Melvin E. Blake, Jr.
Aquasco
Summary
To obtain a position that will allow me to implement my knowledge, skills and abilities as a Senior Test and Information Specialist. I am a competent, dynamic, and highly motivated professional, with more than 30 years of progressive Information Technology experience with excellent written and verbal communications, interpersonal skills and results oriented.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Central Payroll Bureau (Re@L Computer Solutions, Inc)
03.2009
- Provide programming support in the area(s) of COBOL, CICS, JCL, and DB2 in support of the Statewide Domestic Partner Initiative
- Responsible areas were Check Replacement (RPCK), Revolving Accounts, Time Entry Support System (TESS) Cost Detail and Adjustment Processing
- Duties include but not limited to programming in COBOL II /DB2/CICS application environment
- In addition create project specifications, test case and test data base to fully test system through unit, integration and regression phases
- Develop document for production turn-over
- Conduct Design walk-through and Lead project status meetings
- Development CICS Online System to Maintain TESS/CPB Deduction and Other Earnings (DOE Code) and State Subsidy Vsam File
- Determine process requirements necessary to add, update and delete DOE Codes as well as maintain audit trail of all modifications and recovery via backup procedure
Senior Technical Test Engineer
Internal Revenue Service
11.2010 - Current
- Currently assigned to Automated Collection (ACS) and Integrated Collection System (ICS) Projects
- I always communicated in a courteous and professional manner with team members, developers, internal/external customers, and management
- Willingly shared his technical knowledge on Legacy Systems, IBM Processing, Oracle, DB2, and Structure Query Language (SQL) with all Enterprise Systems Testing counterparts
- I work closely with all shareholders to proactively resolve issues and perform knowledge sharing activities
- I consistently play a proactive role in workgroup settings
- He provided updated job aides and conducted on-the-job training for new hires and seasoned analyst
- His efforts ensured the analyst could perform repeatable processes to accomplish their assignments
- He demonstrated workgroup involvement during all ACS team discussions
- Mr
- Blake consistently interacted in a courteous and professional manner with all colleagues
- He always willingly shared his technical knowledge on Current Production Environment (CPE) systems and pipeline tax processing to support various test teams
- Mr
- Blake always went above the normal standards to ensure projects were successfully implemented in a timely manner
- He contributed to the overall effectiveness of the workgroup through his support of knowledge sharing sessions and collaborating with various stakeholders on data and environmental issues
- Mr
- Blake consistently demonstrated his technical expertise when performing data creation, data manipulation, scripts set-up and execution on the IBM and Oracle platforms
- He served as a technical resource to teammates and fellow EST analyst on Job Control Language (JCL), Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), SQL, Relational Database processing, Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) and Flat Files in the Mainframe environment
- Mr
- Blake actively engaged with various testing efforts on data environment needs and issues
- He worked to close the technical gaps on the team by developing training aides and providing fellow analysts with resources to re-enforce and strengthen technical competencies as it relates to JCL, COBOL, SQL, Relational Database processing, VSAM and Flat Files
- Mr
- Blake consistently conducted appropriate testing by establishing accurate test plans and ensuring that testing was conducted in accordance with IRM Software testing standards and procedures
- Mr
- Blake utilized his troubleshooting capabilities to program COBOL software modifications, to process current year tax transactions and to ensure his work reflected competent development of system back-ups and contingency planning
- Melvin used his excellent problem-solving skills to trouble shoot system and environmental issues
- He consistently provided detailed descriptions of issues, developed a plan of action, and wrote scripts to introduce efficiencies in processing
- Melvin always leveraged his extensive knowledge of CPE systems, systemic processing, SQL, COBOL, and IBM processing to implement improvements to all processes
- Mr
- Blake always displayed his versatile knowledge and skills of the entire test environment when accommodating customer requests
- He always provided excellent customer service to his internal and external customers especially on last minute Inter-Agency CMS Marketplace data and database request
- Mr
- Blakes knowledge of the IRS Legacy systems and systemic tax processing has allowed him to continue to serve as a Subject Matter Expert on Service Center Replacement System (SCRS) processing, Duplicate Taxpayer Identification (DUPTIN) processing, Generalized Mainframe (GMF) 1501 report generation and creation of Data Master 1 (DM1) files for ACA projects
- He consistently provided advice and guidance and always sought to understand issues from the customers point of view
- Mr
- Blake consistently produced work products that were appropriately targeted to the audience
- He completed the development of written materials to document FIT MTB processing
- His work product was concise and technically proficient
- Mr
- Blake successfully closed technical gaps in the domain by continuously developing or updating How-To documents
- Some examples of his written products were updates to JCL, COBOL, SQL, and Relational Database processing job aides
- Mr
