Quality Engineer
Software Test Engineer Quality Assurance Tester, Lead Quality Assurance Analyst
Profile:
Detail-focused and self-directed Quality Assurance Professional with passion for applying sound QA methodologies for creative companies. Proven track record of achievement over 12+ years in quality assurance including high-profile, high-stakes projects with world class, industry-leading company. Adapt quickly to new technologies able to assist in the design of custom automated test systems. Highly motivated; enjoy ad-hoc testing and independent work. Strong communication skills. Knowledge of best practices in quality design and understanding of customer needs.
Core proficiencies include:
Quality Assurance • Team Leadership • Color Management • Pre-Print & Print Production
Customer Support • Black Box Testing • Gray Box Testing • Manual Testing • Custom Automation
Ad-hoc Testing • Localization Testing • Product Testing • Workflow Testing • UI Testing• User Assessment
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Adobe Systems, Seattle, WA 2000 - Nov. 30, 2009
Quality Engineer expert in Core Tech division providing shared technologies used by multiple Adobe applications.
Tester II – Core Tech Division, 2005 – 2009
Designed and executed test cases, files, workflows and scripts for the printing, color management, and file exchange technologies. Coordinated different test cycles simultaneously with agile approach to working with multiple product developers. Tested XML-based graphic interchange format (FXG 2.0) from early stages through implementation for Adobe Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Catalyst. Used in-house tools utilizing Python, ExtendScript, ActionScript, XML, and Flex to ensure file fidelity in cross-application workflows.
Achievement Highlights:
– AGMPrint (Adobe Graphics Model)
Primary sought-after tester for critical developments including the Acrobat adoption of the AGMPrint engine, the preservation of primary colors in workflows, device-linked profile color management.
Conducted extensive function, compatibility and ad hoc testing on a high-profile bug "fix" on transparency issue and identified many potential costs of releasing the "fix" by creating additional, unpredictable problems.
Devised and executed black-box, gray-box, and automated tests for AGMPrint (the Core Tech print engine used by InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat).
– Color Management
Employed methodical testing and deep knowledge of color and print to solve long term printing problem within a year. Resolved issue by thorough analysis and testing of color management and ink preservation.
Improved the efficiency of periodic certification testing of PostScript printing and of Adobe color management. Transformed a manual process requiring two people to test three days weekly into an automated process taking one person less than 15 minutes to perform daily.
Devised and executed black-box, gray-box, and automated tests for Adobe Color Engine (ACE) used for color management by over a half dozen of Adobe’s top products.
– XML file exchange format
Tested XML based graphic interchange format integrating fundamentally different drawing models (Adobe’s and Macromedia’s) used in workflows involving Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator and Catalyst
FXG 2.0 testing by visually inspecting XML code for accuracy, pixel by pixel comparison of graphical output, created test cases and performed regular automated testing on Windows and Mac OS X.
– Experimental Video Testing
Drew on knowledge of color, psychology, and physics to research experimental video search feature in consideration by Adobe After Effects (Premier). Reported results based on varying multiple parameters.
Tester I – Core Tech Division, 2000 – 2005
Assisted numerous application teams to meet Quality Engineering requirements as a sought-after tester in critical situations. Performed extensive visual inspections of screen output and print output. Inspected and compared bitmaps, identified passes and failures, and troubleshot issues in the postscript file code.
Achievement Highlights:
Performed testing of the ExtendScript Toolkit, the Object Model Viewer, installer testing, localization testing, and compatibility testing.
Provided comprehensive testing of completely rewritten Adobe Imaging Model prior to the release of Adobe Creative Suite. Planned and executed testing of art constructs as they were used in contemporary Adobe products and how they could be used by future by third-party applications in display and print workflows.
X-Sides, Seattle, WA 1999 – 2000
A startup company offering a desktop toolbar and Web portal employing 150 staff including eight quality engineers.
Quality Engineer
Executed black box tests of the premier product and performed daily verifications of the Web portal.
Achievement Highlights:
Created gray box test methodology and test files for SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) version of the toolbar.
Led testing team in the number of qualified bugs identified in combined team of eight testers, frequently authoring approximately 50% of bugs entered on product.
Polecats design, Bremerton, WA 1997 – 1999
Owner/Designer
Developed Web sites from inception to launch and provided technical support when necessary. Designed digital and print graphics and prototyped educational games for lawyers.
Achievement Highlights:
Provided graphic design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Flash animations to clientele including lawyers, artists, and non-profit governmental organizations.
Created assets used by third parties including graphic elements, logos, ad banners, and Web page templates.
Imation (formerly Luminous), Seattle, WA 1994 – 1997
Software company providing high-end solutions to prepress and enterprise customers.
Quality Engineer
Provided highly time sensitive rapid-response technical support for press and prepress customers. Contributed as a knowledge expert in numerous software and technologies specific to the printing industry.
Achievement Highlights:
Tested new versions and patches of TrapWise (a leading trapping program), PressWise (a page imposition program), PrintCentral (print server software), ColorCentral (file server software), and Open (print workflow automation software).
Designed and implementing testing plans for PXT, an extension for Quark Express to make Quark’s exported PostScript more palatable to other prepress software.
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Coursework in graphic design and typography at Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, WA
Military experience: US Army Combat Engineer, served 4 years in Europe and Southwest Asia, Honorable Discharge.