Lift Off: The Rocket Software Rocketeer Profile Series – Christian Crosser, Software Development Engineer in Test
June 7, 2023
We talk a lot about our values of empathy, humanity, trust, and love here at Rocket Software. Those values are critical to what makes us successful and keep our customers at the leading edge of their digital transformation and modernization journeys. But that success is only possible because of the Rocketeers who are all-in on those core values, bringing their passion and industry-leading expertise to every challenge that comes their way.
With that, we’re grabbing the spotlight and shining it on the Rocketeers that help make Rocket Software not only a best-in-class IT modernization partner for our customers but also a unique and inspiring place to work.
Next up – Christian Crosser, a Software Development Engineer in Test on the Rocket Software team. When he’s not out mountain biking or spending time with his family, Christian is helping drive innovation forward at Rocket Software, learning new skills and tools, and seeking out the toughest challenges to help solve.
What is your role at Rocket Software? How does a typical day play out for you?
I’m a Software Engineer focused on testing. At Rocket Software we have mainframe technology that is pretty complicated; my job is to encapsulate that complexity and make our tools more accessible to our users. I also have a hand in working with and modernizing our automation systems.
What brought you to Rocket Software?
When I graduated high school, I thought I’d pursue a career in sustainable agriculture. But I ultimately decided to attend Florida Polytechnic University to study computer science and worked a lot in the field during my college years. I moved to Bentonville, Arkansas because I’m a big mountain biker and was looking for a unique place for my family to live.
After spending some time with startups, I decided to start applying to more established companies and got pretty far through the interview process with a large retailer. But after having a few conversations with Rocket Software, I was immediately impressed by the whole team and the opportunities to learn and expand my own technical knowledge. From the time I first talked to the recruiter, I knew there was an instant connection.
How would you describe the team and work environment within your department/Rocket?
We are a really diverse and collaborative team. I’m fortunate enough to work with one of the first employees at Rocket Software. Our team consists of a balance of very experienced and mid-level people, so there’s always so much for me to learn. We are constantly information sharing. And I feel proud of the work I’ve been able to contribute to the company; it’s a lot more than I expected in my two years here, and it makes me feel like a valued part of my team. I love my team.
What projects/aspects of your job bring you the most excitement?
I’m starting to take on more responsibilities, including a lot of UI work. UI work is one of the most exciting opportunities I’ve had. I recently worked on two really cool, new projects to make applications more accessible to people.
What is the biggest challenge for you in your role?
The nature of my position means there’s so much technology to stay on top of. There’s always a new tool or application to learn, which presents a challenge, albeit an exciting one I look forward to tackling every day. We have some of the smartest people at Rocket Software and they’re always available to help with a topic or situation I’m struggling with.
What makes working at Rocket Software different from other places you’ve worked before?
I’ve worked for about five different companies before Rocket Software. Many—from large corporations to small startups—don’t provide the level of autonomy that Rocket Software does. Rocket Software knows how to motivate employees and give us just enough autonomy and support to get our work done. Even with things like remote work which has exploded in popularity in the last couple years. Rocket Software has long understood and supported remote work really well, which I think is a reflection of how effective the leadership is when it comes to providing us that balance of autonomy and support.
What is your proudest moment during your time at Rocket Software?
Definitely the UI work that I mentioned before. I’m proud for stepping up and saying I wanted to take on responsibility for it, and now, I feel like I can really show my own contributions to the company.
