Thomas Richards
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
I am a seasoned Technical Writer with over 25 years experience writing developer-focused technical documentation for a diverse set of internal and external users. My primary focus has been on creating documentation for developers, and developing complex documentation site frameworks and infrastructures using Docusaurus, Jekyll, and other site-building tools.
Developed clear and concise documentation in fast-paced technical environment, ensuring user-friendly content. Skills encompass effective communication, strong attention to detail, and ability to convey complex information simply. Seeking to transition into new field, leveraging transferrable skills to drive success in any role.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Technical Writer
Aembit
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Wrote developer-focused technical documentation for a workload and identity management software platform using a docs-as-code approach (Git, VSCode)
- Built, and then maintained, an enterprise technical documentation site from the ground up (docs.aembit.io), using Docusaurus as the publishing platform
Lead Technical Writer
Kevel
05.2022 - 09.2023
- Wrote and updated developer ad-tech API documentation for internal and external audiences
- This included Developer's Guides, Quickstart Guides, and API Reference Guides (using ReDoc)
- Wrote new product documentation for new ad-tech products Kevel Relay and Kevel Catalog
- Created an internal information architecture and structure for new documentation site
Technical Writing Manager/Lead Technical Writer
CircleCI Internet Services
09.2018 - 05.2022
- Wrote developer-focused technical documentation for internal and external audiences, including: API Reference Guides, Developer-focused Cookbooks, Product documentation for new configurable packages (Orbs), Wrote external-facing customer integration guides and conceptual documentation
- Managed a team of technical writers while also setting department priorities and initiating a complete documentation site overhaul and information architecture
Contract Technical Writer / Business Analyst
Fox Networks Group
02.2018 - 07.2018
- Wrote developer-focused internal and external API documentation, including: API Reference Guides, Swagger and SmartDocs for online distribution
- Wrote Business Requirements Documents (BRDs) for internal and external business audiences
Contract Technical Writer
21st Century Fox
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Wrote API developer documentation for the FOX Digital Content Group (DCG) API which included: API Reference Guide, API Developer's Cookbook
- Wrote technical migration guide for FOX profiles, including troubleshooting information on how to merge and recover existing profiles
Sr. Technical Writer
Dreamworks/NOVA
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Wrote API developer documentation for proprietary in-house 3D virtualization and visualization platform, which included: API Developer Cookbooks, API Reference Guides, Release Notes, Plug-in documentation
- Created in-house Technical Publications Confluence space for document storage and collaboration
- Wrote internal technical documentation as needed for internal developers and audiences
Contract Technical Writer
OpenX Technologies
06.2015 - 09.2016
- Wrote developer-focused API content, including OAuth authentication, API use cases, reporting, and forecasting
- Worked with developers to write product documentation for new features and functionality aimed at internal and external developer audiences
- Wrote end-user advertising and publisher-focused product documentation for end-users
Lead Technical Writer
CounterTack
02.2014 - 01.2015
- Wrote REST API Reference Guide for newly created developer-focused APIs using Madcap Flare, Adobe InDesign, and Confluence
- Wrote Cluster Installation Guide and Operations Guide for proprietary endpoint intelligence software product
- Wrote Release Notes and Patch Update Release Notes for each Sentinel release
- Created user-focused online help for company's software application using Madcap Flare, an authoring tool like Adobe RoboHelp
- Distributed internal technical documentation using GitHub for developers and engineers
Sr. Technical Writer
Fusion-io
06.2012 - 12.2013
- Created SDK Developer's Guide for customers and partners, including detailed Linux content, instructions and Linux kernel space primitives content
- Content also included online help using RoboHelp and Adobe Creative Suite
- Wrote SDK API Specifications for Primitives Libraries and Key-Value Stores
- Created Installation Guide and Setup and Configuration Guide for proprietary directFS Filesystem
- Updated existing content for Fusion-io's ioTurbine product, including work on re-structuring and consolidating existing documentation
- Managed API technical documentation using company's Microsoft SharePoint Document Management System, including developing documentation workflows, planning, and reviews
Sr. Technical Writer
Zynga
05.2011 - 06.2012
- Developed Service Catalog for all Zynga Tech Services listing innovations, technologies, and integration points for game studios working with internal technology teams
- Wrote analytics technical documentation describing matchmaking, Data Warehouse, cross promotion platform, data quality, and end-to-end data flow algorithms and technologies for analytics team
- Developed game studio-focused technical documentation listing in-house development and technical innovations for new features
Education
M.A. - English / Professional Communication
Clemson University
Clemson, SC01.1998
B.A. - English
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA01.1995
Skills
- Editing and proofreading
- Effective writing
- Document formatting
- Instruction writing
Previousemployment
Available upon request
Timeline
Principal Technical Writer
Aembit
09.2023 - 12.2024
Lead Technical Writer
Kevel
05.2022 - 09.2023
Technical Writing Manager/Lead Technical Writer
CircleCI Internet Services
09.2018 - 05.2022
Contract Technical Writer / Business Analyst
Fox Networks Group
02.2018 - 07.2018
Contract Technical Writer
21st Century Fox
08.2017 - 02.2018
Sr. Technical Writer
Dreamworks/NOVA
07.2016 - 08.2017
Contract Technical Writer
OpenX Technologies
06.2015 - 09.2016
Lead Technical Writer
CounterTack
02.2014 - 01.2015
Sr. Technical Writer
Fusion-io
06.2012 - 12.2013
Sr. Technical Writer
Zynga
05.2011 - 06.2012
B.A. - English
Buena Vista University
M.A. - English / Professional Communication
Clemson University
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