Senior Technical Writer and Editor

James C. Emerson

************@*****.***

Lawrence, KS 66047, 785-***-****

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-emerson-036b203/

Experience

Senior Technical Writer / Technical Editor / Proposal Writer

Education

MA Philosophy of Science, San Jose State University San Jose, CA

BA History, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

Experience and Skills

API descriptions, SDK elements, developer and end user manuals, platform service and access guides, data center guides, training materials, quick start sheets, video scripts, docs-as-code, tutorials, SOPs, UX/UI content management, hardware and networking guides, help, web and wiki pages

API Developer Portal walk-throughs, application platform portal descriptions

Software guides describing components, modules, views, databases, CMDB, controllers, data objects, services, Restful APIs, OpenAPI, JavaScript, Json, XML, HTML, CSS, SOAP, MadCap Flare

Management systems (DBMS including SQL Server, Oracle, NoSQL, Azure, BusinessLogic, etc.), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Business to Business (B2B), Software as Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA), Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), SOC2, Advanced Planning Document (APD), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), CI/CD DevSecOps, LIMS, OMOP Common Data model, CCMS platform.

Game development and maintenance, data integrity/security, software development, fintech services, biomed/biotech/clinical services and devices, banking/finance/credit, insurance, quality management/control, SOW, production and mgt. control, US/USMC/FDA applications.

AI (Python for AI, Cline IDE, CMS, OpenAI Agent Builder, Grammarly, Google Sheets, etc.).

Quantum computing theory and applications

Remote and local technical writing/editing and proposal writing services for major IT, financial, gaming, healthcare/biotech and other corporations, a Native American Corporation (Goldbelt, Inc.), and government (USN, USMC, USDA, FDA, State of Alaska) agencies.

Employment

11/2024 – 3/2025

API Technical Writer

PayPal (Prospance contract)

Remote

Created new API and SDK documentation for PayPal’s cloud-based, B2B SaaS portal for merchant developers.

Researched and collected information from engineers and PMs (SMEs) and coordinated work via Slack and MSTeams.

Created GitHub branch repositories and Confluence pages explaining JavaScript code and developer access requirements.

Used Visio to create how-to diagrams.

4/2023 – 5/2024

API Technical Writer

Clinical Reference Laboratory (Randstad contract)

Remote

Created documents describing Clinical Reference Laboratory cloud-based API Developer Portal, individual RESTful APIs (e.g., Marketplace API), associated method requests/responses, DITA-conforming XML and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) code, possible error messages, etc.

Explained how to access and update portal documentation.

Examined CMDB and database tables (using SQL Server Management) containing aggregate patient information whose content conformed to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data model for clinical information (field type, size, etc.).

Accessed OMOP data stored in six categories of information (patient demographics, condition, medication, and procedure) in 36 tables in a relational database.

Updated texts based on new clinic partner information (types of IVD devices used by patients, clinic device classifications, numbers of specific types of patient conditions, etc.) and portal user experience ensuring SOC-2 compliance.

Described clinical testing devices

Maintained Quality Management System (QMS) standards for clinical documentation.

Used the ServiceNow Agile Dashboard to access key information about our customer’s businesses including types of clinical results.

Rewrote requirement specifications for new CLR partner clinics.

Participated in data security training sessions.

11/2022 – 4/2023

API Technical Writer

Mastercard DevZone (Next Level Business Services contract)

Remote

Examined the core APIs and described request and response requirements, parameters, end points, etc.

Used Markdown to describe the new cloud-based Mastercard APIs platform that provides customers with access to APIs via the Internet. One project team developed static sites (via Hugo) that provide internal Mastercard and third-party services.

Maintained QMS standards for documentation.

Created Used OpenAPI (Swagger) to create and illustrate RESTful API reference guides focusing on SDK key features, API Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), platform benefits, use cases, available enterprise resources, and customer support.

Created a document using MadCap Flare that provided a single source for descriptions of messages to banks and other partners about financial transactions (specific Swift MT fields transaction value, bank ID, etc.).

Created an Advance Planning Document (APD) for a planned platform expansion of the Mastercard B2B SaaS based on SAP S4 resource planning.

Used MS Azure DevOps to plan and collaborate on project team work.

