Meet Gáston Marichal, a QA Manager from Montevideo, Uruguay, where Spanish is the native language and English often comes second. Despite that, Gáston has built a global presence in QA communities, sharing knowledge and helping others succeed. Over the past 12 years, he’s gone from junior manual tester to QA manager, and along the way, he’s inspired others, including a 15-year-old student who landed their first QA job thanks to his guidance.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from and what is your current role? How did your journey in testing begin?
Hi, I’m Gastón Marichal. I’m 33 years old and based in Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. I have a degree in software systems and have been working in the testing field for about 12 years.
Like many of us, I started out as a junior manual tester. Over time, I began learning more technical skills, such as API testing, automation testing, and performance testing. Today, I work as a QA manager, leading teams that focus on automation and performance and AI testing projects.
Q: What is daily life like for you in Montevideo? Do you work remotely or go to the office?
Life here in Montevideo is pretty normal. I work mostly remotely from home, although I do visit the office once or twice a week. The company’s headquarters are here in Uruguay, so that’s convenient.
I have two kids, so mornings are always busy getting everyone ready before I start work.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time with my kids and family. They keep me busy and bring a lot of joy to my daily life.
Q: Was your career in software testing an intentional choice?
No, it wasn’t really intentional. In Uruguay, there isn’t a specific university degree or formal path for software testing. When I was studying software engineering at the University, I only had one class that touched on testing.
Most of my knowledge and experience came after I started working. I learned from leaders, mentors, colleagues, and a lot of Googling and self-study to stay up to date with tools and methodologies.
Q: After 12 years in the industry, how do you see the field of software testing today compared to when you first started?
It has changed a lot, and for the better. In my region, testing has become a much more mature discipline. There are more training opportunities and certifications available, and a clearer career path for testers. Testing is now recognized as a critical part of the development process. When I started, it was often an afterthought, but today quality is expected from the very beginning. Users no longer tolerate poor software and will quickly move to a competitor if it fails to meet their expectations.
Q: How do you see new tools helping you in your testing operations today?
New tools are absolutely essential. Expectations are higher than ever, you need to be thorough, fast, and efficient. Many companies now release software multiple times a day, making long test cycles no longer acceptable. Testing has expanded beyond just functionality to include security, user experience (UX), and performance to ensure quality across all aspects. To keep up with these demands and the rapid pace of development, modern tools have become essential, enabling teams to deliver faster without compromising quality.
Q: In your daily work as a QA manager, how did you first come across Katalon and what was your first impression of it?
It’s a funny story. I was working on a Selenium script that kept breaking due to web driver and browser version issues. While Googling for a fix, I found Katalon.
I shared it with my boss, and he encouraged me to explore it. That was six or seven years ago, and I started using it both professionally and personally. It became an important tool in my testing toolkit.
Q: What Katalon tools were available when you started, and what was your first project? Is that app still in use?
When I started, only Katalon Studio was available, like there is no Runtime Engine, Desktop Testing, or today’s extended platform. My first project was a core banking system with complex flows, taxes, and fees. Katalon’s recording and web spy features were a big help while I was learning automation. I’m not sure if the app is still running, but it was a large system, so I hope so.
Q: You’ve been active in the Katalon Community. Why do you share your knowledge?
I genuinely enjoy helping others. I love the feeling of teaching and guiding people to solve problems. It’s not just about Katalon, it’s about sharing knowledge in testing and life in general.
Q: Have you participated in any meetups or events that left a strong impression?
Yes! About 11 years ago, we had the first Testing UY event in Uruguay. I’ve been participating in that and other events across the region ever since. One of the most memorable moments was giving a 4–5 month course to teenagers finishing high school. About five years later, one of them told me:
“Thanks to you, I got hired as a tester and now I’m working in the field.”
That truly blew my mind. It was an incredible moment.
Q: What’s next for you? What would you like to do for your community?
Streaming has helped us connect with testers not just in Uruguay, but across Latin America. We’ve interviewed people from Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and more.
I enjoy the educational aspect of community work. If I can help others understand how testing or Katalon works, I’m happy to do it. I’ve walked this path, and now I want to help others walk it too.
Q: Would you be open to collaborating with other Spanish-speaking leaders?
Absolutely. Many tools and resources are in English, which can be a barrier. Having Spanish-language content would really help people across our region. I’ve met testers from Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and it’s always great to connect and collaborate.
Q: Outside of work, what’s the next exciting thing happening in your life?
Professionally, I’m focusing on learning about AI, both how to test AI and how to use it to improve my work.
Personally, I already have two kids (no plans for more 
). But I’ve picked up a new hobby: carpentry. I started two years ago and now have a small workshop at home. My wife and I even sell a few things we build!
Q: What advice would you give to new testers in this era of AI?
AI is everywhere today, not just in testing but across business, marketing, and development. I don’t believe AI will take your job, but someone who knows how to use it better might. That’s why it’s important to embrace AI instead of fearing it. Use it to enhance your skills, always apply human oversight, and verify what AI generates. At the end of the day, AI is just another tool. Learn how to use it well, and it will make you stronger.
Q: Before we end, can you share how you felt (in Spanish) when your former student told you they got a job as a tester thanks to you?
La combinación de emociones es increíble. La alegría de saber que gracias a tu colaboración alguien obtuvo trabajo y se pudo continuar formando en este rubro tan lindo que es el testing de software es tremenda!
Thank you so much Gáston, it’s been a pleasure learning about your journey, your impact, and your passion for testing and community. 
-The Katalon Community
