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<u>my cv is a wiki</u> ...and I think that's pretty cool. Welcome and explore! Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for.''It's early days still, and there's plenty more things to do. [http://dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index.php?title=Talk:Curriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <u>feedback is welcome</u>]''{{ContactDetails}}
===Research Assistant – University of Auckland (part time Aug 2011 - May 2012)===---:Set up large database (MS Access) of historic Auckland traffic flows for research into a cyclist's exposure to air pollution when commuting to and from work.----
===Bluetooth Software Engineer UoA Bioengineering Institute (Sep-2002 – Aug 2003)===:Developed a Bluetooth protocol stack for * Setting up Docker Desktop at home to run the telemetry of data from devices implanted in rabbits used for medical research into kidney function. :*Bluetooth HCI commands:*Protocol stack implemented in extremely low resource PIC micro controler[https:*Code base written mainly in C and shared across multiple device types, and different compilers//github.:*LabView integrationcom/Splunk/docker-Splunk Docker Splunk Image]
===Production Scheduler – Charter Holt Harvey – Tissue Group (1994 – 1996)===----:*Production scheduling (MRPII) of diapers and facial tissues:*Sales forecasting:*Product specifications:*Continuous improvement projects:*Developed a VB application to automate the generation of excel productions plans from data in AS-400---
→Intro Vincent Dirks - Software Quality Engineer
== 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 organizational structures so that I can adapt and contribute effectively. I specialize 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 ==={| class="wikitable" |- style="floatvertical-align:righttop; margin"|* 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 ==={| class="wikitable"|-leftstyle="vertical-align: 10pxtop;"!Namestyle="text-align:left"| Javascript! style="text-align:left"| Java! style="text-align:left"|Vincent Izaak DirksOther|-style="vertical-align:top;"!e-mail|nospam1@dirksonline* Node.js, npm* Express.js* React* Jest* Cypress.io* Webdriver.netio* mermaid.js|* Cucumber (BDD)* Maven* Tidal. Wave UI automation library* Selenium* REST-assured!Address* JUnit, TestNG* LeJOS (Lego mindstorm) Robotics|Kelvin Rd<br * Appium* XCUITest* C#: Specflow (BDD)* SQL & [https://en.wikipedia.org/>Remuera<br wiki/>Auckland 1050SQL_Server_Management_Studio SSMS]* GraphQL* C++: Arduino, ESP32|-} === Tools ===!Mob{| class="wikitable"| 021-0269style="vertical-6216align: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] !LinkedIn* [https://icecreamapps.com/Screen-Recorder/ Icecream Screen Recorder]| * Browser Dev Tools* [https://nzwww.linkedintelerik.com/infiddler Fiddler], [https://www.charlesproxy.com/ Charles Proxy], [https://www.wireshark.org/ Wireshark]* Jenkins, Azure Devops (TFS), Google Cloud Platform* Bash & [https://learn.microsoft.com/vincenten-dirksus/powershell/ PowerShell] scripting* [https://www.atlassian.com Atlassian], [https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira Jira], [https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence Confluence]* [https://www.soapui.org/ SoapUI], [https://smartbear.com/product/ready-937aa557api/ ReadyAPI]
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== Intro = General ===I'm an agile software test analyst. I love adjusting the test process to match it to the context at hand. I like manual (exploratory) testing, but I also have fun coding some automated checks. I gravitate towards Context Driven Testing (CDT), and tend to agree with the thoughts and expressions from the leaders of the CDT community, such as James Bach and Michael Bolton. I'm also really enjoying learning about Agile methods and philosophies; for me, Agile is best summed up as {| class="Autonomy with Responsibility through Trustwikitable". When you distil software development to its true essence, it is still about people|- style="vertical-align:top; it is driven by people, made by people, "|* Banking and most importantlyfinance sector* AML/CFT Solutions* Online Auction Platforms* Vehicle Leasing systems* Platform Engineering* Staff Mentoring & Induction| * Agile Squad Master* Micro-services architecture* Manufacturing Resource Planning - Logistics Manager* Physics - Weather Radar Systems, it is made for people. People have emotionsLasers, passions, motivators and more. We're all different, and we all have something unique to give. I'm looking to work with people that have a passion for what they do, and have fun doing it! For me, testing is my professional passion, and I'm looking for a new role where I can work with people who share their passions and challenge me to be the best.Fibre-optics* Electrical & Electronic Engineering* Dinghy Sailing|}
== Work Experience ==
At the moment I am taking a break from work to give myself some time for self-care after some difficult periods over the last couple of years. ===[[Water Services Reform, Dept of Internal Affairs (NZ Govt) - Senior Software Test Analyst – Trade Me Automation Engineer]] (Dec 2014 Nov-2023 - Jan- Aug 20162024)===:Contracting through [https://ttcglobal.com TTC Global]. Part of small squad (cross functional agile the Test Automation team) testing software changes to for the Three Waters Project, developing a UI Automation suite in Java using the iconic [https://wave.tidalcode.dev/ Tidal. wave] Selenium automation library === [[Westpac NZ Trade Me website - Senior Automation Quality Engineer]] (Motors GroupApr-2021 - Nov-2023) covering ===:* DBServed 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, APIREST Assured). Also contributed as a platform engineer supporting Splunk, and architecture changesdeveloped a React web app for visualizing test environments (Node.js, React, mermaid.js). === [[FirstAML - Test Analyst]] (Oct-2020 - Mar-2021) ===:* deploymentServed 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) ===:* agile methods Contracting 4 days/week. Helping modify legacy weather radars with some embedded Arduino micro controllers. Designing new