Used GIT commands to make branches, add, commit, push, and pull MD files in content repositories.

Used MIRO to create UX designs and Swagger to convert JSON to YAML code.

Used Visio to create in-house how-to illustrations

Displayed output as HTML (CSS compliant) on the Mastercard Developer Zone Azure platform.

7/2022 – 10/2022

API Technical Writer

Walmart Dev Portal (Akraya contract)

Remote

Created a Swagger User Guide incorporating descriptions of the RESTful APIs used to access the cloud-based Walmart Developer Portal services.

Developed data access policy procedures focusing on OAuth Authentication and Authorization, an Access Policy Mapping Document, Software Application Portfolio Management (APM), and an API Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) document.

Maintained and updated Confluence-JIRA ticket updates to assure continued high Quality Management System (QMS) for Walmart B2B SaaS services.

Used ServiceNow to manage workflows.

Used Python-coded Sphinx to create new documentation.

Applied internal Risk Management protocols to assure faultless API delivery.

Wrote introductions explaining how to use collaborative tools, Perforce DevOps, and Confluence. I created Confluence pages with Javascript code samples and accompanying descriptions (docs-as-code). The team also used SQL-based Power BI to analyze collected business data and Atlassian JIRA Service Desk IT management to direct customer service delivery.

11/2021 – 6/2022

Technical Writer

ADP (Matlin Silver contract)

Remote

Working with the National Account Services (NAS) team, created Word documents describing services available via the cloud-based SaaS portal.

Described types of information included in messages about payers and payees (value, payee ID, banking institution ID, etc.).

Maintained internal quality management (QMS) and risk management standards.

Converted documents to DITA-conforming XML files.

Used MadCap Flare (originally, IXIASOFT CCMS) to manage and publish content.

Described system ADP RESTFul APIs.

Created an SOP manual on transforming NAS content to DITA format with XML code samples.

7/2021 – 10/2021

Technical Writer

Barclays Bank (Han IT-Capgemini contract)

Remote

Created Markdown files (.md) containing SDK requirements and descriptions of RESTFul APIs.

Created user guides explaining how to access and use the cloud-based Barclays API Exchange. Barclays Bank Card Platform provided merchant customer services via Salesforce CRM tools.

Created documents focusing on customer concerns for appropriate governance, risk assessment and management, compliance (GRC) with company data access policy procedures, standard banking practices, and international payment messages (Swift MT fields sender’s reference ID, bank operation code, value, etc.).

Maintained internal and interbank quality management (QMS) and risk management standards.

Created Confluence spaces and the following pages with Miro process diagrams: API standards guide, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for access and updates, a description of authentication security and eQMS protocols, requirements for CI/CD software updates focusing on the new GitLab version of DevSecOps procedures, and IT support requirements. Used Visio to create a diagram showing local facilities.

4/2021 – 7/2021

Technical Writer / QA Documentation

Oracle (Talent Resource Services contract)

Remote

Used Google Docs to create an illustrated Advanced Planning Document (APD) describing the planned migration of our cloud-based JPMChase (JPMC) enterprise database system architecture components from IBM DB2-based (incorporating Cognos analytics) to B2B SaaS Oracle PL/SQL services with Oracle E Business Suite (EBS) ERP tools.

Created an Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) guide for software application development.

Used JIRA and the Oracle CRM Data Cloud UI.

Maintained quality management standards (QMS) and prepared weekly quality reports.

Used Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (Oracle ERP) to determine current Oracle facility assets for comparison with planned replacements.

Used SLACK for intra-team communications and planning.

Wrote HR documents on handling employees and customers (Section 508 compliance).

Stored documents as Confluence page attachments.

Maintained communications with representative customers for post-delivery assessments.

Reviewed and corrected software infrastructure cutover procedures and drawings before they were sent to our client company, JPMChase.

Attended data loss prevention (DLP) and data security training courses.

11/2020 – 4/2021

Technical Writer

Illumina (contract)

Remote

Created functional spec, user guide, operational qualifications (OQ), QM protocol description, computer system validation (CSV) test cases, and infrastructure support performance qualifications (PQ) report (based on SME information) for new projects.

Worked on ISO 9001 certification documents and other documentation describing Illumina genotyping device (Tecan and Hamilton) management software.

Imported existing Word documents into MadCap Flare topics.

Described updates to the Clarity LIMS system.

Developed short documents for the public describing our genotyping system and the advantages of our system over the competition.

Explained Illumina device IoT controls for partners.

7/2020 – 11/2020

Senior Technical Writer

Amazon Games Division (Aquent T Consulting contract)

Remote

Explained how game developers could use our SDK and APIs to host games on our cloud-based platform, access our libraries, etc.

Described our Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform tools, lift-and-shift approach to migrate game applications to the cloud, cloud object storage, and authentication security. The B2B SaaS provided access to games for customers and game developers.

As part of our ServiceNow-controlled PRs workflow, I wrote short documents describing our system’s advantages and associated services.

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

Abbott Vascular (Asen Consultants contract)

San Diego, CA

Created reference sheets, user guides, and quality management procedures manuals explaining how to securely operate and maintain Abbott Vascular equipment.

Used the OxygenXML editor with IXIASOFT CCMS to create DITA compliant documents.

Met with equipment design and manufacturing process engineers for information.

Used online SharePoint to create a manufacturing process SOW, equipment replacement policy procedures, and Mass Production Record (MPR).

Filled out Clinical Evaluation Reports (CER) and any necessary updates to the Corrective Preventive Action (CAPA) report for the quarter.

Created a manufacturing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) summary report using Windchill, and indicated regulatory compliance, safety, CI/CD security, and device performance.

Used our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to identify types of stored clinical and pharmacological test results.

Biomed-information GRC requirements restricted access to some documents.

Managed document change reviews to identify the specific differences between my original text and reviewed, updated text.

Created Change Orders updates, updates for review/approval, and requested changes. All changes conformed to FDA regulations (e.g., 21 CFR 820) for good manufacturing standards.

2/2019 – 10/2019

Senior Technical Writer / Editor

General Dynamics NASSCO (Insight Global contract)

San Diego, CA

Described and illustrated (Visio) USN Military Sealift Command ship manufacturing and overhaul projects including hardware and software installations.

Edited documents describing ship components and update plans.

Created a Software Design Description (SDD) and used Azure DevOps to plan and collaborate on updates.

Used the Command Line Interface (CLI) on a GD terminal to enter updated metadata.

Described the Command Asset Management System and used Autodesk Revit software to create pictorial examples of ship areas and components.

10/2018 – 1/2019

Technical Writer

BioSoft Integrators (contract)

San Diego, CA

Edited test scripts and test cases and updated user guides with new quality protocols.

Used Azure DevOps to plan and develop Clarity Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) architecture supported SaaS services.

Described proposed LIMS-accessing devices, created a quick guide for LIMS, summarized GxP CFR 11 requirements, and created the SOP guide for new customers.

Used Confluence with JIRA for task tracking.

4/2018 – 8/2018

Computer Systems Analyst III / Senior Technical Writer

Saalex Solutions (contract)

Temecula, CA

Conferenced 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.

Created an Advanced Planning Document (APD), a Software Requirements Specification (SRS), a preliminary Database Design Description (DBDD), and Interface Design Description (IDD) for the new database system.

Specified applicable FARS sections.

The resulting MS Stack application MAKE had layered applications and an SQL Server DB.

Wrote requirement analyses (including LucidCharts).

Used Azure DevOps to plan updates to the DB design and contributed to proposal submissions.

Defined updates (CDRL mandated, etc.) to the SQL Server DB, Sharepoint, UI options, and other features.

Held an Interim Secret Clearance.

8/2017 – 1/2018

Technical Writer / Configuration Management Engineer

Alere Abbott (TalentBurst Consulting contract)

San Diego, CA

Tested, verified, and revised Alere Abbott’s Agile Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software application user acceptance test (UAT) protocols.

Used FrameMaker to write final versions of user guides and infrastructure support/design requirements and drawings for Alere’s new Agile PLM Electronic Design History File (DHF), eQMS, and our JAMA Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) system.

Described Alere’s LIMS-accessing devices.

Used the Alere Abbott Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Adobe Experience Manager to get information about the company’s data collections (customer base, population health statistics, non-standard hazardous drugs, pharmacological test results, etc.).

Used MadCap Flare for initial collaboration with team members on new topics.

Contacted selected customers for post-delivery assessment and recommendations.

Collaborated with team members on Confluence pages about JAMA.

7/2017 – 8/2017

Technical Writer

Agena Bioscience (Real Staffing contract)

San Diego, CA

On a short-term contract:

Used FrameMaker to describe RESTful APIs for the Perseus project.

Created API design documentation.

Imported YAML code into Swagger for details.

Used IntelliJIDEA to index and test API source code.

Accessed documents stored via GitHub for additional information.

5/2017 – 7/2017

Proposal Writer

Essential Data Corporation (contract)

San Diego, CA

After a year-long travel vacation with my family, I applied Shipley principles to write a contract-winning GSA service proposal for a client. It included detailed FARS compliant sections (statement of work, services and prices, exhibits, attachments, etc.).

4/2016 – 4/2017

Vacationer

Emerson Family

Left for a year-long vacation with my family, visiting AK, KS, No. CA, OR, and IL.

12/2015 – 4/2016

Senior Technical Writer

ResMed (RasoSolutions contract)

San Diego, CA

Created an illustrated user guide, operating procedures and documents explaining IT server management.

Created ResMed documents focusing on the Oracle EBS database structure and data access security, storage refresh, IBM Privileged Identity and Cognos Analytics. ResMed used both cloud-based and downloadable native applications.

Created data flow diagrams showing Oracle DB data flow.

Created a guide explaining how the company uses WatchDox and RMS to control and protect files, eQMS to assure regulatory compliance, manufacturing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), managed cloud computing file sharing, and assured the security of company and patient information.

Used Azure DevOps to plan documentation updates.

Created a short Public Relations (PR) article describing advantages of our update.

Used MadCap Flare to collaborate with team members on new documentation

After this contract, I took off for a long family vacation traveling to visit relatives and friends.

8/2015 – 12/2015

Senior Technical Writer

ICW Group (SkillStorm Consulting contract)

San Diego, CA

Created quarterly audit returns based on content manager view.

Created IT insurance management infrastructure documents, a manual explaining the company’s approach to internal/external data security at convention centers, HR documents, and operation guides for customer service employee training.

Created an access procedures policy mapping guide and controllled document change reviews, contrasting sections of the existing system with the proposed updates.

Created Public Relations (PR) notices, release notes, and a newsletter about new projects.

1/2015 – 8/2015

Senior Technical Writer

Alere (Modis Consulting contract)

San Diego, CA

Created documents and work instructions describing:

oAlere San Diego Data Center (Advent managed service provider) infrastructure

oInfrastructure diagrams

oAlere Configuration Management Database (CMDB)

oSystem data flows

oNetwork layout, hardware

oNetwork Operations Center (NOC)

oFailover backup systems

oData loss prevention (DLP) mechanisms

oAlere Wireless Network, MedApps System, and GSP.

Maintained documentation in a SharePoint for continuous integration/content delivery (CI/CD).

9/2014 – 12/2014

Senior Technical Writer

DexCom (Foothills Consulting contract)

San Diego, CA

Described the Oracle Real Application Cluster (RAC) for DexCom’s Oracle EBS Database and the Oracle PL/SQL and new EBusiness Suite (EBS) setup.

Created comparative data flow diagrams

Used Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to plan new installation.

Created a deployment SOP, described the infrastructure, and used Excel and Snowflake and to analyze collected customer trend data.

Applied internal quality management standards (QMS) to documentation.

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.

Collaborated with teams on documentation reviews using MadCap Flare.

10/2013 – 8/2014

Instructional Designer / XML Specialist III / Senior Technical Writer

SAIC (Apex Systems Consulting contract)

San Diego, CA

Developed online help for the USN GTSCMIS training system and an illustrated USN logistics training application coded in both XML (DITA compliant) and HTML (CSS compliant).

Used Oxygen XML Editor to create XML code and StyleVision to develop DITA-structured XML schema, and RoboHelp for online Help.

Used Famemaker to develop documentation including a Software Design Description (SDD) and Software User Manual (SUM). The guides included UX design samples created with Miro. My training guide was deployed on an intranet site. The first screens contained access instructions and an interactive spreadsheet-based QA form.

