John D. Freeman
California City
Summary
Accomplished Senior Technical Writer with extensive experience at KBR, Inc., specializing in Agile documentation for Navy applications. Proficient in XML and FrameMaker, I excel in transforming complex information into user-friendly manuals while leading teams to meet tight deadlines. My strong communication skills and technical expertise drive successful project outcomes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Writer
KBR, Inc.
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Developed functional, testing, acceptance specifications, and user documentation for MEASURE Operation and Control Center (MOCC) applications, supporting Navy NAVAIR/NAVSEA group at San Diego North Island Navy Base.
- Contributed to software development within Agile SDLC, utilizing XML-type web displays from ORACLE database.
- Developed engaging content for various platforms and audiences.
- Collaborated with project teams to ensure message consistency and clarity.
- Edited and proofread materials to enhance readability and accuracy.
Technical Writer III
General Dynamics – NASSCO
03.2017 - 08.2019
- Developed technical manuals (TMs) for NAVY ships from COTS sources, ensuring alignment with NAVY customer expectations.
- Developed functional, testing, and user documentation for NASSCO shipbuilding program to enhance user understanding and compliance.
- Structured vendor-supplied Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) manuals into a style and format for commercial and NAVY customers.
- Verified vendor supplied information (VFI) for compliance with structures approved by NAVY customer, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Senior Technical Writer
Strategic Data Systems, Inc.
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Developed functional, testing, acceptance specifications, and user documentation for MEASURE Operation and Control Center (MOCC) applications for Navy NAVAIR/NAVSEA group, ensuring comprehensive understanding of MOCC program and initiatives.
- Utilized Agile SDLC process to create XML-type web displays from ORACLE database, enhancing documentation clarity and accessibility.
- Developed user manuals for software applications and technical processes.
- Collaborated with engineers to gather product specifications and requirements.
- Created online help documentation to support user training and understanding.
Content Management Developer
Serco, Inc
01.2010 - 02.2016
- Developed specifications and user documentation for Training and Operational Readiness Information Services (TORIS) applications in NAVY Afloat Training Group-Pacific (ATGPAC), enhancing understanding of TORIS and Navy Ship Training program.
- Created software environment using Agile SDLC process, integrating XML-type web displays from SQL database to improve application functionality.
- Developed software solutions using Java and Python for client projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and specifications.
- Created and maintained documentation for software applications and user guides.
Technical Writer/Project lead
Phoenix Professional Solutions
11.2008 - 04.2009
- As the principal technical writer, created user guides for Eastman Kodak all-in-one printers using the Adobe Structured (SGML) FrameMaker authoring software.
- Ensured quality documentation met tight product deliverable schedules through careful attention to milestone timelines and effective collaboration with the project team.
- Produced online documentation and mentored document team peers in developing UI specifications to improve documentation standards.
- Created training materials for product service personnel to enhance support capabilities.
Writer/Manager, Technical Publications
Sony Electronics Inc.
12.2004 - 07.2008
- Led team of technical writers to create user manuals, application guides, and online help for VAIO PC product line, enhancing user experience and product usability.
- Developed tutorials and created screen shots using Visio, Captiva, and Camtasia to support user training and improve product documentation.
- Authoring tools included Framemaker, RoboHelp and Madcap Flare for producing PDF and online help media.
- Software development environment based on Agile development methodology for SDLC process.
Senior Technical Writer
Computer Associates, Inc.
11.2002 - 11.2004
- Consulted on design, writing, and finalization of comprehensive documentation set for Secure Content Manager and Antivirus products, enhancing user understanding and product usability.
- Supported cross-platform software products across Windows, UNIX/Linux, NetWare, and Macintosh OS X, ensuring accessibility and consistency in documentation.
- Developed online help (HTML using RoboHelp, CHM, and Windows Help) and printed documentation (Getting Started Guide, Administrator Guide, Readme, and Release Summary) in PDF format, providing users with clear and structured guidance.
Staff Information Developer
IBM
03.1995 - 08.2001
- Created online documentation and printed manuals for Application Integration and Middleware section, enhancing user understanding and product usability.
- Authored Installation, Reference, and Programming Guides for IBM DB2 and business programming languages (COBOL, PL/I, Assembler) for PCs on OS/2 and Windows (NT), facilitating smoother integration for developers.
- Developed online help for web-based (Internet) information on WebSphere product.
- Some documentation written in the DITA format.
Technical Publication Manager
Parallan Computers
06.1992 - 02.1995
- Developed comprehensive technical manual for fault-tolerant multiprocessor LAN server product marketed by IBM, enhancing user understanding in OS/2 and Novell NetWare client-server environment.
- Managed project timelines and resources to ensure successful product launches.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance product development strategies.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline operational workflows and increase efficiency.
Service Information Manager
Computer Aided Service
- Developed and maintained extensive database of automotive diagnostic information using image scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) processes to streamline access for users.
- Started publications department and led the writing of user manuals documenting the sophisticated Windows-based automotive engine analyzer and diagnostic information system.
- Managed information systems to enhance data accessibility and usability.
- Developed and maintained documentation for internal processes and procedures.
- Collaborated with teams to streamline information-sharing practices across departments.
