DigitalOcean is hiring: Staff Technical Writer in San Francisco

Overview

Join to apply for the Staff Technical Writer role at DigitalOcean.

DigitalOcean is a leading cloud provider and AI-forward platform. This role reports to the Senior Manager of Product Design and Documentation within Shared Services and offers broad scope and autonomy to set strategy across product lines and mentor other writers.

What Youll Do

• Own and drive the documentation strategy for multiple product lines, ensuring it scales with DigitalOceans growth.
• Develop and maintain deeply technical documentation for developers, sysadmins, and cloud engineers.
• Work hands-on with Linux, APIs, SDKs, and CLIs to validate product functionality and ensure technical accuracy.
• Architect systems and processes that make documentation structured, reusable, discoverable, and globally accessible.
• Define and uphold high standards for clarity, accuracy, and consistency across all content.
• Lead by example in docs-as-code practices, setting standards for Git/GitHub workflows, reviews, and collaboration.
• Mentor and coach writers at all levels, providing final review and guidance on complex documentation projects.
• Partner with engineering, product, and design leaders to integrate documentation into the product experience.
• Represent DigitalOceans documentation practice externally through publishing, conference speaking, and community engagement.

Key Metrics

• Accuracy and trust: Documentation validated against product behavior, with low error rates and high confidence.
• Efficiency and reliability: Faster cycle time from feature readiness to publication without sacrificing quality.
• System scalability: Improvements in structure, tooling, and governance that make docs easier to maintain and expand.
• Cross-functional alignment: Evidence of documentation shaping product strategy and customer outcomes.
• External presence: Recognition of DigitalOceans documentation practice through conference talks, publications, or community engagement.

What Youll Add To DigitalOcean

• Extensive experience as a senior or staff-level technical writer with a portfolio of developer-facing documentation.
• Mastery of docs-as-code workflows: Git/GitHub version control, branching strategies, PR-based reviews, and collaboration at scale.
• Proven fluency with static site generators (e.g., Hugo) and Markdown-based authoring.
• Strong technical foundation with Linux, APIs, SDKs, and CLIs, and the ability to validate code samples and configurations directly.
• Ability to quickly learn and explain complex cloud infrastructure, networking, and developer tooling.
• Demonstrated success mentoring writers, establishing documentation standards, and driving governance across ecosystems.
• Excellent communication skills and reader empathy, with the ability to translate complexity into usable guidance.
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple high-impact projects across distributed teams.
• Track record of external impact publishing, conference speaking, or community engagement that advances DigitalOceans profile and the craft of technical writing.
• Nice-to-haves: software engineering experience (Go or Python), familiarity with OpenAPI (Swagger), or experience in testing/QA workflows.

Why Youll Like Working for DigitalOcean

• We innovate with purpose. Youll be part of a cutting-edge technology company with an upward trajectory, focused on simplifying cloud and AI so builders can create software that changes the world.
• We prioritize career development. Youll work with some of the smartest people in the industry. We provide resources for growth, including conference reimbursement, training, and LinkedIn Learning access.
• We care about well-being. We offer a competitive benefits package, including Employee Assistance Program, local meetups, and flexible time off, with benefits varying by location.
• We reward our employees. Salary range for this position is $168,800 - $211,000, with potential bonuses and equity compensation; eligible employees may participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• We value diversity and inclusion. We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

Remote role.