Senior Software Engineer

Your New Role

Are you a software engineer who loves to make life easier for others? Do you have a knack for turning complex technical jargon into clear, accessible information? If so, we have the ideal role for you.  

We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer with a passion for technical writing to join our team. This is not just any role—you'll be the first in this space, pioneering the way we create and manage technical documentation across the entire CNN digital spectrum. 

In this position, you'll collaborate with a diverse set of teams—front-end, back-end, mobile, design systems, and more—to enhance onboarding experiences for engineers, designers, program managers, and even our endusers.  
 
Whether it's simplifying the onboarding process for a new engineer, helping designers navigate our systems, or improving how consumers interact with CNN.com, your work will have a meaningful direct impact. 

Because our teams are spread out across different organizations and groups, we're looking for someone who's a self-starter and can take initiative. You'll report directly to the Senior Director of Engineering and Program for CNN, playing a key role in shaping how we communicate and document our technical processes moving forward. 

What You'll Do 

Lead the Charge in Technical Documentation: 

• Define and establish the technical documentation strategy for CNN Digital. 

• Create and maintain clear, user-friendly documentation that sets the standard for our organization. 

Collaborate Across Diverse Teams: 

• Work closely with full-stack teams—including front-end, back-end, mobile, and design systems—to gather information and document processes. 

• Partner with designers, program managers, and other stakeholders to improve onboarding materials and resources. 

Enhance Onboarding and User Experiences: 

• Develop resources that make onboarding smoother for engineerss, designers, program managers, and front-end users. 

• Simplify complex technical processes for internal tools, editorial workflows, and consumer-facing platforms like CNN.com. 

Be a Self-Starter and Connector: 

• Proactively engage with teams across different orgs and groups to collect the information you need. 

• Serve as the go-to person for technical documentation, bridging gaps and fostering collaboration across the org. 

Contribute Technically: 

• Utilize your expertise in JavaScript, Java, and Python to contribute to software development when needed. 

• Read and interpret other programming languages to effectively document and understand various projects/workstreams. 

Who You Are 

• You have 3+ years of software engineering experience, focusing on scalable systems. 

• You've proven your ability in technical writing, especially in documenting software and system architectures. 

• You're an expert in JavaScript, Java, and Python, and you're comfortable diving into other languages as needed. 

• Familiarity with documentation tools like Markdown, Confluence, or GitHub Wiki is a plus. 

A Great Communicator: 

• You excel at explaining complex technical concepts in a way that's easy for anyone to understand. 

• Your written and verbal communication skills are top-notch. 

A Self-Motivated Collaborator: 

• You're a self-starter who can navigate a dispersed/multi-locale team environment. 

• You enjoy bringing people together and making connections across different groups. 

Detail-Oriented and Organized: 

• You have a keen eye for detail, both in code and in writing. 

• Managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks comes naturally to you. 

Educational Background: 

• You hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (Not required), Software Engineering, or a related field or have equivalent experience (required). 

Why Join Us

• Be a Trailblazer: You'll be the first in this role, setting the standard for technical documentation at CNN. 

• Make a Real Impact: Your work will simplify processes and enhance experiences for colleagues and users alike. 

• Collaborative Environment: Work with a variety of teams and departments, expanding your network and knowledge. 

• Growth Opportunities: With the freedom to shape this role, you'll have plenty of room for professional development.