5/2013 – 9/2013

Senior Technical Writer

Sony Electronics (Foothills Consulting contract)

San Diego, CA

Created content for cloud-based mobile and native application UIs based on user experience research.

Created an API Guide and specifications for Sony’s web based PlayMemories Photobook (Windows, Linux operating systems).

Explained Java and JavaScript coding in Sony’s websites.

Described telecom security.

Created a guide showing how to use the Photobook.

10/2011 – 5/2013

Senior Technical Writer

Asurion (LRS Consulting contract)

Overland Park, KS

Created system user guides, SOPs, runbooks, online help, and a finance software Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) description.

Developed a tutorial explaining how to install and maintain our SaaS B2B insurance management system and a video tutorial (Camtasia) showing how to use our system.

Described our networks with process flow illustrations (VISIO) and Asurion’s and security policies and services payment structure.

Described our Mongo DB application and API to external systems.

Summarized the J2EE project (Systems Overview Service).

3/2011 – 9/2011

Technical Writer

Perceptive Software (contract)

Lenexa, KS

Described Perceptive products using FrameMaker and Xmetal.

Explained JavaScript code used in the product ordering website.

Used MadCap Flare to develop illustrated, DITA-compliant XML topic-based documents.

9/2008 – 3/2011

Information Systems Analyst / Senior Technical Writer

HP/EDS at USDA (NextGen contract)

Kansas City, MO

Participated in USDA/FDA Joint Application Development (JAD) conferences collecting requirements for new product features and created a System Requirements document (IEE 830-1998).

Created a Requirements Traceability Matrix, API guide, test/use cases, a user manual, a HR security protocol guide, and UI content.

Developed SDK sections and manuals to standards (e.g., MIL-STD-38784), maintained requirements summaries in database tables, and created Interface and Software Design Descriptions (IDD, SDD).

Simultaneously, I defended my thesis and earned an MA in Philosophy of Science at San Jose State University, receiving the Arts and Sciences Outstanding Thesis Award (“Interpreting Quantum Nonlocality as Platonic Information,” 2009).

11/2007 – 8/2008

Senior Technical Writer

Juniper Networks (Bryson Technologies contract)

Sunnyvale, CA

Developed a SOAP/XML API guide.

Created device and system installation guides for new products.

Simultaneously, I continued the MA program at SJSU graduate school.

7/2007 – 10/2007

Senior Technical Writer

eBay (DGN Technologies contract)

San Jose, CA

Created help for an eBay application that enabled users to test reconfigurations of advertisement pages.

Described data warehouse metadata.

Created a Wiki user guide for the Security Asset Management System.

Simultaneously, I continued attending SJSU graduate school.

4/2007 – 6/2007

Senior Technical Writer

Tumbleweed Communications (Oak Hill Industries contract)

Redwood City, CA

Described the Internet message security applications SecureTransport and MailGate.

Simultaneously, I continued attending SJSU MA graduate school.

2/2004 – 3/2007

Senior Technical Writer

Cisco Systems (Bryson Technologies contract)

San Jose, CA

Using Framemaker, described RESTful APIs (pre-DevNet).

Created Java and JavaScript code command guides.

Created a document describing Cisco’s Oracle PL/SQL DB data warehouse.

Simultaneously, I started graduate school at San Jose State University (SJSU).

6/1997 – 12/2003

Senior Technical Writer

Microsoft Corporation

Mountain View, CA and Remote

As a permanent Senior Technical Writer, I created:

Documents and help describing APIs, DBMS (SQL Server, MySQL), and MS applications

HTML quick code reference and a communications protocol sheet

Resigned to accept a contract position in the SF Bay Area.

7/1993 – 2/1996

Senior Technical Writer / Proposal Writer / Business Consultant

Ravenworks, Inc. (dba)

Juneau, AK

As a self-employed consultant, I created technical documents, proposals, business plans, and video scripts for Native American Corporation (Goldbelt, Inc.), Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, commercial and AK government clients, and the Alaska Pribilof Island Community Development Association.

As an adjunct professor and consultant, I taught a Multimedia Programming course at the University of Alaska SE and proposal development courses at Juneau community school.

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