James C. Emerson
************@*****.***
Lawrence, KS 66047, 785-***-****
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-emerson-036b203/
Experience
Senior Technical Writer
Education
Pre-Dissertation Courses, Philosophy of Mathematics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
MA Philosophy of Science, San Jose State University San Jose, CA
BA History, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Employment Overview
I provided expert documentation services (onsite and remotely) to:
PayPal
Clinical Reference Laboratory
Mastercard
Walmart App Store
ADP
Barclays Bank
Oracle
Illumina
Amazon Games Division
Abbott Vascular
GD Nassco
BioSoft Integrators
Saalex Solutions
Alere Abbott
Essential Data
ResMed
ICW Group
Alere
DexCom
SAIC
Sony Electronics
Asurion
HP/EDS/USDA
Juniper Networks
eBay
Tumbleweed
Cisco Systems
Microsoft Corp.
Goldbelt, Inc.
Technical Writing Experience
As a Senior Technical Writer and Editor, I created:
Developer guides, user manuals, platform services and access guides, training materials, quick start sheets, docs-as-code, online tutorials, help, SOPs, security protocols, UI content, web and wiki page designs
Software descriptions (APIs, SDKs, Restful APIs, XML, JavaScript, Json, YAML, HTML, SOAP, etc.)
Software as Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as Service (IaaS), and Platform as Service (PaaS) docs
API Developer Portal walk-throughs, application platform portal descriptions
Database descriptions (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, PL/SQL, DB2 tables, objects, indexing)
Cloud hosted application code explanations (service, game, etc.)
Biotech/Biomed services, manufacturing guides, system validations, statements of work (SOW)
Financial, insurance, and game development system guides
Tools, Applications, Skills Experience
SQL Server Mgt, Postman, GraphQL, ServiceNow Agile, VMWare, GitHub, Confluence, VS Studio Code, KMS tools, Miro, Atom, AmazonWorkspaces (AWS), Azure PostgreSQL and DevOps Boards, SDLC, Madcap Flare, SharePoint, Kanban boards, Agile teams, Excel, VISIO, Photoshop, HTML, XML, DITA, XML editors (e.g., OxygenXML), CSS, StyleVision, C#, C++, YAML, JSON, JavaScript, JS TypeScript, JIRA, JAMA, Agile PLM, eDHF, Lucid Charts, Camtasia, AdobeInDesign, Markdown, Swagger, Postman, Docker, Perforce DevOps, Word, Framemaker, InDesign, CRM (Salesforce, etc.), cGMP, LIMS, UX, MS 365, GxP, GRC, FDA/USDA docs, CMC regs, etc.
Employment History
API Technical Writer
11/2024 – 3/2025
Prospance (PayPal contract)
Working with several teams, I created new API and SDK documentation for a PayPal merchant’s developer portal and internal developers. I created GitHub branch repo and created Confluence pages explaining JavaScript code and developer access requirements. I gathered information from engineers and PMs and coordinated work via Slack and MSTeams.
4/2023 – 5/2024
API Technical Writer
Randstad (Clinical Reference Laboratory contract)
Working with teams, I created and maintained documents describing Clinical Reference Laboratory API Developer Portal, individual APIs (e.g., Marketplace API), associated method requests/responses, and possible error messages. I used the ServiceNow Agile Dashboard to access key information about our client businesses. Using SQL Server Management, I examined database tables for needed information (field type, size, etc.) and updated texts based on new data inputs (e.g., CMC regulations) and portal user experience. I created standard operating procedures (SOP) explaining how non-technical users could access sets of data. I explained XML and JSON code for readers and attended security training; for example, “KnowBe4 ‘Social Engineering Red Flags’.”
11/2022 – 4/2023
API Technical Writer
Next Level Business Services (Mastercard DevZone contract)
Working with an Agile team, I managed documentation and used Google docs to describe the new Mastercard APIs platform (developed via Postman) that provides customers with access to APIs via the Internet. I explained API request and response requirements, parameters, end points, etc. Describing platforms, I created quick reference guides and illustrated user guides focusing on SDK key features, platform benefits, use cases, available resources, and company support. I created text in Markdown and used GIT commands to create branches and add, commit, push, and pull MD files stored in content repositories. I used MIRO to create new UX designs for platform pages and Swagger to convert JSON to YAML code. After reviews, documents were displayed in HTML on the Mastercard Developer Zone Azure platform.
