nSight Professional Training
BA - English, concentrations in Professional Writing & Technical Communication, and Chemistry
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories