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
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Test Automation Team Lead
SDS2
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
SDS2
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
SDS2
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
SDS2
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 04.2023 - 05.2025
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
SDS2
01.2025 - 08.2025
Associate of Science - Structural Engineering
Southwestern Community College
04.2023 - 05.2025
UI/UX Team Lead
SDS2
01.2021 - 01.2025
QA Analyst
SDS2
01.2013 - 01.2021
Support Specialist
SDS2
05.2005 - 01.2013