7/2022 – 10/2022
API Technical Writer
Akraya (Walmart Dev Portal contract)
Working with three teams, I created a detailed Swagger User Guide based on personal and user experience. Using Markdown I wrote API descriptions for the Walmart Developer Portal including an OAuth Authentication and Authorization guide and maintained Confluence-JIRA ticket updates. For new developers, I generally explained how the team used Perforce DevOps collaborative tools and Jscript to develop solutions. The team also used Atlassian JIRA Service Desk IT management to effectively direct customer service delivery.
11/2021 – 6/2022
Technical Writer
Matlin Silver (ADP contract)
Working with the National Account Services (NAS) team, I transformed 90+ technical Word documents into DITA-conforming XML files. These documents described the services available via the NAS SaaS portal. I created a standard operating procedure (SOP) manual explaining how to transform documents to DITA format. Using MadCap Flare, I edited/rewrote text and added XML code samples. Then, I recorded the transformed results (identifying updates in multiple columns) on Excel spreadsheets.
7/2021 – 10/2021
Technical Writer
Han IT/Capgemini (Barclays Bank contract)
Working with the Cards Platform team, I managed team documentation. I created Markdown files (.md) containing detailed SDK requirements, API descriptions, and user guides explaining how to access and use Barclays API Exchange. This component of the Barclays Bank Card Platform provided merchant customers services via Salesforce CRM integration tools. Our approach to banking information focused on concern for appropriate governance, risk management, and appropriate compliance (GRC) with applicable regulations and banking practices. I created Confluence spaces and pages (with Miro process diagrams) including an API standards guide, standard operating procedure (SOP) for access and updates, authentication security, eQMS protocols, IT support information, and backup procedures.
4/2021 – 7/2021
Technical Writer / QA Documentation
Talent Resource Services (Oracle contract)
I created illustrated documentation (Adobe InDesign) explaining Oracle’s approach to migrating the JPMChase (JPMC) database system and related tools from IBM DB2-based to Oracle PL/SQL and Oracle E Business Suite (EBS) ERP tools. I used JIRA (task creating/update/tracking), Oracle CRM Data Cloud UI, and wrote HR documents on handling employee and customer contacts, and stored documents as Confluence page attachments. As the QA Lead for documentation, I reviewed and corrected all infrastructure cutover procedures (database transfer, continuous service recovery, backup, flow through security, etc.) and other documents by our team before they were sent to our client company, JPMChase. Working for a banking system, I had to attend internal and external security training courses.
11/2020 – 4/2021
Technical Writer
Illumina (contract)
I created functional specs, user guides, operational qualifications (OQ), computer system validation (CSV), and infrastructure support performance qualifications (PQ) documentation for new projects. The Illumina Clarity LIMS offered SaaS services with an Azure PostgreSQL database for recording data. I created a quick reference guide for LIMS, SOP guide for new customers, and used Confluence with JIRA.
7/2020 – 11/2020
Senior Technical Writer
Aquent T Consulting (Amazon Games Division contract)
I explained how game developers could use our SDK and APIs to host games on our platform, access our libraries, etc. I created documents using AmazonWorkspaces (AWS) platform tools (AWS data analytics, cloud object storage, authentication security, user experience, etc.). The SaaS service provided access to games for customers and cloud-based game and infrastructure support services for game developers. I wrote short articles describing our system’s infrastructural advantages and associated services. I used Slack and Chime for team comms, Figma for rough US designs, Markdown and MadCap Flare for editing, Confluence pages and JIRA for bug tracking, and Git commands with GitHub.
10/2019 – 5/2020
Senior Technical Writer / Change Order QA
Asen Consultants (Abbott Vascular contract)
I created reference sheets, user guides, and operating procedures manuals explaining how to operate and maintain Abbott Vascular equipment. In the Manufacturing Division, I consulted equipment design and manufacturing process engineers for technical information about their SharePoint CMS and created a process statement of work (SOW) and Mass Production Record (MPR). Based upon reviews and IE6302 standards, I filled out Clinical Evaluation Reports (CER) and any necessary updates to the Corrective Preventive Action (CAPA) report for the quarter. I indicated regulatory compliance, safety, and tested device performance. Our documentation availability with limited by applicable biomed-information GRC requirements. After technical reviews, I performed a document change review to identify the specific differences between my original text and review-updated text. Based on user feedback, I created Change Orders justifying document updates, submitted Change Orders for review/approval, and incorporated requested updates in accordance with FDA regs (e.g., 21 CFR 820) for good manufacturing standards.
2/2019 – 10/2019
Senior Technical Writer
Insight Global (General Dynamics NASSCO contract)
I created documents describing IT and telecom support procedures and CDRL-listed hardware systems for USN Military Sealift Command ships.
10/2018 – 1/2019
Technical Writer
BioSoft Integrators (contract)
I edited test scripts and test cases, worked on ISO 9001 certification documents and other documentation describing Illumina genotyping device (Tecan and Hamilton) management software. I updated user guides for new approval and wrote short documents for the public describing our genotyping system and the advantages of our system over the competition.
4/2018 – 8/2018
Computer Systems Analyst III / Senior Technical Writer
Saalex Solutions (contract)
I met with USMC Program Officers and civilian developers in VA (Stafford-Quantico area) and CA (Pendleton) to determine requirements for an updated Marine Ammunition Knowledge Enterprise (MAKE) System. Based upon meetings, I created recommendations for a new database application. The resulting MS Stack application MAKE had layered applications with an SQL Server DB. I wrote requirement analyses (including LucidCharts) and documents defining updates (CDRL mandated, etc.) to the SQL Server DB, CMS (SharePoint), UI options, and other features.
8/2017 – 1/2018
Technical Writer
TalentBurst Consulting (Alere Abbott contract)
I tested, verified, and revised Alere Abbott’s Agile Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software application user acceptance test (UAT) protocols. Using FrameMaker, I wrote user guides and infrastructure support/design requirements for Alere’s new Agile PLM Electronic Design History (eDHF), eQMS, and JAMA systems. I worked with team members using a Confluence space containing pages about JAMA.
5/2017 – 6/2017
Proposal Writer
Essential Data Corporation (contract)
After returning from a year-long travel vacation with my family, I accepted a short contract and wrote a winning GSA MEPS proposal for a client.
4/2016 – 4/2017
Vacationing
Emerson Family
I took a year-long vacation with my family, visiting AK, KS, No. CA, OR, IL, etc. During this period, I created a personal GitHub.
12/2015 – 4/2016
Senior Technical Writer
RasoSolutions (ResMed contract)
I created an illustrated user guide, operating procedures and documents explaining IT server management. I created ResMed project documents focusing on the Oracle EBS databases and storage refresh, IBM Privileged Identity & Access Management. ResMed used both cloud-based and downloadable native applications. Working with the Chief Information Security Officer, I created a guide explaining how the company uses WatchDox and RMS to control and protect files, eQMS to assure regulatory compliance, manage cloud computing file sharing, and assure the security of company and patient information. After this contract, I took off for a one-year family vacation traveling to visit relatives and friends (AK, OR, IL, KS).
8/2015 – 12/2015
Senior Technical Writer
SkillStorm Consulting (ICW Group contract)
I created content for quarterly audits, developed IT infrastructure support documents, and operations guides. I wrote a manual explaining the company’s approach to internal/external cybersecurity and created HR documents about employee training. I managed document change reviews, contrasting sections of the existing system with the proposed updates. I also wrote release notes and a newsletter about new projects.
1/2015 – 8/2015
Senior Technical Writer
Modis Consulting (Alere contract)
I created design documents and work instructions describing Alere San Diego Data Center (Advent managed service provider) infrastructure, network layout, hardware, failover backup systems, etc.), Alere Wireless Network, Alere MedApps System, Alere GSP, and other Alere global systems. We maintained documentation in a SharePoint system for collaboration and continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD).
9/2014 – 12/2014
Senior Technical Writer
Foothills Consulting (DexCom contract)
I described plans for an Oracle Real Application Cluster (RAC) for DexCom’s Oracle EBS Database and the Oracle PL/SQL and new EBusiness Suite (EBS) setup. I created the deployment SOP, described the deployment’s infrastructure, and used SaaS Snowflake data analytics to analyze collected data. Using info about DexCom’s Oracle database, I described DexCom’s use of Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) B200 Rack Servers, Cisco UCS 6296 Fabric Interconnects, Cisco Nexus 5548 Switches, and NepApp FAS3220 Storage System, Oracle SCAN Listener, Oracle Linux OS, Oracle RAC Storage Management, NetApp Fiber Channel, Linux Host Utilities, NetApp Interop Tool, DB Calibration Tool, and shell scripts.
10/2013 – 8/2014
Instructional Designer / XML Specialist
Apex Systems Consulting (SAIC contract)
I developed online help for the SAIC GTSCMIS training system and a USN logistics training application coded in both XML and HTML. I used Oxygen XML Editor to create XML code and StyleVision to develop DITA-compliant XML schema, and RoboHelp for online Help. The guides included UX design samples created with Miro (RealTime boards). My training guide was deployed on a Web site. The first screens contained access instructions and an interactive spreadsheet-based QA form.
5/2013 – 9/2013
Senior Technical Writer
Foothills Consulting (Sony Electronics contract)
I created content for cloud-based mobile and native application UIs based on user experience research. I wrote an API Guide and specs for Sony’s web based PlayMemories Photobook. I explained JavaScript used in Sony’s websites. I described telecom security and created a guide showing how to use the Photobook.
10/2011 – 5/2013
Senior Technical Writer
LRS Consulting (Asurion contract)
I analyzed Asurion’s IT management and support operations, creating system user guides, SOPs, runbooks, and online tutorial explaining how to install and maintain our system. I produced a video tutorial (Camtasia-generated visuals) showing how to use our system and online Help (RoboHelp). I described our networks with process flow illustrations (VISIO) and created marketing documents focusing on Asurion’s protection and security policies. I described our Mongo DB application and API to external systems and summarized the J2EE project (Systems Overview Service).
9/2008 – 7/2011
Information Systems Analyst / Senior Technical Writer
NextGen (HP/EDS at USDA contract)
I attended USDA/FSA Joint Application Development (JAD) conferences collecting requirements for new product features and created a System Requirements document (IEE 830-1998). I developed a Requirements Traceability Matrix, API guide, test/use cases, a user manual, a HR security protocol guide, and UI content. I developed SDK sections and technical manuals to standards (e.g., MIL-STD-38784) and maintained requirements summaries in database tables. I also defended my thesis and earned an MA in Philosophy of Science at San Jose State University, receiving the Arts and Sciences Outstanding Thesis Award (2009).
11/2007 – 8/2008
Senior Technical Writer
Bryson Technologies (Juniper Networks contract)
I developed a SOAP/XML API guide and device/system installation, and guides for new products. Simultaneously, I continued the MA program at SJSU graduate school.
7/2007 – 10/2007
Senior Technical Writer
DGN Technologies (eBay contract)
I created Wiki-based online help for an eBay application that enabled users to test reconfigurations of advertisement pages. I described metadata stored in a data warehouse and created a Wiki user guide for the eBay Security Asset Management System which explained encryption algorithms, security policies, and end user procedures. Simultaneously, I continued attending SJSU graduate school.
4/2007 – 6/2007
Senior Technical Writer
Oak Hill Industries (Tumbleweed Communications contract)
I described the internet message communications security applications SecureTransport and MailGate. Simultaneously, I continued attending SJSU MA graduate school.
2/2004 – 3/2007
Senior Technical Writer
Bryson Technologies (Cisco Systems contract)
I created documents and online help describing Cisco’s RESTful APIs (pre-DevNet), Javadocs, JavaScript code, command syntax, and the network security system. I described Cisco’s Oracle PL/SQL DB data warehouse and started the MA program in Philosophy of Science at San Jose State University (SJSU).
6/1997 – 12/2003
Senior Technical Writer
Microsoft Corporation (Mountain View, CA campus)
As a full-time employee working onsite and remotely, I created documents and online help describing SQL Server and MySQL databases, APIs, and MS applications. I created a communications protocol sheet, programming guide (classes, methods), and HTML code references.
3/1997 - 6/1997
Senior Technical Writer
ThoughtWorks (DGN Technologies contract)
Working onsite and remotely, I described Thoughtworks application APIs.
2/1996 – 3/1997
Technical Writer
Bryson Technologies (Tele-TV contract)
I created technical documentation describing Tele-TV equipment (set-top box application written in Ruby), network communications security, SQL Server and Oracle databases, and data warehouse.
7/1993 – 2/1996
Senior Technical and Proposal Writer
Ravenworks, Inc. (dba)
As an independent contractor (dba Ravenworks, Inc.), I developed RFPs, RFIs, technical proposals, business plans, marketing materials, and video scripts for Native American Corporation (Goldbelt, Inc.), Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, and commercial and AK government clients. I also taught a summer course in Multimedia Programming at the University of Alaska, SE (Juneau, AK) and taught a proposal development course at the Juneau Community School.
Professional Samples
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/i81m1ws7xwi5l25u8492b/ACiAHbHiGT1YBYUotVT2IHU?rlkey=bko5ua3vuxmrf7wyvxmzov330&st=0ni888zh&dl=0