- Blake actively participated in various levels of meetings with internal and external customers
- Melvin consistently presented professional, clear, and concise communications that were appropriate to the audience level
- He demonstrated this effective communication during meetings with internal/external data customers and during one-on-one conversations
- Mr
- Blake often demonstrated his effective oral communication skills when debriefing testing efforts to partners, at Systemic Processing Meetings and when serving as the technical expert during customer calls with stakeholders
- He consistently voiced any thoughts or concerns and always presented himself in a professional and courteous manner
- Mr
- Blake always took a leadership role in coordinating support on Legacy Systems, IBM Processing, Oracle, and SQL tasks
- As a technical SME, he performed accurate requirement analysis and always used various resources to research and analyze challenges he encountered such as the root cause analysis of data deletion on Systems Integration Testing Environment (SITE) and PSU environments
- Mr
- Blake consistently demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness when performing his work assignments
- He was a reliable technical resource for internal and external customers
- He worked independently to meet the demands of the testing organization by ensuring that project outcomes, tools and artifacts were accurate and accessible
- Mr
- Blake always followed established policies and guidelines and recognized when advice was needed
- He always took the necessary actions to assist others in achieving greater accuracy and quality in their own work products by providing detailed information regarding missing knowledge
- Mr
- Blake always followed local, regional, and national security guidelines, policies, and procedures as it pertains to government issued equipment, SMARTID badge utilization, password protection, storage of sensitive documentation, and IRS Flexplace/Telework Agreement guidelines
- He always completed security, UNAX, and safety training and certifications in a timely manner
- Mr
- Blake consistently scheduled activities in a manner that allowed him to meet customer deadlines
- He evaluated changes in assumptions, constraints, and adjusted his schedule according to unanticipated changes in his workload
- While working on assignments, he provided one-on-one technical training for team members and customers
- Mr
- Blake always prioritized the work based on program impact and executed program responsibilities within established timeframes while keeping coworkers, managers and customers apprised of project status and changes
- Mr
- Blake always completed his staff/administrative work in a timely manner
- He entered time in SETR timely as agreed by his manager and adhered to SETRs procedures when corrections were necessary
- He completed meeting minutes, Mandatory Briefings, ad hoc assignments, OL5081, and other staff/administrative related tasks accurately and timely in accordance with IRS and EST established guidelines/policies/procedures
- Mr
- Blake willingly accepted additional responsibilities and exhibited great leadership qualities when dealing with peers
- He always keeps his stakeholders abreast of project status and technical solutions
- Mr
- Blake consistently planned, scheduled, and executed his test responsibilities within the established time frames and always kept his internal and external customers apprised of all project status and changes that could hinder progress
- As a SME, he served as a valuable resource for EST test efforts
- He continuously updated job aides with new discoveries and always disseminated his findings to internal/external stakeholders
- His efforts ensured that project disruptions were minimal, that projects remained on schedule and that projects met their test objectives and deadlines
- As an member of the Test Data Management Team serves as SME for IBM OPTIM Privacy Product
- This product is utilized in masking IRS Data for User Testing across Legacy and Distributed Database Environments
- Currently holds Outstanding Rating and has maintained this level of service since 2012
- As an member of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Data Strategy/Test Data Management Team serves as SME to current Legacy mainframe information processing
- 2015 Recipient of Commissioners Award
- Develop test strategies, plans, cases and test procedures to ensure effective results in test environments
- Responsible for the training of ACA Project Team members as it relates to all legacy processing
- Develop COBOL Software to generate SCRS Data to support ACA Test Scenarios
- Develop COBOL Software to support ACA Test Teams in Verification and Reconciliation of Test Data and Test Results
- Current Task include but is not limited to Data Creation Automation Tools Council, utilizing IBM OPTIM product develop method/process for the purpose of Data Masking and to establish Synthetic Data
- Establish necessary JCL and Execution Streams to pre-processing created test data for ACA Project
- Responsible for analysis of complex test validation, test execution and tracking results
- Provide input for the development of productivity metrics and staffing models and status reporting
- Responsible for Artifact gathering and Test Case Database Updates
- Perform all execution functions and task via utilization of extensive experience in DB2, Oracle, JCL, SPUFI, SQL and REXX/CLIST for ACA Project Teams
- Lead validation effort of data and Cycle processing through review of IRS Legacy Report processes
- Provide impact assessments for test projects as requested
- Review, actively pursue and resolve system problems
- Provide invaluable expertise in both testing and execution environments
Senior Test Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation (Matrix Systems, Inc.)
