Vadim 'Vlad'​ Pekker Email & Phone Number

Montreal, Canada Area

Oslo Area, Norway

As a member of Commercialization / QA team for a large mature proprietary Petrel Exploration and Production software platform, I was part of Petrel Foundation engineering project. I was responsible for manual testing of a large share of the core components of the system, such as common objects (points, polygons, surfaces), spatial reference, time reference, data import/export, printing/plotting, as well as user interface, visualization, search.I collaborated closely with product analysts and software engineers. The quality and value of my analysis and feedback were commended by Portfolio and Engineering teams. On several occasions results of my work impacted on decisions made for the project.I developed acceptance and regression tests, and created test data. Used internal scripting tools and TestComplete. Performed exploratory testing of functional and non-functional behaviour of the system. Tested in real and virtual environments. My tests repeatedly received praise for their coverage and thoroughness.I regularly participated in improving efficiency of the processes adopted by the project team. Promoted and influenced adoption of user story kick-off meetings.I performed assessment of bug reports and verification of bug fixes, pro-actively engaging with customer support, internal users, and software engineers. As part of a small group of software testers, I achieved over 75% reduction of Petrel Foundation bug backlog - rated as an excellent result by management. I also represented the testing team in daily bug report triage process.I continuously contributed to improving the quality of Petrel by detecting bugs, analyzing them, and submitting constructive and efficient bug reports, using internal tools and Microsoft TFS. I performed pre-release regression testing of the system. Introduced the use of multiple criteria for assessing regression risks to prioritize system components and legacy features for selective testing.

Oslo Area, Norway

I assumed a combined role of product analyst, product owner, and tester for development of new proprietary iManage software for planning, management, and quality control of land seismic data acquisition.I defined and clarified engineering and sustaining requirements. Prioritized functional requirements for staged roll-out of iManage to field operations. Introduced and brought to implementation new requirements for automation of labour-intensive tasks.I tested iManage throughout the agile development process: within sprint cycle, for end-of-sprint sanity, for feature acceptance, for release verification and validation. Verified bug reports and bug fixes. I provided feedback and domain expertise, efficiently interacting with software engineers, system architect and project manager. Developed test cases, models and data.I initiated and implemented iManage acceptance testing based on testable requirements, with high progress and coverage visibility. Introduced HP ALM to link tests to requirements, and facilitate test execution and management.I influenced integration of iManage with other elements of the new proprietary UniQ land seismic data acquisition system, closely collaborating with UniQ system architect and other stakeholders.I performed integration and new feature tests for Common Acquisition System software in the context of IsoMetrix marine seismic data acquisition system. Tested in simulated, laboratory, and production environments. Within short time gained sufficient understanding of the acquisition system, progressing from bi-weekly sanity testing to functional testing, and to operating the acquisition system for several staging and offshore tests.As a member of dedicated teams, I contributed to successful production testing and roll-out to operations of pioneering UniQ and IsoMetrix seismic data acquisition systems.I provided initial training, remote and on-site operations' support for iManage software. Authored iManage user manual.

Usa: West Texas, New Mexico, Colorado

I was in charge of the Geophysical Support and Quality Control group for the first Schlumberger proprietary Q-Land single sensor seismic acquisition system deployed in North America. My team performed planning, quality control - including real-time acquisition quality control - and provided geophysical support to seismic operations for a variety of projects in different locations of Continental US. The group also performed state-of-the-art in-field seismic data processing, and delivered a field product of quality suitable for interpretation. I developed, tested and successfully applied a planning methodology, using publicly available remote sensing information. The method ensured compliance with environmental protection requirements, as well as safety of field personnel and equipment, while optimizing the effort of field surveying team.I combined section head duties with those of a field geophysicist, performing field reconnaissance, planning, real-time and conventional data quality control. Under challenging conditions, such as extensive rodent damage to field equipment, terrain, land use regulations, equipment instability problems, I repeatedly demonstrated ability to deliver flexible, technically sound, practical solutions within limited resources and time frame.I participated in alpha testing of new proprietary software, which was designed to replace the planning and quality control system in use.I established a comprehensive set of procedures and work instructions, and trained company and sub-contractor field personnel.

Noyabrsk Area, Russian Federation

Following a shutdown of the entire North-American Land Seismic operations by Schlumberger, I was subsequently re-hired to lead Geophysical Support and Quality Control Group in Western Siberia, Russia.By demonstrating on multiple occasions technical competence, integrity, and commitment to quality of our operation, I established and maintained constructive working relationship with a highly demanding client. Served as point of contact for technical and contract matters.Over the duration of this assignment I designed and performed, or oversaw multiple parameter and software tests for seismic data acquisition or processing.I set up, implemented and performed extensive data QC on 3D seismic projects in Western Siberia in a challenging environment. Trained field personnel as the group expanded with new hires.Between winter seasons as a member of Russia Land Operations bid team I was involved in tenders for several seismic data acquisition projects. Played an important role in technical negotiations with the principal client, as well as various sub-contractors. I also participated in multiple technical presentations and road shows. Throughout the assignment I was responsible for bilingual technical documentation for seismic acquisition projects from contract to final acquisition report. Revised and proofed translation into Russian language of a set of marketing and technical brochures produced by WesternGeco.

