Technical Writer, Product Security Engineering

To become a Technical Writer at Google within the Product Security Engineering team, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience and have at least 4 years of experience creating content for technical audiences. This includes tasks like developer documentation and IT administration playbooks. Familiarity with web technologies such as Markdown, HTML, CSS, or JavaScript is also essential. Preferred qualifications include experience in Security Engineering, Governance, or Risk and Compliance, as well as a strong focus on user experience in documentation.

The main responsibilities of a Technical Writer in Google's Product Security Engineering team include collaborating with fellow writers to enhance technical documentation, developing user-friendly self-service playbooks for engineering teams, editing and clarifying documents created by engineers, organizing existing documentation, identifying gaps, and leading new documentation projects. Additionally, you'll help improve writing skills across the team through consultations and office hours.

Essential skills for a Technical Writer at Google include excellent communication capabilities, the ability to write clearly and concisely without jargon, and a passion for learning new technologies. Experience in synthesizing complicated information into simplified documents is necessary. A strong understanding of web writing principles and user experience considerations will also greatly contribute to your success in this role, especially within the context of Product Security Engineering.

Google supports its Technical Writers through a collaborative work environment, where you'll be part of a team dedicated to enhancing technical documentation. You'll receive feedback and assistance from program leads and other writers, enabling growth and continuous improvement. Additionally, Google provides resources and office hours focused on refining writing skills, ensuring that all technical documentation meets high standards and effectively serves the intended audience.

The salary range for a Technical Writer position at Google in Kirkland, Washington, is between $105,000 and $151,000, plus bonuses, equity, and benefits. The actual compensation you can expect may vary based on your individual skills, experience, and education, and a recruiter will provide the specific details relevant to your location during the hiring process.

A strong response would include specific examples of types of documentation you've created—such as user manuals, API documentation, or IT playbooks—and the processes you followed. Highlight any collaboration with engineers and how you ensured content clarity.

Discuss an example where you received constructive criticism and how you applied it to enhance your document. Mention the importance of collaboration and receiving external perspectives to improve technical content.

Discuss the use of Markup languages like Markdown, tools such as Git for version control, and how you leverage content management systems. Be sure to mention your comfort level with web technologies relevant to the role.

Explain your approach, perhaps by discussing the importance of understanding user needs, coordinating with team members, and balancing urgent requests with ongoing documentation improvements. Provide a real-life example if possible.

Use a specific project example where you successfully communicated a complicated topic to your audience. Describe your process of breaking down information into digestible sections while ensuring accuracy.

Discuss your view on the significance of clear documentation in driving security objectives, helping teams understand protocols, and ensuring compliance through accessible resources. Emphasize the writer's role as a bridge between technical and non-technical audiences.

Mention strategies such as subscribing to tech blogs, attending webinars, or participating in relevant online communities. Discuss how gaining new knowledge informs and enhances your documentation work continuously.

Provide an example demonstrating your time management skills, working with collaborators, and prioritizing tasks effectively. Highlight your ability to deliver quality work despite constraints.

Talk about the importance of collaborating with subject matter experts, the revision process you employ, and how you validate information before publication to ensure integrity in your documentation.

Explain your method for assessing the current documentation, identifying gaps, and your process for categorization and prioritization to make the information easily accessible and useful for users.