Cam McOrist - a profile picture

Cam McOrist!

Test Engineer

Summary

With 15 years in software testing across diverse teams, I am keenly focused on quality and effective solutions. My current passion lies in web development, where I aim to deliver joy and value through well-designed solutions.

Professional Development

I am actively enhancing my front-end and full-stack development capabilities through comprehensive coursework on Frontend Masters. My focus is on translating my deep commitment to quality into creating engaging and aesthetically pleasing user experiences. Below are some of the key courses I have completed, which have equipped me with cutting-edge skills for modern web development:

  • Complete Introduction to Web Development: Covered essential HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build foundational knowledge.
  • CSS Foundations & Tailwind CSS: Gained expertise in advanced CSS techniques and utility-first design approach for responsive UIs.
  • Getting Started with JavaScript & Deep JavaScript Foundations: Developed a strong understanding of JavaScript, from basics to advanced concepts.
  • Website Accessibility: Learned to ensure web applications are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
  • Serverless with AWS Lambda: Acquired skills in building and deploying serverless applications, reducing server management overhead.
  • Full Stack for Front-end Developers: Explored backend technologies to manage full application stacks.
  • Complete Introduction to React & Introduction to Next.js 13+: Mastered React for dynamic UIs and Next.js for server-side rendering and static site generation.

These courses have not only broadened my technical skills but also reinforced my ability to build robust, user-friendly, and accessible web applications.

Employment History

Senior Test Automation Engineer - Aesop

April 2022 - Current

I've served as a Senior Test Automation Engineer at Aesop, focusing on their SAP storefront/react/node retail website, and back office systems. I've specialised in using Cypress for front end automation, becoming highly proficient in JavaScript and TypeScript in the process. I have gained extensive knowledge in testing GraphQL and REST APIs using javascript and PostMan. My responsibilities have ranged from leading quality initiatives within my team to collaborating with multiple development squads. I've honed my skills in AWS services and mastered GitHub processes to drive data-driven transformations. This role at Aesop has provided me with a dynamic, agile environment for continuous professional growth.

  • Migrated Automation Framework: Led the transition from TestCafe to Cypress for front-end automation
  • Shift-Left Advocacy: Championed Shift-Left testing practices throughout the development lifecycle
  • Flakiness Solutions: Designed and implemented solutions to address long-standing flakiness issues in checkout automation
  • CI/CD Integration: Developed workflows within AWS and GitHub Actions to integrate test automation into CI/CD processes
  • Project Testing & Design: Tested and contributed to the design of various checkout projects, including order tracking information, Apple Pay Express integration, and a revamped order summary
  • API Testing: Tested and mocked REST and GraphQL APIs using Postman; advocated for best practices
  • Logging & Reporting: Logged and reported test results using Jira, Sumo Logic and Cypress Cloud
  • AWS Environment Management: Managed AWS environments using Amplify, Serverless, Lambdas and S3 buckets
  • Debugging & Analysis: Analysed logs in Sumo Logic and AWS CloudWatch; set alerts and automated notifications for errors and failing test suites
  • Code Debugging: Ran and debugged application code and test code in VSCode
  • Team Collaboration: Maintained strong relationships with the engineering team; managed communications with the product team and upper management

QA Lead - Stargate Tech

August 2015 - April 2022

At Stargate, I led testing on mortgage and finance software projects, steering a quality-first, automated approach. Appointed as the lead tester in 2016, I integrated Test Driven Development principles and linked development to business value. I built a comprehensive acceptance testing framework and a UI test automation suite from scratch, fostering a culture where quality is a team-wide responsibility.

  • Creating, documenting and advocating for the test approach for a new company
  • Advocating for a test-driven, quality focused development process
  • Creating a framework for automated UI acceptance tests - Developed in .NET/C# and the Microsoft Unit Test Framework
  • Integration and Web Acceptance Test Automation using Selenium, Protractor and SpecFlow
  • SaaS testing using API tools such as Postman and SoapUI
  • Employing concepts such as page objects and Gherkin scenarios
  • Working with DevOps to integrate automated UI tests in cloud deployments in Azure
  • Working with an offshore development team to strategize and plan each sprint with a focus on quality and identifying areas of risk

Software Tester - BP

January 2015 - July 2015

While contracting at BP, I was responsible for manually testing new products and projects with Point of Sale solutions from various POS Vendors. These POS solutions are used throughout BP’s expansive retail network of Petrol stations around Australia and the world.

  • Updating, modifying and writing test scripts
  • Maintenance and support of testing equipment
  • Adhering to and helping enforce strict Operational health and safety procedures in place at BP
  • Ad-hoc and exploratory testing of new software solutions in BP’s Point of Sale equipment, including interacting with Fuel Pump simulators and bank terminals

Test Engineer – DBRS Ltd

November 2012 – October 2013

DBRS is a globally recognised Credit Ratings service based in Toronto offering transparency and insight across a broad range of financial institutions, corporate entities, government bodies and various structured finance product groups in North America, Europe, Australasia and South America. As a test engineer, I was relied on to ensure a high level of quality in each iteration.

  • Assisting in the evolution of the Testing process and the development life cycle by analysing and defining business and functional specifications and translating them into testing requirements
  • Designing and executing test suites, test plans and test cases in TestRail and later YouTrack
  • Creating and maintaining the Test Data using Microsoft SQL
  • Bug tracking using YouTrack and supporting end users with UAT

Software Tester – IMG Sports Technology Group

March 2012 – August 2012

IMG Sports Technology Group is a first rate software development organisation in Melbourne supporting sports organisations technology needs. They specialise in memberships, subscriptions, tickets, online stores, auctions and many other services. I was responsible for introducing the first Quality Assurance process in this development team.

  • Designing and implementing a Test/Quality Assurance process
  • Designing test plans and scripts
  • Helping evolve the use of the Jira bug tracking suite and designing workflows
  • Designing and running Black and White Box tests

Touch Networks

May 2007 – December 2011

Test Team Leader (August 2011 – December 2011)

  • Managed a team of 5 Test Analysts
  • Attended project meetings and ensured timely project delivery
  • Improved test methodologies and hired a new team member

Test Analyst (March 2009 – December 2011)

  • Developed test plans, cases, and scripts; ran tests and analyzed results
  • Collaborated with development teams, Project Managers, and Business Analysts
  • Used JIRA, Zephyr, SOAPUI, Groovy scripting, Unix systems, and SQL databases
  • Configured test environments and maintained POS terminals

Help Desk Operator (May 2007 - March 2009)

  • Provided email and phone support for POS software
  • Trained new team members and offered exceptional customer service