Canada: Alberta, Nwt

After two tours of duty on projects in the Rocky Mountains foothills, I was appointed head of Arctic Geophysical Support group. I helped to re-organize, and led the group through two winter seasons. My team supported Mackenzie Delta operations, which involved a multi-million dollar annual budget and a work force of several hundred people. At the peak of its activity the group looked after five 3D seismic crews and a regional office. We provided to all internal and external clients a level of support and service quality unprecedented in Canadian seismic field operations.As the leader of the group, I managed under pressure a multinational distributed team of professionals in a dynamic environment with a high level of uncertainty. In parallel, I performed the duties of a QC geophysicist, providing support, data quality control and infield processing for several demanding projects in Canadian Arctic. Achieved high degree of client satisfaction.Between winter seasons I oversaw the expansion of the group personnel, was instrumental in modernizing and standardizing hardware and software for field operations, and provided geophysical support for other preparation activities for the upcoming projects in the Arctic.Off the winter season I also worked as Geophysical Support section head on large multi-client 3D seismic surveys in Northern Alberta, Canada. Developed multi-tool analysis and presentation techniques to address specific signal properties. Results were used by the company to advertise the quality level of their seismic data acquisition services.Created and implemented data quality control tools, which became part of a standard field routine in Canadian operations.

Tripoli, Libya

I worked as a member of a multinational team in a remote seismic data processing centre. After a month of on-the-job training on the first such project for the centre, I took over 3D seismic data processing from a visiting expert. Functioned as the 3D processing unit of the centre until the end of assignment.Within a few months I became the de facto local technical support for the new proprietary seismic data processing software system in use.Faced with a severe computing resource shortage, I designed and implemented a data processing and QC flow, which allowed to overcome hardware and performance limitations. Delivered on time an enhanced final product to the client.Through an extensive testing effort, I identified, verified and implemented a technique to resolve data discontinuity problems, bringing the processing centre additional revenue of ~300K U$.Developed procedures, trained and supported local personnel for in-field seismic data processing and QC.

Tengiz Area, Kazakhstan

Returned to full-time field work. After a crash course in the use of a new proprietary software (IMS) for planning and management of seismic data acquisition, I joined operations as relief Quality Control section head on a large project in Western Kazakhstan . From initial parameter testing program through the end of the project I performed planning and quality control of seismic data acquisition, in-field data processing, uphole data acquisition and interpretation. Delivered 100% error-free data to the client.

Moscow, Russian Federation

Joined Exploration department of the Russian subsidiary of an international Oil & Gas major, Elf Aquitaine.I provided information and mapping support to Exploration and Production departments. Set up and managed departments' data library and information database. Quickly mastered the mapping software in use by the company. Sourced and introduced a local ArcGIS-based Oil & Gas information system.I also served as technical point of contact with various parties within and outside of the organization. Coordinated activities under specific data and services agreements with local partners.With support from Elf Aquitaine domain experts, I prepared and supervised a vertical seismic profile acquisition in the Russian Arctic.Prepared technical tender documentation.

International

Within a short period of time trained myself in the use of a new seismic data processing software.Performed in-field data processing and QC on an acquisition project in the Nile Valley, Egypt.

Russian Federation

Shortly after joining the company I became a member of a core team charged with preparation and execution of the first 3D seismic data acquisition project in the Russian Arctic. Gained invaluable experience by getting involved in all facets of the operation. I was also lucky to work with and learn from highly experienced top performers.From technical negotiations to the closure of the project I maintained communications between management teams of Schlumberger and of the local sub-contractor. In parallel, during the data acquisition phase I performed seismic data quality control and initial processing.

Moscow, Russian Federation

While still in my last year of university studies I became a junior member of a very small technical team in a newly established seismic data processing centre. Learned foundations of the trade by doing seismic data processing, scanning and vectorizing of old seismic paper sections, and a large amount of vintage tape work and pre-processing.Received an intensive introduction to industrial seismic data acquisition by volunteering for short-term deployment with an international seismic crew to a project starting in Kazakhstan. I was initially brought in for language support, but soon got used for all sorts of tasks. Found myself quite in my element. Was offered a full-time position with Schlumberger at the end of this assignment.