Bret Oakley
Morrisville,NC
Summary
With 14 years of experience in testing across multiple fields, I have worked with hard drives, motherboards, vaccines, wireless smart devices, and third-party iOS and Android apps, among others. This diverse background has given me a deep understanding of the best testing practices that can be applied across different disciplines. I excel at identifying and documenting bugs, failures, and usability issues. I am also a passionate gamer and have a strong understanding of game design and game engine concepts.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Laboratory Technician
UL Research Triangle Park (RTP)
05.2022 - Current
- Led interoperability testing for Bluetooth headsets, speakers, earbuds, and car infotainment systems when paired with a smart phone.
- Led customer-directed testing for Verizon at UL, ensuring that all smartphones sold in their stores met power management performance criteria.
- Partnered with Google to enhance and expand testing for their Fast Pair certification program at UL, ensuring improved reliability and seamless device connectivity.
- Mentored and trained new technicians, so they could understand and follow testing procedures, and safe equipment operation.
- Maintained specialized lab equipment, upheld quality and safety standards.
Test Engineer
UL West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
05.2018 - 05.2022
- Developed detailed testing procedures for clients aiming to enhance the reliability and performance of their iOS and Android applications for smart devices.
- Developed procedures for log gathering and data analysis to provide to clients to help identify trends and document issues.
- Collaborated with Whirlpool’s engineering teams to create a more reliable and easier onboarding experience for users of their Home Smart Appliances.
- Collaborated with Carrier’s QA team to create a monthly testing process to be executed by UL, with the goal of reducing bugs and identifying trends with their Smart Home Thermostats.
Test Technician
UL West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Tested our Bluetooth and Wi-Fi IOP test suite.
- Captured and analyzed over-the-air traces of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols to document wireless failures.
- Performed mechanical testing on screen protectors and case protectors to evaluate durability and compliance with industry standards.
- Assessed efficiency, thermal behavior, and overall battery performance of lithium-ion powered devices.
Systems Test Technician
Dell Technologies (EMC)
Apex, NC
01.2010 - 01.2016
- DAE Technician (2014 – 2015) – Set up and launched stress and configuration tests for hard drives, troubleshooting failures and determining corrective actions.
- ESS Technician (2012 – 2013) – Operated Environmental Stress Simulation (ESS) chambers, diagnosing motherboard failures and collaborating with engineers to minimize test reruns.
- Material Handler / Cab Builder (2010 – 2012) – Assembled Clariion computer storage cabinets, securing materials, connecting cables, and preparing units for testing.
Education
Associate’s Degree - Computer Science – Video Game Design and Development
Full Sail University
01.2004
Certificate - Digital Animation & Digital Arts
Living Arts College
01.2000
Skills
- Testing Best Practices – Establishing clear test objectives, maintaining reproducibility, and ensuring accurate documentation
- Failure Analysis – Identifying root causes, documenting steps to reproduce, and collaborating with engineers for resolution
- Software & Tools – Microsoft Suite (data reporting), Oracle (database management), FileMaker (custom database solutions), Wireless Protocol Suite (wireless communication analysis), Python (scripting & automation), Jira (Bug tracking)
- Computer hardware and software proficiency
- Gamer for Life
Timeline
Senior Laboratory Technician
UL Research Triangle Park (RTP)
05.2022 - Current
Test Engineer
UL West Palm Beach, FL
05.2018 - 05.2022
Test Technician
UL West Palm Beach, FL
08.2016 - 05.2018
Systems Test Technician
Dell Technologies (EMC)
01.2010 - 01.2016
Certificate - Digital Animation & Digital Arts
Living Arts College
Associate’s Degree - Computer Science – Video Game Design and Development
Full Sail University