Kick-Starting Test Automation

Chris Huddleston, P.Eng

Test Automation Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada

Test Automation is not a new thing, it has been around for decades in various forms. Although usage and maturity have evolved a lot over the last 20 years there are still a lot of projects that are just starting out on their Test Automation journey. This discussion will touch on some of the basics and motivation behind automating, but will focus more on how to get started and maximize your success. Topics will include advocating and getting the buy-in you need, different project needs and requirements and how to address them, various ways to automate based on your product and technologies, different ways to structure your team, some tools, and some common approaches and challenges.

Chris Huddleston is an engineer with 20 years of experience at all levels of the product development life cycle. After spending several years working in software development, he stumbled into the exciting world of testing and automation and has not looked back. In his current role as Test Automation Manager with General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, he founded, and now leads, the group that works with teams from across the company to develop automation solutions that fit with product architecture, technologies, staff and programmatic needs, and customer expectations. Previously a Test Engineering Manager and System Integration / QA Lead, he developed the team that integrates and tests the system of software and hardware products that form the tactical voice and data networks for the Canadian Army. Also with General Dynamics, he has held development and test-related roles on programs such as the Hydra Naval Sonar Suite and the Maritime Helicopter Program. Prior to joining General Dynamics, he worked in various software development roles in the telecommunications industry. Chris holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo. He loves traveling and visiting new places, and enjoying the outdoors with his family and friends.

Agenda

11:00 – 11:30 Refreshments and Networking
11:30 – 12:00 Lite Lunch and Welcoming Remarks
12:00 – 13:00 Seminar
13:00 – 13:30 Questions and Networking