09.2009 - 11.2010
- Develop test strategies, plans, cases and test procedures to ensure effective results in test environments
- Responsible for training, execution and validation of the Customer Account Data Engine (CADE) in various test environments
- Responsible for analysis of complex test validation, test execution and tracking results
- Provide input for the development of productivity metrics and staffing models containing testing cycles, actual/expected results, test scripts (B&C / Destructive / ETC) and status reporting
- Responsible for Voice and Touch-Tone Test Case execution, Artifact gathering and Test Case Database Updates
- Perform all execution functions and task via utilization of extensive experience in DB2, JCL, SPUFI, SQL and REXX/CLIST for CADE Team
- Lead validation effort of data and Cycle processing through review of CICS and MQ Series Message Queues
- Experience in Rational ClearQuest Suite
- Provide test case validation support to IRS Integrated Customer Communication Environment (ICCE)
- Provide impact assessments for test projects as requested
- Review, actively pursue and resolve system problems
- Provide invaluable expertise in both testing and execution environments
Senior Test Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation (Matrix Systems, Inc.)
10.2005 - 03.2009
- Develop test strategies, plans, cases and test procedures to ensure effective results in test environments
- Responsible for training, execution and validation of the Customer Account Data Engine (CADE) in various test environments
- Responsible for analysis of complex test validation, test execution and tracking results
- Provide input for the development of productivity metrics and staffing models containing testing cycles, actual/expected results, test scripts (B&C / Destructive / ETC) and status reporting
- Responsible for Voice and Touch-Tone Test Case execution, Artifact gathering and Test Case Database Updates
- Perform all execution functions and task via utilization of extensive experience in DB2, JCL, SPUFI, SQL and REXX/CLIST for CADE Team
- Lead validation effort of data and Cycle processing through review of CICS and MQ Series Message Queues
- Experience in Rational ClearQuest Suite
- Provide test case validation support to IRS Integrated Customer Communication Environment (ICCE)
- Provide impact assessments for test projects as requested
- Review, actively pursue and resolve system problems
- Provide invaluable expertise in both testing and execution environments
Senior Test Engineer
Computer Science Corporation (Matrix Systems, Inc.)
05.2003 - 10.2005
- Developed test strategies, plans, cases and test procedures to ensure effective results in test environments
- Responsible for training, execution and validation of the Customer Account Data Engine (CADE) in various test environments
- Responsible for analysis of complex test validation, test execution and tracking results
- Provided input for the development of productivity metrics and staffing models
- Responsible for Voice and Touch-Tone Test Case execution, Artifact gathering and Test Case Database Updates
- Performed all execution functions and task via utilization of extensive experience in DB2, JCL, SPUFI, SQL and REXX/CLIST for CADE Team
- Lead validation effort of data and Cycle processing through review of CICS and MQ Series Message Queues
- Experience in Rational ClearQuest Suite
- Automated Regression Test Case via REXX and JCL Execution
- Provided test case validation support to IRS Integrated Customer Communication Environment (ICCE)
- Provided impact assessments for test projects as requested
- Review, actively pursue and resolve system problems
- Provided invaluable expertise in both testing and execution environments
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Central Payroll Bureau (Computer Science Corporation)
03.2002 - 04.2003
- Provide programming support in the area(s) of COBOL, CICS, JCL, and DB2 in support of the Time Entry Scheduling System (T.E.S.S.)/CPB Interface;
- Develop support software based on User Request, and to maintain and perform enhancements to the FASTECH Time and Entry System
- Meet with User Community to verify report results and review of programming specification requirements
- Work with Functional personnel to review processing modification in order to document necessary system modification, ensure accuracy of modifications
- Attend BI-weekly status meetings to update WOTS (Work Order Tracking System)
- Provide System and User documentation
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Central Payroll Bureau and Budget Management (Jackson & Tull Corporation)
02.2000 - 03.2002
- Design, coding and implementation of the Electronic Time Reporting (ETR), Contractual Time Reporting (PTR) Systems
- Both systems required Online Data Entry processing as well as Batch updating and reporting
- Design Refund and Recovery System including developing programming specification, coding and implementing of the necessary Online and Batch programming
- All task required the establishing of the necessary Documentation, Run JCL, Cataloged Procedures and Run schedules containing execute dependencies
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Budget Management (OAO Corporation)
10.1998 - 02.2000
- Provide programming support in the area(s) of COBOL, CICS, and DB2 for the Time Entry Scheduling System (T.E.S.S)
- Performed Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Certification of selected Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS); assigned to insure Y2K verification of the Personnel and Benefits Systems
- Deliver IV&V System Test Plans; provided independent analysis of code to insure all required code was not only remediated, but the modifications met Y2K Standards;
- Assigned to develop COBOL Code w/embedded SQL Language to establish various application tables on a DB2 platform
- Analysis 4GL Cactus software to determine system requirements
- Perform Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Certification of Advanced Purchasing and Inventory System (ADPICS) and Related State Account Reporting Systems
Education
Certificate of Completion - Computer Programming
Computer Learning Center
01.1976
Certificate(s) of Completion - OS JCL / IBM Utilities / TSO/ISPF
Department of Defense
Certificate of Completion - DB2 Concepts and DB2 – COBOL Programming / SQL
CBIS Corporation
Certificate of Completion - FILEAID, Playback/HYPERStation, XPEDITER, DataAger
Compuware
Certificate of Completion - undefined
Software AG
01.1998
Skills
- Hardware: IBM 30xx, 4381, 360; Amdahl 470/V4; HP 3000; IBM PC’s and compatibles
- Software: COBOL, COBOL II, SQL, JCL, IBM Utilities, VSAM, Wylbur, Roscoe, RACF, ACF, TSO/ISPF, SPF,REXX, Librarian, CICS, MQSeries, XML, OPTIM, Control-M Scheduler, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Extract Transform and Load (ETL), Infomatica, Compuware Packages (FILEAID, File Manager, Playback/HYPERStation, XPEDITER, DataAger); EasyTrieve, Clist, Panvalet, SPUFI/QMF, Proedit, PRF, MPEV, OS, MVS/MVT, DB2,GreenPlum, ADABAS, dBase, IEF,ENDEVOR, INTERTEST, IDMS/IMS, ACCESS SECURE CRT 55 and FX 55;ORACLE;JAVA;C Rational Tools (TestManager, RequisitePro, ClearCase, ClearQuest) ETM
Certification
Various in-house Training annually while working for Internal Revenue Service as Senior Technical Test Engineer
Timeline
Senior Technical Test Engineer
Internal Revenue Service
11.2010 - Current
Senior Test Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation (Matrix Systems, Inc.)
09.2009 - 11.2010
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Central Payroll Bureau (Re@L Computer Solutions, Inc)
03.2009
Senior Test Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation (Matrix Systems, Inc.)
10.2005 - 03.2009
Senior Test Engineer
Computer Science Corporation (Matrix Systems, Inc.)
05.2003 - 10.2005
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Central Payroll Bureau (Computer Science Corporation)
03.2002 - 04.2003
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Central Payroll Bureau and Budget Management (Jackson & Tull Corporation)
02.2000 - 03.2002
Senior Information Specialist
Maryland Department of Budget Management (OAO Corporation)
10.1998 - 02.2000
Certificate(s) of Completion - OS JCL / IBM Utilities / TSO/ISPF
Department of Defense
Certificate of Completion - DB2 Concepts and DB2 – COBOL Programming / SQL
CBIS Corporation
Certificate of Completion - FILEAID, Playback/HYPERStation, XPEDITER, DataAger
Compuware
Certificate of Completion - undefined
Software AG
Certificate of Completion - Computer Programming
Computer Learning Center
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