Technical Publications Manager
Hughes LAN Systems (formerly SYTEK, Inc.)
- Created the technical publications department and managed a team of technical writers responsible for developing product manuals for LAN and WAN products (Gateways, Bridges, Routers, PC LANs, etc.) which used broadband- and Ethernet-type media technologies.
- Developed various manual categories, including terminal-to-host and PC-to-PC network device references, user guides, operation guides, system administrator's guides, and maintenance manuals.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Technical Publications Manager
National Semiconductor
- Coordinated and directed technical writers to develop user and service manuals for Sun Microsystems-like workstation products, ensuring clarity and usability for end users.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Senior Technical Writer/Project Leader
Amdahl
- Developed and organized field service maintenance publications for Amdahl 470 Computing System and 4705 Communication Processor, ensuring clarity and usability for field technicians.
- Developed clear technical documentation for complex software systems.
- Collaborated with engineers to gather product specifications and requirements.
- Created user manuals and installation guides for diverse audiences.
Senior Technical Writer/Curriculum Developer
GTE
- Developed and delivered manuals and curriculum for Army electronic warfare equipment.
- Developed user manuals for complex software applications at GTE.
- Collaborated with engineers to gather technical information and specifications.
- Edited and revised documentation for clarity and consistency across platforms.
Education Manager/Instructor
RCA
- Delivered vocational school curriculum on fundamentals of electricity, tube and transistor circuit theory, digital circuits, Boolean algebra, and machine language-level programming.
- Oversaw part-time management of technical vocational school evening courses at RCA, ensuring course quality and student engagement.
- Developed educational programs aligned with organizational goals and community needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance curriculum and instructional strategies.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on best educational practices and tools.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
RCA Technical Institute
Cherry Hill, NJSkills
- Technical Writing
- Technical Documentation
- Content Strategy
- Content Development
- Content Management
- Content Lifecycle Management
- Web Content Management
- Help Authoring Tools
- Content Migration
- Structured Authoring
- User Documentation
- Visual Design
- Publication Design
- Document Automation
- Project Management
- Collaboration Tools
- HTML
- Windows
- MAC
- UNIX
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- MS-Word
- Video Documentation
Education Professional Development
- Secret Clearance by DISCO
- Project management workshop
- Lotus Notes fundamentals I & II
- Arbortext SGML technical workshop for authoring
- RoboHelp and Madcap Flare for HTML/SGML authoring
- Instruction/Training authoring tools such as Captiva, Camtasia, specializing in Performance Oriented Instructional System (POIS) instruction methodology
- Webmasters workshop (Java security, emerging web server technologies)
- Diversity in the workplace seminar
- EEO guidelines seminar
- RCA Technical Institute
Technical Skills
COBOL, Java, Java Applets, CGI, HTML, SGML, Windows, MAC, 390, UNIX, OS/2, VAX/VMS, FrameMaker, MS-Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Ventura, Lotus Notes, FrontPage, RoboHelp, scanning & OCR technology, NROFF/TROFF, Book Manager, Book Maker, Captiva, Camtasia, DITA Tools: MadCap Flare, Arbortext, AuthorIt
Summary Of Experience
Content Management Developer – a self-starter, motivated, and experienced technical communicator with a solid background in technical writing, team leadership, scheduling, managing, and training. As a technical communicator, I have a wealth of experience and skills that stem from many years of experience in technical communication development for software, hardware, and system type products and a working knowledge of all publication processes. While using a wide range of information authoring tools and applying hands-on methodologies with product application interfaces, I thrive in an environment translating complex technical information into simplified technical communication. To provide clear and high-quality communication, I strive to work closely with technical teams to create and preserve a seamless look and feel to all documentation and respective deliverables. Factors affecting my technical communication expertise and documentation development skills include: Rapid understanding of technical and functional aspects of business and products, adherence to deliverable schedules based upon understanding of product development life cycles and standard SDLC practices in Agile environments, active communication and participation in a project development team focused on project goals, living in the solution rather than the problem, quality optimizations, training, and mentoring.
Timeline
Senior Writer
KBR, Inc.
08.2019 - 12.2020
Technical Writer III
General Dynamics – NASSCO
03.2017 - 08.2019
Senior Technical Writer
Strategic Data Systems, Inc.
08.2016 - 03.2017
Content Management Developer
Serco, Inc
01.2010 - 02.2016
Technical Writer/Project lead
Phoenix Professional Solutions
11.2008 - 04.2009
Writer/Manager, Technical Publications
Sony Electronics Inc.
12.2004 - 07.2008
Senior Technical Writer
Computer Associates, Inc.
11.2002 - 11.2004
Staff Information Developer
IBM
03.1995 - 08.2001
Technical Publication Manager
Parallan Computers
06.1992 - 02.1995
Service Information Manager
Computer Aided Service
Technical Publications Manager
Hughes LAN Systems (formerly SYTEK, Inc.)
Technical Publications Manager
National Semiconductor
Senior Technical Writer/Project Leader
Amdahl
Senior Technical Writer/Curriculum Developer
GTE
Education Manager/Instructor
RCA
Some College (No Degree) -
RCA Technical Institute