π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Senior Technical Writer
πΉ Company: Zscaler
πΉ Location: Remote - USA
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Technical Writing
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-04-03
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: Remote - USA
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Translating complex technical information into clear, concise documentation
- Creating post-sales content for online documentation and UI text for UX and Engineering teams
- Working cross-functionally with various teams, including Engineering, Field Support, Sales, Training, and Product Marketing
- Leading and mentoring other technical writers on the team
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with diverse teams. Familiarity with technical writing tools and processes is also essential.
π Key Responsibilities
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Translate technical information into clear, concise, and effective documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences
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Deliver post-sales content for online documentation (i.e., help articles, release notes, etc.) and provide UI text (i.e., tooltips, labels, error messages, etc.) for use by UX and Engineering teams
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Integrate graphics and illustrations to improve the quality and usability of the documentation
β
Work cross-functionally with SMEs in the Engineering, Field Support, Sales, Training, and Product Marketing teams
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Lead and mentor other technical writers on the team and assist with documentation project scheduling and management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of technical concepts and the ability to break them down into understandable content for various audiences.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree or equivalent work experience in technical writing, communications, or a related field (certifications in technical writing/communications also acceptable)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in technical writing
Required Skills:
- Excellent oral, written, analytic, and organizational skills
- Hands-on experience with JIRA and/or Confluence
- Experience writing REST API documentation, including hands-on knowledge of OpenAPI Specification (Swagger) and JSON
Preferred Skills:
- Experience writing online help and knowledge base articles for web or mobile products
- Experience in Agile environments with hands-on knowledge of HTML5/CSS
- Background in network or cloud security
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is likely required for this role due to the nature of the work and the need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $105,000 - $150,000 USD (Based on industry standards for a Senior Technical Writer role with 5-10 years of experience in the USA)
Benefits:
- Various health plans
- Time off plans for vacation and sick time
- Parental leave options
- Retirement options
- Education reimbursement
- In-office perks, and more!
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on factors such as the candidate's experience, skills, and location. Zscaler's benefits package is comprehensive and inclusive, designed to meet the diverse needs of their employees.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Zscaler operates in the computer and network security industry, focusing on Zero Trust, SASE, cloud security, and other related services.
Company Size: Zscaler has 5,001-10,000 employees, making it a mid-sized to large company. This size allows for diverse teams and opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Zscaler was founded in 2008 and has since grown to become a publicly-traded company with a global presence.
Company Description:
- Zscaler empowers enterprises to modernize security, streamline operations, and help transform business through its innovative approach to cybersecurity.
- The Zero Trust Exchange platform, strengthened by AI, safeguards thousands of customers against cyber threats and data breaches by securely connecting users, devices, and applications from any location.
- With over 500 billion transactions processed daily, Zscaler operates the largest in-line cloud security platform, preventing more than 9 billion security incidents and policy violations each day.
Company Specialties:
- Zero Trust
- SASE
- Cloud Security
- CASB
- Secure Web Gateways
- Secure Remote Access
- Cloud Sandbox
- Cloud Firewall
- CSPM
- Workload Segmentation
- and SSE
Company Website: https://www.zscaler.com
ASSUMPTION: Zscaler's focus on innovation and customer success creates an environment where employees can grow and make a significant impact on the company's mission.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, indicating that the candidate should have extensive experience and expertise in technical writing.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Technical Writer will report to the Manager, Technical Publications and work cross-functionally with various teams, including Engineering, Field Support, Sales, Training, and Product Marketing.
Work Arrangement: This is a remote position for the USA, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work from home.
Growth Opportunities:
- Mentoring and leading other technical writers on the team
- Expanding skills and knowledge in cloud security and related technologies
- Potential career progression into management or specialized roles within technical writing or related fields
ASSUMPTION: Zscaler's focus on growth and development creates opportunities for employees to advance their careers within the company.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote work environment, with the option to work from home or a co-working space
Office Location(s): Remote - USA
Geographic Context:
- The USA is a large and diverse country with varying time zones, climates, and cultures
- Remote work allows for flexibility and the opportunity to work from various locations within the USA
- The USA has a strong economy and a robust job market, offering opportunities for professional growth and development
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible schedule for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Working remotely requires strong self-motivation, time management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with team members in different locations.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- Technical writing test or assignment
- Final interview with the Manager, Technical Publications and other team members
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical writing skills and ability to translate complex information
- Communication skills and the ability to work well with diverse teams
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new technologies and tools
- Cultural fit and alignment with Zscaler's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide examples of your technical writing work, if available
- Prepare for the technical writing test or assignment by reviewing the job description and researching Zscaler's products and services
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
ATS Keywords: Technical Writing, Documentation, JIRA, Confluence, REST API, OpenAPI, JSON, Agile, HTML5, CSS, Network Security, Cloud Security
ASSUMPTION: Zscaler's application process is designed to assess the candidate's technical writing skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit within the organization.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- JIRA
- Confluence
- OpenAPI Specification (Swagger)
- JSON
- HTML5
- CSS
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is required for this role, as they are essential for creating and managing technical documentation.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Obsessed
- One Team, One Dream
- Innovate and Disrupt
- Act with Integrity
- Embrace Diversity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and open to feedback
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality documentation
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with diverse teams
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I align with Zscaler's values, particularly in being customer-obsessed and embracing diversity?
- Am I comfortable working remotely and managing my time effectively?
- Do I have strong communication skills and the ability to work well with diverse teams?
ASSUMPTION: Zscaler's culture values collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to customer success. Employees who thrive in this environment are adaptable, results-driven, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Working remotely may require strong self-motivation and time management skills
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines may be challenging, as this role involves working cross-functionally with various teams
- Keeping up with the latest technologies and trends in cloud security may require continuous learning and adaptation
- Managing a team of technical writers may present unique challenges and opportunities for growth
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication skills, effective time management, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other technical writing roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in the cloud security industry and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies
- Zscaler's focus on innovation and customer success creates an environment where employees can make a significant impact on the company's mission
- Career progression in technical writing or related fields may be available, depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and performance
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a growing and innovative industry, with potential for career growth and development.
π Sample Projects
- Creating user guides and tutorials for Zscaler's cloud security products
- Developing API documentation for Zscaler's RESTful APIs, using OpenAPI Specification (Swagger) and JSON
- Collaborating with UX and Engineering teams to create UI text and improve the user experience of Zscaler's products
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from creating user-focused documentation to collaborating with cross-functional teams.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does this role fit into the overall technical writing team and the company's mission?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the company?
- How does Zscaler support work-life balance for remote employees?
- What is the team's approach to collaboration and communication, particularly when working remotely?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for the technical writing test or assignment by reviewing the job description and researching Zscaler's products and services
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
- If selected, complete the background check process and await the offer extension
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.