Curriculum Vitae - Vincent Dirks: Difference between revisions

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Welcome to my cv, it's a wiki and I think that's pretty cool. I hope you'll find what you're looking for. Would love your [http://dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index.php?title=Talk:Curriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <u>feedback</u>].''
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
! Name
| Vincent Dirks
|-
! e-mail
| [mailto:vincent@dirksonline.net?Subject=Enquiry%20from%20CV%20Wiki vincent@dirksonline.net]
|-
! Mob
| 021-0269-6216
|-
! LinkedIn
| [https://nz.linkedin.com/in/vincent-dirks-937aa557 nz.linkedin.com]
|-
! Location
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parau Parau], West Auckland
|-
! Download
| [https://dirksonline.net/CV/2024%20Curriculum%20Vitae%20-%20Vincent%20Dirks.pdf Curriculum Vitae pdf]
|}


{{ContactDetails}}
== Vincent Dirks - [[What's in a title?|Software Quality Engineer]] ==
As a versatile Software Quality Engineer, I aim to understand the nuances of the product, team dynamics, technological landscapes, and organisational structures so that I can adapt and contribute effectively. I specialise in adapting to diverse contexts, and look beyond traditional testing methodologies to consider the design of the whole quality ecosystem necessary for delivering quality software solutions efficiently.


{{PersonalIntroduction}}
== Skills ==
=== Testing ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
* Context Driven Testing
* API Testing
* Testing Native Mobile Apps
* Testing Web Apps
* Testing Firmware/Embedded systems
* Testability Concepts
|
* Observability Concepts
* Exploratory Testing (Session & Thread Based)
* Visual Modelling
* Metrics Driven Development (A/B Testing)
* Accessibility Testing
|}


{{SummarySkillsMatrix}}
=== Programming and Automation ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
{{Work Experience}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="text-align:left"| Javascript
! style="text-align:left"| Java
! style="text-align:left"| Other
|- style="vertical-align:top;"


{{References}}
|
* Node.js, npm
{{Volunteering}} 
* Express.js
 
* React
{{CoursesConferencesWorkshopsMeetings}}
* Jest
* Cypress.io
* Webdriver.io
* mermaid.js
|
* Cucumber (BDD)
* Maven
* Tidal. Wave UI automation library
* Selenium
* REST-assured
* JUnit, TestNG
* LeJOS (Lego mindstorm) Robotics
|
* C#: Specflow (BDD)
* SQL & [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL_Server_Management_Studio SSMS]
* Appium
* XCUITest
* GraphQL
* C++: Arduino, ESP32
|}


{{Education}}
=== Tools ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
* [https://www.splunk.com/ Splunk] (log aggregation & analysis)
* Postman, Newman
* VS Code, IntelliJ, Visual Studio
* Github, Bitbucket
* Docker, Linux
* Chrome Ext's [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/custom-javascript-for-web/ddbjnfjiigjmcpcpkmhogomapikjbjdk?pli=1 CJS], [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/bug-magnet/efhedldbjahpgjcneebmbolkalbhckfi Bug Magnet], [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/clear-session/maejjihldgmkjlfmgpgoebepjchengka Clear Session]
* [https://icecreamapps.com/Screen-Recorder/ Icecream Screen Recorder]
|


{{Presentations}}
* [https://www.telerik.com/fiddler Fiddler], [https://www.charlesproxy.com/ Charles Proxy], [https://www.wireshark.org/ Wireshark]
* Jenkins, Azure Devops (TFS), Google Cloud Platform
* Bash & [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/ PowerShell] scripting
* Browser Dev Tools
* [https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira Jira], [https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence Confluence]
* [https://www.soapui.org/ SoapUI], [https://smartbear.com/product/ready-api/ ReadyAPI]
|}


==Blogs & Presentations==
=== General ===
:2017
{| class="wikitable"
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-should-testers-know-ab-testing-vincent-dirks/?trackingId=mZ1Rs%2BMuDeORCB5OTnMhxg%3D%3D WeTest Auckland - 30-Nov-2017- What should testers know about A/B Testing?]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|
* Banking and Finance Sector
* AML/CFT Solutions
* Online Auction Platforms
* Vehicle Leasing systems
* Platform Engineering
* Staff Mentoring & Induction
|
* Agile Squad Master
* Microservices Architecture
* Manufacturing Resource Planning - Logistics Manager
* Physics - Weather Radar Systems, Lasers, Fibre-optics
* Electrical & Electronic Engineering
* Dinghy Sailing
|}


:2016
== Work Experience ==
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exploratory-testing-automated-auckland-presentation-vincent-dirks Exploratory Automation - Using dynamic data in automation]
Currently on a health and wellbeing break after some significant life changes.  
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-agile-helps-you-spend-less-time-regression-testing-vincent-dirks How agile helps you spend less time regression testing]
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/processes-my-passion-vincent-dirks Processes are my Passion]
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/agile-developers-need-speed-when-fast-too-vincent-dirks Agile developers' need for speed - When is fast too fast?]


