Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Derk Wichhart

Creston,IA

Summary

Dynamic Test Automation Team Lead at Allplan with a proven track record in reducing manual testing efforts through innovative automation solutions. Skilled in test management tools and training, I foster a collaborative environment while driving continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing software quality, and mentoring teams to achieve excellence.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Test Automation Team Lead

Allplan
01.2025 - 08.2025
  • In charge of building a test automation solution in house to test a portfolio of Applications with my experience gained from using commercial test automation applications.
  • Reduced manual testing efforts by implementing automated tests for various applications.
  • Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives within the organization, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
  • Maintained a Jira backlog for the team to work from and confluence for documentation
  • Used Scrum framework methods.
  • Managed resource allocation effectively, maximizing team efficiency and output during peak periods.

UI/UX Team Lead

Allplan
01.2021 - 01.2025
  • Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
  • Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
  • Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.

QA Analyst

Allplan
01.2013 - 01.2021
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new features and bug fixes.
  • Streamlined QA processes for better efficiency, implementing standardized test cases across multiple projects.
  • Identified opportunities for automation, implementing script-based tests to minimize manual effort and increase accuracy.
  • Evaluated and Implemented commercially developed test automation applications. (Testing Anywhere, VTask Studio, Eggplant Functional)
  • Managed defect reporting process, ensuring clear communication with stakeholders regarding issue status and resolution timelines.
  • Improved software quality by executing thorough test plans and identifying defects before release.

Support Specialist

Allplan
05.2005 - 01.2013
  • Maintained detailed documentation of support interactions, ensuring valuable insights are preserved for future reference and analysis.
  • Acted as a liaison between clients and development teams, ensuring timely communication during critical incidents.
  • Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
  • Optimized internal workflows to expedite incident escalations, leading to faster problem-solving efforts from specialized teams.
  • Taught a week long training class both on-site and off-site to new customers who purchased our application.

Education

Associate of Science - Structural Engineering

Southwestern Community College
Creston
05-2005

Skills

  • Test management tools (Eggplant, Eggplant Manager)
  • Training and mentoring
  • Test case design
  • Regression testing expertise
  • Version control systems (git, perforce)
  • Scripting language proficiency (Sensetalk, a bit of python)
  • Software development lifecycle

Timeline

Test Automation Team Lead

Allplan
01.2025 - 08.2025

UI/UX Team Lead

Allplan
01.2021 - 01.2025

QA Analyst

Allplan
01.2013 - 01.2021

Support Specialist

Allplan
05.2005 - 01.2013

Associate of Science - Structural Engineering

Southwestern Community College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE