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Thomas Margrave

Thomas Margrave

Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Virginia, Carrollton_, VA, United States
(757)4014017
English

Background


About

About

Results-driven QA and Automation Leader with 15+ years of experience delivering high-impact quality engineering solutions across manual and automated testing domains. Proven track record in designing scalable automation frameworks, leading globally distributed teams (onshore, nearshore, offshore), and accelerating efficiency through strategic process optimization. Recognized Subject Matter Expert in automation framework design and implementation, reusable code development, test automation, API/functional testing, and quality risk mitigation—with a strong ability to align testing strategies with enterprise business objectives. Adept at stakeholder engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and integrating enterprise-grade Test Management Tools, Test Data Management across complex delivery pipelines. Decorated U.S. Navy veteran known for precision, operational accountability, and mission-focused execution under high-stakes environments.

Work Experience

Work Experience

  • Team Technical Manager, Qualitest

    Jul, 2024 - Apr, 20259 months

    Led both diagnostic and implementation phases of the Department of Defense (DoD) JOMIS Project.

    • Architected and implemented a adaptable test automation framework tailored to mission-critical system constraints.

    • Assisted Stakeholders with Authored and prioritized user stories to align development with federal compliance and operational requirements.

    • Reduced test script creation time by 65% through modular automation design and reusability standards.

    • Improved visibility and requirement traceability by implementing structured test reporting and linking defects to specific test cases, business requirements, and functional requirements.

    • Developed dynamic code to generate test data for patient vitals, customized based on variables such as age, sex, and health status, ensuring thorough test coverage for system validation.

  • Senior QA Engineer/Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), Kanini Software

    Apr, 2024 - May, 20241 month

    Engaged for a 6-week contract to evaluate QA processes and develop a POC for automating HCM testing. Applied deep expertise in test automation frameworks, strategy design, and QA optimization to accelerate delivery and enhance system reliability.

    • Led a rapid diagnostic assessment of manual QA practices and HCM workflows to identify automation and process improvement opportunities.

    • Developed a defect analytics system to categorize, prioritize, and track defect trends—improving root cause analysis and reporting accuracy.

    • Reduced test execution time by 90% and increased defect detection accuracy through tailored automation and streamlined test coverage.

    • Created an SDLC-aligned testing matrix for Oracle HCM to map test coverage across requirements, design, and user acceptance criteria.

    • Engineered a modular UI automation framework using Selenium with .NET/C#, incorporating keyword-driven logic to simplify maintenance and accelerate onboarding of new test cases.

    • Advised on tool selection, scalability, and automation architecture to evolve the POC into a production-ready solution.

  • Senior QA Lead / Lead SDET, Qualitest

    Aug, 2022 - Dec, 20231 year 4 months

    Provided strategic technical leadership for Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system testing, guiding both manual and functional QA teams within a fast-paced Agile environment. Achieved a 78% reduction in testing cycle time, enhanced collaboration with Product Owners and Test Managers, and ensured smooth coordination of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities.

    • Led IVR automation toolkit development with Python-based speech-to-text solution. Improved audio analysis and test speed by 78%.

    • Created web-based scheduling app to simplify daily QA/UAT management. Cut project delivery time by 35% and streamlined stakeholder updates.

    • Delivered Power Platform automation to visualize QA KPIs. Enabled low-code solutions and increased productivity.

  • Senior Software QA Engineer Lead, Qualitest

    Feb, 2021 - Aug, 20221 year 6 months

    • Converted legacy tests to automated scripts using GitHub and CI/CD practices. Reduced post-release defects by 80%.

    • Built QA team-wide libraries and reusable functions. Increased productivity and consistency by 90%.

    • Mentored junior SDETs and testers. Enhanced team delivery capabilities and onboarding processes.

  • Lead Quality Engineer, Qualitest

    Apr, 2019 - Aug, 20212 years 4 months

    • Led SaaS deployment of Plutora across media environments. Created Tableau reports to enhance QA insights.

    • Streamlined vendor issue resolution, driving a 75% increase in customer satisfaction.

  • Senior Consultant, Qualitest

    Jun, 2018 - Apr, 201910 months

    • Performed API automation for Java-based applications (JMS, SOAP, REST). Increased test coverage by 30% and streamlined validations.

    • Integrated tests across microservices and performance layers, reducing test cycles by 25%.

  • Senior Technical Support Engineer, Orasi Software

    Jan, 2009 - Jun, 20189 years 5 months

    Provided strategic technical leadership for Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system testing, guiding both manual and functional QA teams within a fast-paced Agile environment. Achieved a 78% reduction in testing cycle time, enhanced collaboration with Product Owners and Test Managers, and ensured smooth coordination of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities

    • Established HP QA support operations team. Trained customers and cut resolution time by 95%.

    • Wrote automation install scripts and setup guides. Decreased user onboarding errors and support escalations.

Skills

Skills

  • Quality Assurance & Testing

    Manual Testing

    Functional Testing

    API Testing

    IVR Testing

    Speech-to-Text Testing

    Usability Testing

    Performance Testing Basics

    Regression Testing Strategy

    Cross-Browser Testing

    Cross-Platform Testing

    Shift Left for SQA

    Test Case Design & Execution

    Defect Lifecycle Management

    Test Code Optimization

    Test Standardization

    Test Data Management

    Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

    Bug Triage & Prioritization

    Risk Assessment

    Software Issue Tracking

    Test Environment Management

  • Automation Engineering

    Software Automation

    Automation Framework Design

    Procedure Automation

    Automation Tool Implementation

    Tool Development

  • Project & Team Leadership

    Project Management

    Team Leadership

    Team Development

    Resource Planning & Allocation

    Global Team Collaboration

    Metrics Management for Projects

    Agile Methodologies

    Scrum Methodologies

  • Technical Operations & Tools

    Configuration Management

    Managing Software Deployments

    Tools Assessment

    Tools Administration

    Version Control Systems

  • Client & Stakeholder Engagement

    Client Engagement

    Post-Sales Support

    Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

    Development Analysis

    Requirements Analysis

  • Innovation & Product Support

    User-Facing Tools Development

Education

Education

  • Radio Communications and Digital Systems Repair, Certification, Naval Submarine School

    - Present

    Digital Circuit Fundamentals

    RF and Telecommunications Principles

    Operation and Maintenance of Communication Systems

    Digital and Analog Signal Processing

    Multiplexing, Troubleshooting, and Fault Isolation

    Secure Voice/Data Transmission and Protocols

    Technical Documentation and Schematic Interpretation

    Soldering, Circuit Board Repair, and System Certification

    Equipment Installation and Cable Management

  • Basic Enlisted Submarine Training, Certification, Naval Submarine School

    - Present

    Damage Control Fundamentals

    Firefighting Systems and Safety Protocols

    Atmosphere Control and Environmental Systems

    Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems Overview

    Electrical Distribution and Troubleshooting

    Mechanical Systems and Maintenance

    Navigation Fundamentals

    Logkeeping and Technical Reporting

    Team-Based Problem Solving and Crew Integration

    Emergency Preparedness and Safety Drills

    Qualification Standards and Competency Tracking

  • Radio and Television Electronics Repair, Vocational Certification, Herndon Career Center

    - Present

    Electronics Fundamentals

    Signal Processing and Analysis

    Diagnostics and Repair of Audio/Video Equipment

    Circuit Board Repair and Component Replacement

    Soldering Techniques and Safety

    Test Equipment Operation and Calibration

    Troubleshooting Techniques for Consumer Electronics

    Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers

    Preventive Maintenance and Diagnostics