:2014
=== [[Water Services Reform, DIA - Senior Test Automation Engineer]] (Nov-2023 - Jan-2024) ===
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140923105352-202766587-oh-what-fun-it-is-to-do-a-little-coding Oh what fun it is to do a little coding...]
: Contracting through [https://ttcglobal.com TTC Global]. Test Automation team, Three Waters Project, developing a UI Automation suite in Java using the [https://wave.tidalcode.dev/ Tidal. wave] Selenium automation library
:*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140914032250-202766587-testers-mind-the-developers-ego Testers: mind the developer's ego!]


==What I'm reading...watching...listening==
=== [[Westpac NZ - Senior Automation Quality Engineer]] (Apr-2021 - Nov-2023) ===
:''Regular Podcasts & publications''
: Served as a roving Automation Quality Engineer, addressing testing and automation needs across multiple teams. Conducted testing and automation for mobile apps (Appium & XCUITest), a D365 web UI (Java, Selenium, POM's), and various APIs (Java, REST Assured). Also contributed as a platform engineer supporting Splunk, and developed a React web app for visualising test environments (Node.js, React, mermaid.js).
:*TestTalks by Joe Colantonio (link TBD)
:*Testing Trapeze (link TBD)


:''in progress or on the to do list''
=== [[FirstAML - Test Analyst]] (Oct-2020 - Mar-2021) ===
:*[https://leanpub.com/selenium-webdriver-book Selenium WebDriver, From Foundations To Framework, by Alex Collins and Yujun Liang] (Book Selenium Automation)
: Served as a quality coach for a startup company developing a ReactJS Web App for the AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism) industry.
:*[http://momtestbook.com/ The Mom Test, by Rob Fitzpatrick, How to talk to customers and learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you.] (Book, Lean Startups)
:*[https://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Improbable-Robustness-Fragility/dp/081297381X The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. by Nassim Nicholas Taleb] (Book)
:*[https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Learned-Software-Testing-Context-Driven/dp/0471081124/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477450378&sr=1-8&keywords=software+testing Lessons Learned in Software Testing: A Context-Driven Approach. by Cem Kaner, James Bach, Bret Pettichord] (Book, Testing)
:*[https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Machine-Learning-and-Data-Sciences-Conference/Data-Science-Summit-2016/K001/player Opening Keynote Session with Dr. Joseph Sirosh: Azure - the Cloud Supercomputer for AI]
:*[http://www.software-testing-tutorials-automation.com/2014/02/selenium-webdriver-difference-between.html Selenium WebDriver : Difference Between findElement and findElements with example]
:*[https://youtu.be/TUX7ntXlVkc Cucumber with Selenium] (Automation, series of videos)


:''Nov 2016''
=== [[Weather Radar NZ limited - Weather Radar Systems Engineer]] (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020) ===
:*[http://socialleancanvas.com/the-canvas/ Social Lean Canvas] a tool to help social entrepreneurs apply the rigours of Lean Startup to ventures that have social or environmental goals
: Contracting 4 days/week. Retrofitting legacy weather radars with embedded Arduino micro controllers. Designing new electronics, PCB's, maintaining power waveguide systems, and performing signal analysis.


