CHRISTOPHER LEE
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic Lead Technical Writer and Communications Specialist with extensive experience in the manufacturing, defense, and industrial sectors, focusing on the creation of process documentation, SOPs, work instructions, and audit-ready content. Expertise in restructuring and standardizing complex documentation ecosystems while translating intricate technical and engineering concepts into clear, user-centric materials. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across engineering, quality, and operations to enhance communication strategies. Proficient in Arbortext, XML-based CMS platforms, Adobe InDesign, and Dozuki, complemented by a strong foundation in journalism and multimedia storytelling that ensures precise and accessible communication for diverse audiences.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Technical Writer
ATI Forged Products
Cudahy, WI
06.2025 - Current
- Serve as the lead technical writer for Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Heat Treat Operations, overseeing the strategy, planning, and execution of documentation initiatives across the department.
- Lead a comprehensive restructuring of departmental documentation, including assessing current materials, identifying gaps, and implementing a streamlined, role-based documentation framework.
- Rebuild and standardize legacy documentation (SOPs, work instructions, process guides, and reference materials) to improve clarity, consistency, and operator usability on the shop floor and in audit environments.
- Translate complex engineering and metallurgical concepts into accessible, actionable instructions that support safe, repeatable, and compliant operations.
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, quality, operations, and training teams to validate technical content, align documentation with process changes, and ensure readiness for internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
- Establish and enforce documentation standards, style guidelines, naming conventions, and revision control practices to create a scalable, maintainable documentation ecosystem.
- Collaborate with leadership to prioritize documentation projects, define timelines, and communicate progress, risks, and dependencies to key stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve documentation workflows and knowledge management, recommending tools and processes that reduce rework, improve adoption, and support continuous improvement.
Technical Writer
Almon, Inc.
Waukesha, WI
03.2023 - 06.2025
- Authored, edited, and published technical manuals, operation guides, maintenance instructions, and training materials for manufacturing and industrial clients, including Oshkosh Defense and Ferrara Candy Company.
- Utilized Arbortext and XML-based content management systems to create structured, modular, and reusable content that met military and industry documentation standards.
- Developed SOPs, work instructions, and visual aids using Adobe InDesign and Dozuki, optimizing layout and information hierarchy to improve comprehension and reduce user error.
- Interpreted engineering drawings, technical specifications, bills of materials, and process documentation to produce accurate written and illustrated content.
- Collaborated with engineers, product managers, production leaders, and quality teams to confirm technical accuracy, validate procedures, and incorporate feedback from field use and audits.
- Ensured documentation complied with customer requirements, internal quality standards, and applicable industry or defense standards.
- Participated in content planning and review cycles, providing recommendations on structure, terminology, and information architecture to enhance usability and maintainability.
- Supported version control and document lifecycle management, helping teams maintain current, controlled documentation sets across multiple projects and customers.
Management Trainee
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Glendale, WI
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Completed a comprehensive management training program encompassing customer service, sales, operations, and branch performance management.
- Consistently ranked in the top five regionally, maintaining an average customer satisfaction score of 86% by delivering responsive, solution-oriented service in a high-volume environment.
- Built and maintained client relationships through clear communication, expectation setting, and proactive issue resolution, contributing to repeat business and customer loyalty.
- Contributed to a 15% increase in annual net profit by supporting strategic sales initiatives, optimizing fleet utilization, and improving day-to-day operational efficiency.
- Analyzed branch performance metrics, identified trends and areas for improvement, and collaborated with leadership to implement process enhancements.
- Developed skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and time management that translated into effective stakeholder communication and project coordination in later roles.
Journalist
Media Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Researched, reported, and wrote news and feature stories for a digital publication in a deadline-driven environment.
- Conducted interviews, verified facts, and crafted clear, well-structured narratives from complex or sensitive information.
- Edited content for grammar, style, tone, and structure, ensuring consistency with AP Style and organizational guidelines.
- Collaborated with editors, photographers, and multimedia teams to align written content with visuals and digital storytelling formats.
- Utilized camera systems and digital editing software to support multimedia storytelling, including basic video capture and editing.
- Built strong fundamentals in audience analysis, headline writing, and content framing that now inform technical and professional communication work.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism and Communications
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI01.2022
Skills
- Technical and Professional Writing
- Process Documentation and Content Standardization
- Information Architecture and Usability
- Tools and Technologies
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
- Quality, Compliance, and Audit Readiness
- Project and Time Management
- Clear, Audience-Focused Communication
Media And Communications Experience
Journalist, Media Milwaukee – University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, 2020-01-01, 2022-01-01, Researched, reported, and wrote news and feature stories for a digital publication in a deadline-driven environment., Conducted interviews, verified facts, and crafted clear, well-structured narratives from complex or sensitive information., Edited content for grammar, style, tone, and structure, ensuring consistency with AP Style and organizational guidelines., Collaborated with editors, photographers, and multimedia teams to align written content with visuals and digital storytelling formats., Utilized camera systems and digital editing software to support multimedia storytelling, including basic video capture and editing., Built strong fundamentals in audience analysis, headline writing, and content framing that now inform technical and professional communication work.
Personal Information
Title: Lead Technical Writer | Communications Specialist
Timeline
Lead Technical Writer
ATI Forged Products
06.2025 - Current
Technical Writer
Almon, Inc.
03.2023 - 06.2025
Management Trainee
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
01.2022 - 01.2023
Journalist
Media Milwaukee
01.2020 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism and Communications
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee