Michael Cherry
Fuquay-Varina,NC
Summary
Strategic and results-driven QA Leader with over 12 years of experience building, scaling, and leading high-performance quality teams across agile environments. Proven track record of transforming quality assurance from reactive gatekeeping to proactive, embedded disciplines. Adept at delivering end-to-end QA strategy, implementing automation frameworks, and enhancing QA maturity within mobile, web, and complex backend systems. Passionate about elevating product quality through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven testing methodologies. Enthusiastic about golf and open to on-course testing of Arccos technology, which I currently use to track handicap progression. Thrive in fast-paced, iterative, and collaborative product environments
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Quality Assurance Sr Manager
General Dynamics Information Technology
01.2020 - 03.2025
- Directed a distributed QA organization, leading in-house and offshore teams to deliver scalable quality solutions across multiple concurrent software and infrastructure programs.
- Spearheaded QA transformation initiatives, integrating shift-left practices and redefining test case development early in the SDLC.
- Championed the implementation of a new test management platform, standardizing test case and defect tracking across all projects.
- Drove metrics-based QA governance, delivering reports on defect trends, release confidence, and automation coverage to senior leadership.
- Led test readiness for mission-critical product launches, coordinating regression testing, UAT, and release validations.
- Partnered cross-functionally with engineering, DevOps, and product managers to embed QA checkpoints into CI/CD pipelines.
Test Manager
FavorTech Consulting, LLC
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Restructured the QA team to improve speed, coverage, and alignment with agile delivery goals.
- Created reusable SOPs and trained testers on new test case and defect tracking tools.
- Played a lead role in QA planning, execution, and reporting for healthcare-focused mobile and web platforms.
- Managed defect triage, prioritization, and post-release monitoring, reducing production issues by 25%.
Test Engineering Manager
General Dynamics Information Technology
08.2017 - 02.2019
- Oversaw test planning and execution across multiple integrated systems and backend services, including API and SQL validation.
- Developed regression suites and performance benchmarks for government software programs.
- Introduced data-driven testing and enhanced coordination between development and QA during code reviews and sprint planning
Software Test Engineer
Fei Systems
10.2014 - 08.2017
- Designed and executed test plans for backend, web, and infrastructure integration projects.
- Conducted backend testing using SQL for data mapping and validation.
- Led defect triage sessions and submitted test results for compliance with CMMI level 3 standards.
- Participated in cross-functional sprint demos, backlog grooming, and UAT preparation.
Software Test Engineer
General Dynamics Information Technology
12.2012 - 10.2014
- Designed and executed test plans for backend, web, and infrastructure integration projects.
- Conducted backend testing using SQL for data mapping and validation.
- Led defect triage sessions and submitted test results for compliance with CMMI level 3 standards.
- Participated in cross-functional sprint demos, backlog grooming, and UAT preparation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree -
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg12-2009
Skills
- QA Strategy & Transformation
- Scaled Test Automation (UI, Backend, CI/CD)
- Agile / Scrum / SAFe Methodologies
- Mobile & Web Application Testing
- Backend / API / SQL Validation
- Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Hardware & Infrastructure Testing
- Defect Management & Triage
- UAT Facilitation & Client Communication
- QA Metrics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Certification
- CSM – Certified ScrumMaster, 2016-2026
- SAFe 5 Agilist, 2023-2026
Timeline
IT Quality Assurance Sr Manager
General Dynamics Information Technology
01.2020 - 03.2025
Test Manager
FavorTech Consulting, LLC
03.2019 - 12.2019
Test Engineering Manager
General Dynamics Information Technology
08.2017 - 02.2019
Software Test Engineer
Fei Systems
10.2014 - 08.2017
Software Test Engineer
General Dynamics Information Technology
12.2012 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Arts Degree -
South Carolina State University
Similar Profiles
Patrick CaniyaPatrick Caniya
Pipe Lead at General Dynamics Information TechnologyPipe Lead at General Dynamics Information Technology
Roderick McCantsRoderick McCants
Inventory Management & Property Control Specialist at General Dynamics Information TechnologyInventory Management & Property Control Specialist at General Dynamics Information Technology
Rachel JudeRachel Jude
Customer Service Representative at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)Customer Service Representative at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)
Caitlin DavisCaitlin Davis
Program Analyst at General Dynamics Information TechnologyProgram Analyst at General Dynamics Information Technology
Orion MorettoOrion Moretto
Picking and Packing at Plant Delights NurseryPicking and Packing at Plant Delights Nursery