:''Oct 2016''
=== [[Grappler- Agile Quality Analyst]] (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020) ===
:*[https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/kenj/2014/05/19/the-future-of-quality-is-easy-with-eaasy-and-mvq/ The future of quality is easy with EaaSy and Minimum Viable Quality blog by R.K.Johnston] (Agile Testing)
: Contracting 1 day/week. Developed a small solution to run a Postman collection in Google Cloud Platform and a simple Web UI (Node.js, Express.js) to trigger test runs and display HTML test reports.
:*[https://vimeo.com/44133409 Functional Automated Testing Best Practices with Selenium WebDriver by Ben Burton] (Video, Testing, Automation)
:*[http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/fog0000000043.html The Joel Test: 12 Steps to Better Code by Joel Spolsky] (Blog)
:*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_triviality Parkinson's law of triviality (aka Bike-shedding)] (Wikipedia)
:*[https://zxsecurity.co.nz/presentations/201607_Unrestcon-ZXSecurity_GPSSpoofing.pdf, You are not where you think you are - GPS Spoofing How to by David Robinson/Karit (@nzkarit) – ZX Security, Unrestcon 2016]
:*[https://solavirtusinvicta.wordpress.com/2016/03/25/heuristic-testing-dice/ Heuristic Testng Dice] (Testing)
:*[http://techbeacon.com/uncle-bob-martin-agile-manifesto-15-years-later Uncle Bob Martin: The Agile Manifesto, 15 years later] (Agile)
:*[https://youtu.be/ZK3jSXYBNak?list=UUcyq283he07B7_KUX07mmtA 4 essential body language tips from a world champion public speaker] (Presenting)
:*[http://www.testingtrapezemagazine.com/magazine/october-2016/ Testing Trapeze Magazine - October 2016] (Testing)
:*[https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2016/10/07/platform-as-a-service-team-takes-even-handed-approach-to-meetings/ Hand Signals at meetings to reduce interruptions] (Agile)


==New things I'm learning and trying out==
=== [[Fiserv Auckland - Intermediate Software Test Engineer]] (Jan-2017 - Apr-2020) ===
:''Dec 2016''
: Native Mobile App functional and accessibility testing. API testing and automation, using Postman/Newman, Specflow with C#, Javascript (Postman, Node.js, Express.js), Splunk for dashboards, TFS & Powershell for System deployment automation. Created the Postman Testrunner Framework (PTF) for automated API integration checks and environment health monitoring.
:*I am starting on [[Katrina Clokie's Mobile Testing Pathway]]


:''Nov 2016''
=== [[Engel Consulting - Contracting]] (Sep 2016 - Dec 2016) ===
:*I did a [[W3C tutorial on XPATH]]. I'll give it a go next time I write some web automation scripts.
:*Made a [[Protractor and node.js automation suite for Crimson Login Page]]
:*Made a [[Selenium automation suite for www.provokesolutions.com]]


:''Oct 2016''
=== [[Trade Me - Senior Software Test Analyst]] (Dec-2014 - Aug-2016) ===
:*bootcamp@elementalselenium.com
: Context-driven exploratory testing for software changes to the iconic [https://www.trademe.co.nz/ Trade Me] website, focussing on the [https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors Motors] page & features. My responsibilities included testing DBs, UIs, APIs, and mobile apps, leading deployments, conducting test planning and peer reviews, utilising BDD and visual test tools. I gained experience with implementing agile methods, Splunk, ReadyAPI, XMind, Jira, and Confluence. I also enjoyed onboarding new staff and contributing to the test and agile guilds.
:*''Selenium'' - setting it up on my mac with Maven. Exploring it with ole.saintkentigern.com.
:*''Bootstrap'' - writing a static page showing 10 iFrames to show on a mobile - no joy so far
:*''HTML'' - showing 10 iFrames side by side horizontally, one for each subject my son has at school.


:''Sep 2016''  
=== [[Pre-2014 Roles]] ===
:*''WikiMedia'' - using the wikipedia engine to set up this cvwiki and other wiki's
: [[Pre-2014 Roles#LeasePlan NZ - Software Tester (Apr-2013 - Dec-2014)|Software Tester]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd - Logistics Manager (Aug-2005 - Aug-2009)|Logistics Manager]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Primary Caregiver (Sep-2003 - Jul-2005)|Caregiver]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Bioengineering Institute - Software Engineer (Sep 2002 - Aug 2003)|Software Engineer]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd - Development & Support Engineer (Aug 1997 - Nov 2001)|Development & Support Engineer]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#Carter Holt Harvey(Tissue Group) - Production Scheduler (1994 - 1996)|Production Scheduler]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#University of Auckland - Lab Coordinator & Physics Tutor (Sep-2003 - Jul-2005 part time)|Physics Tutor]]
 
== Related wiki pages ==
=== [[References_-_Full_List|References]] ===
:[[References_-_Full_List#Dept. of Internal Affairs (TTC)| TTC]], [[References_-_Full_List#Westpac| Westpac ]], [[References_-_Full_List#Fiserv| Fiserv ]], [[References_-_Full_List#| Trade Me Motors]]
 
=== [[Volunteering]] ===
: Laingholm & Districts Community Association, [[Ministry of Testing - Auckland Branch|Ministry of Testing]], Eastern Suburbs AFC, Glendowie Boating Club, MOTAT, Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School
 
=== [[Professional Development]] ===
: Conferences, workshops, meetups etc.
 
