Mark Ruggles

Detail-oriented QA Engineer with 25 years of experience in manual and automated testing across enterprise platforms. Developed scalable test automation frameworks and led initiatives to enhance release quality and minimize defects. Skilled in end-to-end testing, API validation, and production verification, with hands-on expertise in Playwright and ReadyAPI.

Senior QA Analyst Lead | QA Engineer | Automation Engineer | Java Developer at American Airlines (2011-11 – 2026-08)

• Developed and maintained Playwright TypeScript automation suite, enabling efficient end-to-end testing of booking flows.
• Automated API and web service test cases using ReadyAPI across multiple airline applications.
• Led QA efforts for high-revenue Choice Seats program, ensuring high system reliability and minimal downtime.
• Designed and executed end-to-end test strategies across integrated systems to enhance overall functionality.
• Revamped production validation testing process, streamlining test creation from eight hours to 15 minutes.
• Performed defect analysis and contributed to root cause resolution, enhancing overall production stability.
• Validated releases in production and pre-production environments to ensure deployment readiness.
• Collaborated with developers and product teams to define test scenarios and establish acceptance criteria.

QA Lead at Pegasus Solutions (2005-02 – 2011-11)

• Led QA efforts for multi-million-dollar commission processing application to ensure reliability.
• Executed manual and automated test cases using QTP to ensure comprehensive testing coverage and application reliability.
• Built and maintained parameterized test libraries in Quality Center to enhance testing efficiency.
• Performed end-to-end validation of complex financial data workflows to guarantee accuracy.
• Supported production issues as Tier III support, troubleshooting defects and validating fixes.
• Identified and implemented performance improvements, reducing file load time from 24 hours to under 3 minutes, significantly enhancing user experience.
• Developed test documentation, training materials, and process guides to enhance QA team capabilities.
• Participated in requirements gathering, translating business needs into effective test scenarios.

Quality Assurance Analyst at MATRIX Resources (2004-07 – 2005-02)

• Executed manual test cases for hospitality applications, ensuring optimal functionality and performance.
• Identified defects in client-facing systems and validated fixes, ensuring timely resolution of issues.

Quality Assurance Analyst at Assist Technologies (2004-04 – 2004-07)

Completed contract position at Pegasus Solutions, enhancing quality assurance processes.

• Tested pharmaceutical clinical survey applications with adherence to regulatory standards (21 CFR Part 11)
• Developed and executed detailed manual test plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory documentation
• Identified critical defects through exploratory testing, enhancing application stability early in lifecycle
• Evaluated automation tools, contributing to improved QA processes and overall team efficiency

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis (1997-05)