Quality Engineer /Manager

DONALD STARR

*** ****** **** **********, ** ***** 301-***-**** **********@*****.***

SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE ENGINEER

CMMI Implementation & Assessment / Best Practices / Six Sigma / Product & System Testing

Project Management / Process Improvement / Quality Control / Application Development / Lean

Combining exceptional technical expertise with a passion for problem solving, I developed, implemented and managed continuous quality improvement and total quality management programs in very diverse environments. I have a proven track record of applying expert technical knowledge to analyze and resolve complex issues, leading to improved performance and compliance. Further competencies include:

Supporting software development activities, from an SQE perspective, by enforcing process adherence for Software, Systems, and Project Management

Recommending process improvements to reduce project risk

Auditing programs and projects to ensure compliance with requirements and corporate processes

Championing organizations to achieve successful quality assessments

Leading constant focus on quality throughout the organization

I received my BS in Computer Science from Wayland Baptist University (TX) and I am an ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer. I am described by those who know me as a forward-thinking, detailed team leader and player, with outstanding problem resolution, interpersonal and communications skills.

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Instituted process to elevate project quality to CMMI Level 3. Tasked at Thales with gathering and organizing objective evidence from four projects to support reassessment for CMMI Level 3. Compiled 18 spreadsheets per project, including multiple different practices and supporting evidence. Ensured assessors that key practices of CMMI model were followed.

Played key role in developing compliance methodologies. Performed as internal consultant for Sanmina-SCI SMEs in project management, peer review, and software configuration/engineering domains. Assisted in writing CMMI-compliant procedures and work instructions. Demonstrated company ability to follow critical key practices.

Led establishment and ramp up of SQA function. Assigned responsibility for being SME and coach for Arkan-sas BC/BS processing department. Directed startup of SQA function and made it operational. Trained QA practi-tioners, established quality plan for audits/reviews, wrote initial audit checklists, and coached through two initial audits. Within six months, SQA function was fully functional and CMM compliant.

Developed standard quality practices across multiple groups. Functioned as Lead Process Improvement Engineer for United Defense Armament Division’s SQA and CM process areas in three main departments. Ana-lyzed practices and determined where gaps existed. Developed and documented compliant proc-esses/procedures. Implemented standard SQA and CM systems for each department and identified as a “strength” in assessment report.

CAREER OVERVIEW

Sr. System Quality Assurance Engineer, Thales Communications (provider of radio devices and accessories) – 7/2006 to 11/2010. Maintains SQA audit and evaluation schedules for assigned projects. Participates in system development activities. Audits projects against standard practices. Mentors engineering staff on procedure performance and best practices. Gathered and organized process compliance evidence supporting CMM Level 3 assessment.

Sr. Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Sanmina-SCI (leading worldwide systems/software developer) – 2004 to 2006. Managed quality assurance initiatives for major defense contracts, directing four staff. Ensured continued compliance to all standards and procedures through audits and product reviews. Led software CMMI assessment preparations. Monitored system validation testing.

Contract Consultant, Software Engineering Services, Inc. (medical information systems provider) – 2003 to 2004. Coached senior managers and staff on developing and implementing CMMI compliant processes. Established, trained and implemented quality assurance function for major client, Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Software Process Improvement Engineer, United Defense, LP (provider of armament and weapons systems) – 1999 to 2002. Designed and instituted CMMI-compliant processes/procedures. Provided overall process mapping and gap analysis for all seven key process areas. Established process documentation standards.

Earlier: Held software engineering/quality assurance positions with Motorola, Cummins Engine and US Air Force.

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