=== [[Education]] ===
: University of Auckland: ME(Elec)
 
=== [[Presentations, Posts, and blogs]] ===
 
----
----
 
==What I'm reading, watching, listening, learning, and trying out in 2024==
 
===My Personal [[Observability Project]]===
* [https://expressjs.com/en/starter/hello-world.html Express.js basic hello world] and my [https://github.com/VincentDirks/node.js-in-the-cloud node.js-in-the-cloud] repo
* [https://www.atlassian.com/microservices/microservices-architecture/kubernetes-vs-docker Kubernetes vs. Docker] by Josh Campbell at Atlassian <br>
:I want to learn the difference between these technologies to see how it might apply to my [[Observability Project]]
 
* Setting up Docker Desktop at home to run the [https://github.com/Splunk/docker-Splunk Docker Splunk Image]
 
=== Test Community Events ===
* Registered to go to the [https://nztestingconf.nz/ NZTestingConf 2024] in Wellington to listen to
** Shay Naiki, QA Manager @ Alphero: Creating a collaborative culture in the testing world: lessons from life in a digital agency
** Nevetha Mani, Product Human @ Hectre: Off the beaten path: rethinking quality in the startup world
** Emma Procter & Jonathan Shirley, @ PikPok: Finding the fun: researching and playtesting games at PikPok
** Patricio Miner, Content Creator @ Free Range Testers: ETL: the testing niche you've never thought of
** Toby Martin, QA Practice Lead @ Pushpay: Stop automating, start investigating: a guide to slowing down to speed up
** Ryan Bevens, QA Community Manager @ Potentia: Diary of a reluctant recruiter: your value as a tester
:''== Watch this space for conference notes ==''
 
===Interesting Reads===
* '''[https://www.satisfice.com/download/a-context-driven-approach-to-automation-in-testing A Context Driven Approach to Automation in Testing]''' By James Bach and Michael Bolton
:Quote: ''"dynamically evaluating context and selecting, designing, or adjusting our actions to solve the problems that we encounter."''
* '''[https://www.satisfice.com/blog/archives/4947 Round Earth Test Strategy]''' by James Bach
:Interesting alternative to the ''"Test Automation Pyramid"''.
:Quote: ''There are testing problems to consider at every level, "Quality above requires quality below".''
 
===[[Archive What I'm Reading, Watching, Listing, Learning, and Trying Out|Archive]]===
:Old pre-2024 entries
 
----
----
 
[[#Intro Vincent Dirks - Software Quality Engineer|Back to Top]], Send [http://dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index.php?title=Talk:Curriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <u>feedback</u>]

Revision as of 02:54, 13 May 2024

Name Vincent Dirks
e-mail vincent@dirksonline.net
Mob 021-0269-6216
LinkedIn nz.linkedin.com
Location Parau, West Auckland
Download Curriculum Vitae pdf

Vincent Dirks - Software Quality Engineer

As a versatile Software Quality Engineer, I aim to understand the nuances of the product, team dynamics, technological landscapes, and organisational structures so that I can adapt and contribute effectively. I specialise in adapting to diverse contexts, and look beyond traditional testing methodologies to consider the design of the whole quality ecosystem necessary for delivering quality software solutions efficiently.

Skills

Testing

  • Context Driven Testing
  • API Testing
  • Testing Native Mobile Apps
  • Testing Web Apps
  • Testing Firmware/Embedded systems
  • Testability Concepts
  • Observability Concepts
  • Exploratory Testing (Session & Thread Based)
  • Visual Modelling
  • Metrics Driven Development (A/B Testing)
  • Accessibility Testing

Programming and Automation

Javascript Java Other
  • Node.js, npm
  • Express.js
  • React
  • Jest
  • Cypress.io
  • Webdriver.io
  • mermaid.js
  • Cucumber (BDD)
  • Maven
  • Tidal. Wave UI automation library
  • Selenium
  • REST-assured
  • JUnit, TestNG
  • LeJOS (Lego mindstorm) Robotics
  • C#: Specflow (BDD)
  • SQL & SSMS
  • Appium
  • XCUITest
  • GraphQL
  • C++: Arduino, ESP32

Tools

General

  • Banking and Finance Sector
  • AML/CFT Solutions
  • Online Auction Platforms
  • Vehicle Leasing systems
  • Platform Engineering
  • Staff Mentoring & Induction
  • Agile Squad Master
  • Microservices Architecture
  • Manufacturing Resource Planning - Logistics Manager
  • Physics - Weather Radar Systems, Lasers, Fibre-optics
  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Dinghy Sailing

Work Experience

Currently on a health and wellbeing break after some significant life changes.

Water Services Reform, DIA - Senior Test Automation Engineer (Nov-2023 - Jan-2024)

Contracting through TTC Global. Test Automation team, Three Waters Project, developing a UI Automation suite in Java using the Tidal. wave Selenium automation library

Westpac NZ - Senior Automation Quality Engineer (Apr-2021 - Nov-2023)

Served as a roving Automation Quality Engineer, addressing testing and automation needs across multiple teams. Conducted testing and automation for mobile apps (Appium & XCUITest), a D365 web UI (Java, Selenium, POM's), and various APIs (Java, REST Assured). Also contributed as a platform engineer supporting Splunk, and developed a React web app for visualising test environments (Node.js, React, mermaid.js).

FirstAML - Test Analyst (Oct-2020 - Mar-2021)

Served as a quality coach for a startup company developing a ReactJS Web App for the AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism) industry.

Weather Radar NZ limited - Weather Radar Systems Engineer (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020)

Contracting 4 days/week. Retrofitting legacy weather radars with embedded Arduino micro controllers. Designing new electronics, PCB's, maintaining power waveguide systems, and performing signal analysis.

Grappler- Agile Quality Analyst (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020)

Contracting 1 day/week. Developed a small solution to run a Postman collection in Google Cloud Platform and a simple Web UI (Node.js, Express.js) to trigger test runs and display HTML test reports.

Fiserv Auckland - Intermediate Software Test Engineer (Jan-2017 - Apr-2020)

Native Mobile App functional and accessibility testing. API testing and automation, using Postman/Newman, Specflow with C#, Javascript (Postman, Node.js, Express.js), Splunk for dashboards, TFS & Powershell for System deployment automation. Created the Postman Testrunner Framework (PTF) for automated API integration checks and environment health monitoring.

Engel Consulting - Contracting (Sep 2016 - Dec 2016)

Trade Me - Senior Software Test Analyst (Dec-2014 - Aug-2016)

Context-driven exploratory testing for software changes to the iconic Trade Me website, focussing on the Motors page & features. My responsibilities included testing DBs, UIs, APIs, and mobile apps, leading deployments, conducting test planning and peer reviews, utilising BDD and visual test tools. I gained experience with implementing agile methods, Splunk, ReadyAPI, XMind, Jira, and Confluence. I also enjoyed onboarding new staff and contributing to the test and agile guilds.

Pre-2014 Roles

Software Tester, Logistics Manager, Caregiver, Software Engineer, Development & Support Engineer, Production Scheduler, Physics Tutor

Related wiki pages

References

TTC, Westpac , Fiserv , Trade Me Motors

Volunteering

Laingholm & Districts Community Association, Ministry of Testing, Eastern Suburbs AFC, Glendowie Boating Club, MOTAT, Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School

Professional Development

Conferences, workshops, meetups etc.

Education

University of Auckland: ME(Elec)

Presentations, Posts, and blogs

What I'm reading, watching, listening, learning, and trying out in 2024

My Personal Observability Project

I want to learn the difference between these technologies to see how it might apply to my Observability Project

Test Community Events

  • Registered to go to the NZTestingConf 2024 in Wellington to listen to
    • Shay Naiki, QA Manager @ Alphero: Creating a collaborative culture in the testing world: lessons from life in a digital agency
    • Nevetha Mani, Product Human @ Hectre: Off the beaten path: rethinking quality in the startup world
    • Emma Procter & Jonathan Shirley, @ PikPok: Finding the fun: researching and playtesting games at PikPok
    • Patricio Miner, Content Creator @ Free Range Testers: ETL: the testing niche you've never thought of
    • Toby Martin, QA Practice Lead @ Pushpay: Stop automating, start investigating: a guide to slowing down to speed up
    • Ryan Bevens, QA Community Manager @ Potentia: Diary of a reluctant recruiter: your value as a tester
== Watch this space for conference notes ==

Interesting Reads

Quote: "dynamically evaluating context and selecting, designing, or adjusting our actions to solve the problems that we encounter."
Interesting alternative to the "Test Automation Pyramid".
Quote: There are testing problems to consider at every level, "Quality above requires quality below".

Archive

Old pre-2024 entries

Back to Top, Send feedback

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