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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}}
:Whilst at Trade Me I continued to attend many WeTest MeetUps and developed a good network of fellow test professionals in the Auckland and New Zealand test communities. :<u>Attended</u>:*WeTest 2015 annual conference=== [[Professional Development]] ===:*Rapid Software Testing by James Bach (was awarded the coveted James Bach star) (3 day course):*Critical Thinking by Michael Bolton (1 day course):*Visual Modelling by Adam Howard (Trade Me internal training):<u>Presented</u>:*Gather 2016Conferences, an interactive session on Metrics Driven Development and the analysis of AB Testing data:*Agile Aucklandworkshops, Three Agile testing Lessons I learned at Trade Memeetups etc.
===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---
== Education ==[[#Intro Vincent Dirks - Software Quality Engineer|Back to Top]], Send [http:*1993 ME (Elec) University of Auckland:*1991 BE (Elec) Hons//dirksonline.net/cvwiki/index. University of Aucklandphp?title=Talk:*1989 Secondary School Dux Literarum. Rutherford High SchoolCurriculum_Vitae_-_Vincent_Dirks <u>feedback</u>]
→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="float:right; marginvertical-leftalign: 10pxtop;"!Name|Vincent Izaak Dirks|-!e-mail* Context Driven Testing|nospam1@dirksonline.net* API Testing|-* Testing Native Mobile Apps!Address* Testing Web Apps |Kelvin Rd<br * Testing Firmware/>Remuera<br />Auckland 1050Embedded systems* Testability Concepts|-!Mob* Observability Concepts| 021-0269-6216* Exploratory Testing (Session & Thread Based)|-* Visual Modelling!LinkedIn* Metrics Driven Development (A/B Testing)| https://nz.linkedin.com/in/vincent-dirks-937aa557* Accessibility Testing
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== Intro =Programming and Automation ==={| class="wikitable"|- style="vertical-align:top;"! style="text-align:left"| Javascript! style="text-align:left"| Java! style="text-align:left"| Other|- style="vertical-align:top;" |* Node.js, npm* Express.js* React* Jest* Cypress.io* Webdriver.ioI'm an agile software test analyst* mermaid. I love adjusting the test process to match it to the context at handjs|* Cucumber (BDD)* Maven* Tidal. I like manual Wave UI automation library* Selenium* REST-assured* JUnit, TestNG* LeJOS (Lego mindstorm) Robotics|* Appium* XCUITest* C#: Specflow (exploratoryBDD) testing* SQL & [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL_Server_Management_Studio SSMS]* GraphQL* C++: Arduino, but I also have fun coding some automated checksESP32|} === Tools ==={| class="wikitable"|- style="vertical-align:top;"|* [https://www.splunk. I gravitate towards Context Driven Testing com/ Splunk] (CDTlog aggregation & analysis)* Postman, Newman* VS Code, IntelliJ, and tend to agree with the thoughts and expressions from the leaders of the CDT communityVisual Studio* Github, Bitbucket* Docker, such as James Bach and Michael BoltonLinux* Chrome Ext's [https://chromewebstore.google. I'm also really enjoying learning about Agile methods and philosophies; com/detail/custom-javascript-for me-web/ddbjnfjiigjmcpcpkmhogomapikjbjdk?pli=1 CJS], [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/bug-magnet/efhedldbjahpgjcneebmbolkalbhckfi Bug Magnet], Agile is best summed up as "Autonomy with Responsibility through Trust"[https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/clear-session/maejjihldgmkjlfmgpgoebepjchengka Clear Session] * [https://icecreamapps. com/Screen-Recorder/ Icecream Screen Recorder]|When you distil software development to its true essence* Browser Dev Tools* [https://www.telerik.com/fiddler Fiddler], it is still about people; it is driven by people[https://www.charlesproxy.com/ Charles Proxy], made by people[https://www.wireshark.org/ Wireshark]* Jenkins, and most importantlyAzure Devops (TFS), it is made for peopleGoogle Cloud Platform* Bash & [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/ PowerShell] scripting* [https://www.atlassian. People have emotionscom Atlassian], passions[https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira Jira], motivators and more[https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence Confluence]* [https://www.soapui. We're all differentorg/ SoapUI], and we all have something unique to give[https://smartbear. I'm looking to work with people that have a passion for what they do, com/product/ready-api/ ReadyAPI]|} === General ==={| class="wikitable"|- style="vertical-align:top;"|* Banking and have fun doing it! For mefinance 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, testing is my professional passionLasers, 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 peer reviews, utilizing 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 reviewsand agile guilds. === [[Pre-2014 Roles]] ===: [[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]] ===:* test guild contributorLaingholm & Districts Community Association, [[Ministry of Testing - Auckland Branch|Ministry of Testing]], Eastern Suburbs AFC, Glendowie Boating Club, MOTAT, Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School
===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