SUMMARY

I create software test teams that are responsive to business needs and cost effective, whether creating them from scratch or improving existing teams. I use analytical and Lean techniques to optimize the testing value chain. I increase team and individual capability through coaching, feedback and setting up learning environments. I collaborate closely with my development counterparts to increase the value that the testing function contributes to a successful product¸for both agile and traditional (waterfall) environments.

As a tester, I’ve been responsible for all aspects of testing including: clarifying requirements, creating test stratagies and test plans, test execution and progress reporting. I’ve created automated test scripts in several tool packages (Robot, Silk, WinRunner (now called QTP)). As a manager, I’ve driven the adoption of automation to increase product coverage and reduce cycle time¸ streamlined testing processes, and improved tester skillsets.

Background includes: Windows and Linux environments, agile development, Certified Scrum Master, Lean/6 sigma techniques.

EXPERIENCE

Confidential 2011
Consultant

I was brought in, along with a lead consultant, to plan the end-to-end performance testing for a data center migration project. Our scope was very quickly expanded to assist with general QA planning of several phases of testing conducted by on and off shore groups, and create high level test plans and project schedules. My focus for the performance testing was in defining and quantifying the UI transactions to be scripted for this testing, using web analytics (Akamai), http traffic capture tools and in house interviews.

Confidential 2008-2010
Owner/Productivity Consultant
Product: consulting services

I started a consulting company, focusing on productivity improvements for small businesses. I helped clients to improve process flow, improve personal time management, and performed assessments that outlined business improvement opportunities. In addition to creating solutions, I provided training and coaching in the techniques used, so that clients could become self-sufficient.

Confidential 2005-2007
Engineering Test Manager
Products: virtual tape libraries, site replication, deduplication

I was brought in to create a new testing group (pre-QA), to provide earlier feedback to development. I started this group working hands-on with a fresh college graduate, testing products that were entirely new to the company (site replication, deduplication). I later took on the existing product line as well, with additional hires. In addition to product testing, my group created a smoke test framework, that tested each build , and then was later expanded to be a nightly test to get additional “soak” time. This resulted in immediate feedback to developers while the work was still fresh in their minds, allowed us to notice performance issues right away, reduced installation time wasted on “bad” builds, and allowed for more thoroughand extensive testing as the basic functionality had already been tested.

Hands-on work included:

• Manual testing of site replication product on Linux. Use NISTnet to induce network latency and errors as part of testing.
• Run internal alpha program for deduplication product. Review logs for errors and provide analysis, calculate rough performance metrics. Set-up and execution of product demos for both site replication and deduplication products to customers and executive staff.
• Manage Bugzilla bug tracking system, including implementing UI changes, preparing special queries from MySQL database.

Confidential 2003-2005
Manager II, System Test
Products: fault tolerant server platforms (Windows, Linux and proprietary operating system)

I started as one of three QA managers , in a matrixed environment (~12 direct reports, ~14 on a program team- only some of which were direct reports), handling the Windows product line, then added the Linux and proprietary OS product lines after a downsizing. I also addedqa management for in-house support products, after a subsequent reorganization. I drove improvements to the system management automation , making them more modular and flexible so the tests could be recombined in creative ways to expose more bugs. We reduced testing on mature areas of the product that weren’t seeing bugs to reduce the installation testing from 8 weeks to 2 weeks. The testers were highly specialized and siloed so I created and instituted a training program for the entire QA department. This training enabled more flexibility in staffing projects.

Confidential 1999-2002
QA Manager/QA Team Lead/Senior QA Engineer
Products: Public safety suite that operates over various public/private radio networks and add-on applications

I started as a senior engineer for a new product with an aggressive release schedule, became team lead, and was promoted to QA Manager a year later, taking on the existing product as well. On the new product, I worked with my peer development manager, to introduce a number of XP techniques to increase focus and agility. On the existing product, we had a number of unhappy customers, since the quality and release schedule were unpredictable, and testing was undocumented. I created a minimum battery of tests to be run on every build (first manual, later automated), allowing additional time for creative exploratory testing. I also instituted a weekly learning session , which helped to improve bug comprehensiveness and accuracy and the proceedings were place on an internal web server to serve as a reference for new hires. When my boss left the company, I ran the next release until a new Director was hired several months later. This included developers, testers and a documentation specialist.

Hands-on work included:

• Create and execute comprehensive test plans for wireless web-based public safety product.
• Creating and running automated scripts for UI portion of reporting product with Rational Robot.
• Introduce the use of VMWare in test lab for increased platform coverage/reduced set-up time.

Confidential 1990-1999
QA Lead/Senior QA Engineer
Products: networking, directory services, messaging server and applications

I started off testing Banyan’s messaging platform and messaging clients, then became team lead for a major product release, which included print, file, security, directory, networking in addition to messaging.

Hands-on work included:

• Create and execute comprehensive test plans for messaging products (server and client applications).
• Creating and executing automated scripts for web-based mail client using Silktest, creating and executing shell scripts for mail server.

EDUCATION

MBA, Operations concentration, Confidential College 
BS, Management/Industrial Engineering, Confidential
Certificates: Software Engineering Using C; Unix, Confidential University