electronics, PCB's, maintaining power waveguide systems, and squad masteringperforming signal analysis. === [[Grappler- Agile Quality Analyst]] (Jun-2020 - Oct-2020) ===:* new staff induction 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 junior staff supportdisplay HTML test reports. === [[Fiserv Auckland - Intermediate Software Test Engineer]] (Jan-2017 - Apr-2020) ===:* test 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]] (Ready!API/SoapUISep 2016 - Dec 2016) and UI changes === === [[Trade Me - Senior Software Test Analyst]] (tractor/protractorDec-2014 - Aug-2016)===:* Conducted 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 test peer reviews:* , utilizing BDD and visual test guild contributor:Whilst at Trade Me tools. I gained experience with implementing agile methods, Splunk, ReadyAPI, XMind, Jira, and Confluence. I continued also enjoyed onboarding new staff and contributing to attend many WeTest MeetUps and have developed a well connected network of professionals in the Auckland as well as New Zealand test communityand agile guilds. :Attended:*WeTest 2015 annual conference=== [[Pre-2014 Roles]] ===:*Rapid [[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 Testing by James Bach 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(was awarded the coveted James Bach starTissue Group) - Production Scheduler (3 day course1994 - 1996):*Critical Thinking by Michael Bolton |Production Scheduler]], [[Pre-2014 Roles#University of Auckland - Lab Coordinator & Physics Tutor (1 day courseSep-2003 - Jul-2005 part time)|Physics Tutor]] == Related wiki pages ===== [[References_-_Full_List|References]] ===:*Visual Modelling by Adam Howard [[References_-_Full_List#Dept. of Internal Affairs (TTC)| TTC]], [[References_-_Full_List#Westpac| Westpac ]], [[References_-_Full_List#Fiserv| Fiserv ]], [[References_-_Full_List#| Trade Me internal training)Motors]] :Presented=== [[Volunteering]] ===:*Gather 2016Laingholm & Districts Community Association, an interactive session on Metrics Driven Development and the analysis [[Ministry of Testing - Auckland Branch|Ministry of AB Testing data]], Eastern Suburbs AFC, Glendowie Boating Club, MOTAT, Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School === [[Professional Development]] ===:*Agile AucklandConferences, workshops, Three Agile testing Lessons I learned at Trade Memeetups etc.
===Software Tester – LeasePlan NZ (Apr 2013 - Dec 2014)[[Education]] ===:Full time testing contractor to the IS department, testing a variety University of bespoke applications primarily for internal use.Auckland:*Complex quotation app for car leasing built in MS-Access :*Online driver FBT data collection portal ME(UI, web security, data flows from web to and from LPNZ, emailingElec):*Character based legacy (AS-400) system testing:*Developed a test automation framework for above character based system. :At LPNZ I was introduced to testing as a proper profession by my friend Christina Linwood. I attended the NZ Tester Magazine conference, and went to a full day workshop on Risk Based Testing by Matt Mansell. It was exhilarating to be with people passionate about testing.
===Primary Caregiver (Sep-2009 - Mar-2013) [[Presentations, Posts, and blogs]] ===:* Eastern Suburbs AFC –Junior Girls Co-ordinator (2011-2014) :* Glendowie Boating Club - Arrow Class Convenor (2011-2015):* MOTAT Tramways Volunteer Conductor (2012-2014):* Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School - PTA (2011-2012)
===Logistics Manager - Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd (Aug-2005 - Aug 2009)=What I'm reading, watching, listening, learning, and trying out in 2024==:Total management of all aspects of production and delivery of all electronic hardware sold by the company.
===BTech Lab Coordinator & Physics Tutor University of Auckland (part time Feb 2004 – Dec 2005)My Personal [[Observability Project]]===* [https:*Managed //expressjs.com/en/starter/hello-world.html Express.js basic hello world] and my [https://github.com/VincentDirks/node.js-in-the lab for approximately 20 students doing their final year projects -cloud node.js-in BTech(Opto-electronics)the-cloud] repo* [https:*Primary academic supervisor for several students//www.atlassian.com/microservices/microservices-architecture/kubernetes-vs-docker Kubernetes vs. Docker] by Josh Campbell at Atlassian <br>:*Physics tutor for Dept of Maori & Pacific HealthI want to learn the difference between these technologies to see how it might apply to my [[Observability Project]]
===Physics Tutor University of Auckland (part time Jul-2002 – Sep2002)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:Physics tutor your value as a tester:''== Watch this space for Dept of Maori & Pacific Healthconference notes ==''
===Senior Development & Support Engineer, Project Manager - Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd (Aug 1997 – Nov 2001)Interesting Reads===* '''[https:Monitor developed //www.satisfice.com/download/a cost management solution primarily for tracking photocopying through electronic swipe card terminals-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."''*Global customer support lead'''[https:*Testing//www.satisfice.com/blog/archives/4947 Round Earth Test Strategy]''' by James Bach:*Release ManagementInteresting alternative to the ''"Test Automation Pyramid"''. :*Global training Quote:*Project Manager for Burswood Casino ''There are testing problems to develop a terminal based system for a premium player loyalty programconsider at every level, "Quality above requires quality below".''
===Short Term Contracts (1996 – 1997)[[Archive What I'm Reading, Watching, Listing, Learning, and Trying Out|Archive]]===:*Cerebos Greggs – Production Planner & documentation:*Auckland City Council – Ph PABX maintenance & supportOld pre-2024 entries
[[#Intro Vincent Dirks - Software Quality Engineer|Back to Top]], Send [http://dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index.php?title== Education ==1993 ME (Elec) University of AucklandTalk:Curriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <br /u>1991 BE (Elec) Hons. University of Aucklandfeedback<br /u>1989 Secondary School Dux Literarum. Rutherford High School]