Open to opportunities

Damien Powell

@damienpowell

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ISTQB Certified QA Lead with 12+ years of experience testing video games and software.

Canada

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters innovation and collaboration, where I can leverage my QA expertise to enhance software quality and team performance.

I specialize in establishing and managing QA departments for start-ups, ensuring robust testing frameworks and high-quality product releases. With extensive experience in software and game testing, I design, execute, and maintain test plans, test cases, and QA strategies.

My expertise spans:

Leading internal and external QA teams across diverse industries.
Full SDLC processes, with proficiency in Agile/Scrum and Waterfall methodologies.
Functional and non-functional testing, including web applications, blockchain technology, VR software, and game engines.
User acceptance testing (UAT) and end-to-end testing for mobile (iOS, Android), gaming platforms (PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, Steam, MacOS, tvOS), and emerging technologies.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills to drive product quality and performance.
Passionate about delivering seamless user experiences, I am committed to optimizing QA processes, mentoring teams, and ensuring products meet the highest industry standards.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

QA Lead

N3twork Studios

Jan 2022 - Apr 2024 (2 years 3 months)

Established and led the QA department, developing comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test reports. Designed and executed automated test scripts for smartphone devices using Appium and Java with BrowserStack, enhancing test coverage and efficiency.

Appium Java BrowserStack Test Plans Automation Mobile Testing Agile

QA Specialist

EA Games

Feb 2021 - Feb 2022 (1 year)

Expanded TestRail test case coverage by developing new cinematic test scenes in the Frostbite Game Engine, improving testing accuracy and efficiency.

TestRail Frostbite Cinematic Testing QA Processes Automation Agile

QA Tester

Emerald City Games

Aug 2020 - Feb 2021 (6 months)

Automated 3 projects with Appium and Java, allowing QA to meet tight deadlines on multiple projects.

Appium Java Automation Project Management QA Testing Software Testing Test Automation Agile Teamwork

Development Support, QA Lead

EA Games

Sep 2019 - Aug 2020 (11 months)

Expanded test plans by incorporating four-player testing to improve test coverage. Assisted the development team in optimizing performance for a ported project by conducting Hotspot and Heatmap performance testing.

Test Plans Performance Testing Four Player Testing Optimization Hotspot Testing Heat Mapping Game Development Agile Teamwork

QA Engineer

Virtalis

Jan 2017 - Apr 2019 (2 years 3 months)

Initiated the company’s QA department, establishing structured testing processes. Gained hands-on experience managing stakeholder relationships, working closely with the Australian Navy on their VR product.

Teamwork QA Processes Stakeholder Management Structured Testing Software Testing Agile Communication Project Management

QA Tester, QA Lead

TT Games

Dec 2014 - Apr 2017 (2 years 4 months)

Collaborated with the QA Manager in creating and attaining a lead position dedicated to testing specific game areas with an internal QA team, greatly increasing QA efficiency on large-scale projects.

Teamwork QA Management Project Management QA Processes Agile Communication Test Strategy

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Glyndwr University

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Computer Games Development

2009 - 2012

Led a team project to develop an RTS video game, serving as Scrum Master, Lead Designer, Programmer and 3D Artist. Developed a text-based RPG with C++ and a Pong game with C#.