Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Balaji Bawa Kesavan

Leeds,UK

Summary

Accomplished DevOps and Test Automation Engineer with over 15+ years of experience in DevOps, automation, development, and software architecting. Proven expertise in defining and implementing automation test strategies and CI/CD infrastructure using Jenkins, TeamCity, and Azure. Proficient in Shell, PowerShell, and Docker for maintaining and enhancing CI implementations and executing multi-threaded tests on Azure.

Extensive hands-on experience in developing, customizing, and maintaining test automation frameworks for web, API, and mobile applications (Android/iOS) using BDD frameworks such as Cucumber and SpecFlow. Skilled in utilizing various test frameworks including Pytest, TestNG, NUnit, JUnit, and Maven, and automating scripts with Java, C#, Python, and VBScript,Groovy script. Strong knowledge of version control systems (GIT, TFS, GITHUB, BITBUCKET) and test management tools (Rally, Quality Centre, MTM).

Demonstrated line management and people skills with a track record of leading, training, and guiding test automation teams. Experienced in developing solutions and strategies from scratch, contributing to company goals through innovative and optimized software strategies and enhanced test performance.

Competent in automating build pipelines, UI development, and deploying machine learning models on Linux servers. Adept at problem-solving and adapting to dynamic market conditions with a proven history of implementing solutions that drive company success.

Proficient in data analysis, machine learning model building, and algorithmic trading in currency markets with expertise in Python, SQL, and statistical analysis. Certified in Statistics and financial markets, with substantial experience interacting with traders and developing trade strategies.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Automation Lead

Crawford and Co
Leeds
12.2024 - Current
  • Azure devops pipeline setup and training.
  • Mentored, trained, and onboarded team members across global locations.
  • Test framework update and upgrade.
  • Maintain and enhance automation framework and process.
  • Manage automation strategy and framework
  • Define Automation strategy and direction

Technical Lead

HSBC UK
06.2022 - 10.2024
  • Devops
  • Secure code development using Python, Shell
  • Managed and created deployment jobs on Jenkins to deploy changes to production.
  • Debug Jenkins build to deploy the code
  • Connectivity setup between servers and GCP cloud environment
  • Create scheduled jobs using Control-M and shell on linux environments
  • Conduct the build verification and testing for Production deployments
  • Create and run unit tests for cloud migration scripts
  • Develop data encapsulation using Python cryptography
    Infrastructure and cloud maintenance.
  • Develop and process financial data , to safely ingest into the cloud
  • Automate the flow through java,python and selenium.
  • Ensure the right balance of API, UI and unit tests to adhere to testing pyramid
  • Develop API scripts in integrating cloud services such as browserstack.
  • Mentored, trained, and onboarded team members across global locations.
  • Setup the Jenkins pipeline to deploy and test the applications
  • Integrate cloud-based execution using the Jenkins AWS pipeline.
  • Code maintenance and introducing coding standards.
  • Develop shell scripts to integrate the build, Manage pipeline and api.
  • Enhance and maintain the test automation framework built on Cucumber Java, Python, Gradle, and JUnit.
  • Define automation plans/strategies and deliveries.
  • Conduct POC on new technologies and processes
  • Define branching strategies, code quality and train team on the same.
  • DevOps setup of continuous integration and build test and deploy.
  • Release delivery signoff and plan

Automation Lead

BTL Group Ltd
01.2017 - 06.2022
  • Automation Framework and Script Development
  • Developed and optimized UI/API automation frameworks using Nunit, C#.net, Selenium, Grid, and Rest API.
    Built API testing frameworks with Karate, Cucumber (Java), and Python scripts, and conducted cross-browser/mobile testing with BrowserStack.
    Tested Node-based Angular applications with Protractor.
    Managed Git repositories for collaboration and version control. Implemented BDD with Specflow, Nunit, and C#.
    Developed accessibility testing tools, ensuring WCAG and Section 508 compliance.
  • Automation Architecture and Scalability
  • Architected and implemented automation solutions, promoting best practices and innovation.
    Designed frameworks/solutions for .NET and JavaScript projects.
    Scaled automation with Selenium Grid on Azure and Docker.
  • Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)Set up build configurations, build agents, and TeamCity services on TeamCity for building and deploying .NET applications, and executing tests on a nightly and per-commit basis.
    Automated the build pipeline using PowerShell scripts, MSBuild, TeamCity, Maven, and Docker, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.
    Set up Postman API framework using Newman and integrated it into the CI-CD process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of API testing.
    Mentored and advised the organization towards true CI-CD leveraging cloud architecture, ensuring seamless integration and deployment processes.
  • Team Leadership and Training
  • Built a team ground up,recruiting, mentored to be centre of excellence for automation testing for the organization
    Managed 15+ teams on software delivery,testing and Devops
    Trained internal and offshore teams on automation processes and technologies.
    Conducted webinars on test automation, coding standards, CI-CD, BDD, and TDD.
  • Automation Strategy and Best PracticesSet up automation code review process by defining coding standards and automation best practices, ensuring code quality and consistency.
    Constantly integrated new automation plugins to enhance automation solutions, staying updated with the latest tools and technologies.
    Generated business understandable reports and shared them with stakeholders, facilitating data-driven decision making and continuous improvement.

Senior Automation Engineer

Amway IT Services
09.2016 - 12.2016
  • Setting up the Test automation Framework and optimizing
  • Automating the IOS and Android Mobile applications using Appium and Java, Cucumber
  • Test Rest API using Python with pytest framework.
  • Developed and executed the Selenium Automation scripts.
  • Setup CI-CD pipeline using Jenkins
  • Trained the team on the automation testing process and script creation.
  • Provided technical solutions for test automation challenges.

Senior Software Engineer

Allscripts Healthcare
09.2012 - 09.2016
  • Build an automation framework ground up using Selenium Webdriver, C#.net.
  • Writing and Maintaining Automation Test Scripts using C#, Nunit
  • Continuously enhanced Automation Scripts/Frameworks built on C# and .Net framework
  • Conducted automation tool evaluations, POCs, and demos to stakeholders
  • Developing the automation scripts for IOS and Android Mobile applications using Appium.
  • Led a team of automaton testers, hired & trained automation engineers
  • Integrated AutoIT Windows-based automation tool integration with Selenium.
  • Conduct Build Verification Testing- Automation Smoke Test and Regression Testing.
  • Overall Performance testing of the application using the features of test automation.
  • Analyzing and Estimating the User Stories to identify the feasibility of automation.
  • Optimized test automation framework Hybrid framework using QTP.
  • Implementation of test Automation Process, Gated Check-in in TFS

Automation Test Engineer

SunGard Financial Systems
09.2011 - 09.2012
  • Designed software frameworks, incorporating generic and auxiliary functions to enhance software testing efficiency and flexibility.
  • Developed and debugged software solutions using Java, TestNG, and Selenium, applying the page object model for efficient testing.
  • Configured and maintained the execution of software automation scripts using Jenkins, optimizing testing processes.
  • Conducted software testing of REST APIs and SOAP services using SOAP and Groovy scripting, ensuring robust functionality.

Software Developer

53 Bank (SLK Software Services)
04.2010 - 09.2011
  • Developed a tool to automate test case creation using Asp.net, C#, and HTML, ensuring efficiency in testing processes.
  • Conducted Proof of Concept for tool and framework selection, emphasizing the suitability of C# for effective automation.
  • Analyzed and assessed the feasibility of automation for banking applications, focusing on C# software solutions.
  • Identified scenarios for Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Class Partitioning, leveraging C# for precise testing scenarios.

Trainee Engineer

Indian Space Research Organisation-ISRO
10.2008 - 09.2009
  • Testing the front-end application used for data transmission, user acceptance
  • Development of Front End application for updating the Access database.
  • Simulate, analyze, satellite data using Matlab C, Noise Survey reports.

Education

Bachelor Of Engineering - Electronics and Communication

VTU
India

Master of Business Administration - Project Management

Alagappa University
India

Projects

Skills

  • DevOps

Establishing Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) workflows by configuring application builds and automating tests through platforms like TeamCity and Jenkins Streamlining various aspects of the application lifecycle, including test execution and reporting, to facilitate seamless continuous delivery Overseeing the management of build pipelines, which includes creating agents and ensuring the setup and upgrade of build agents for optimal performance

  • Automation Testing

Expert in designing and developing test automation frameworks and processes Proficient in automating web UI applications with Selenium WebDriver using Java, Python, and C#net Skilled in mobile application automation with Appium, including iOS and Android platforms using Xcode and Android Studio

  • Machine Learning/Data Science

Utilized Python along with Pandas, NumPy, and Scikit-learn libraries to construct sophisticated machine learning models, including Support Vector Classifier, Random Forest, and various Regression models These models were meticulously crafted to extract actionable insights and patterns from complex datasets, empowering data-driven decision-making processes

  • Software Development

Engineered trading software, trade managers, and backend databases to meticulously record trade logs Crafted test plugins and distributed NuGet packages to ensure robust testing and seamless integration Designed and implemented websites along with Windows-based applications to facilitate user interaction and operational efficiency

  • Algorithmic Trading

Refine and enhance trading strategies through meticulous development and backtesting procedures Conduct thorough analysis and processing of market data, leveraging advanced techniques to generate actionable signals Employ cutting-edge methodologies to compute technical indicators and trends, facilitating informed decision-making Utilize robust statistical analysis to extract valuable insights and enhance trading performance

  • API Testing

Enhanced REST API automation tests and framework using Postman with JavaScript Implemented Karate and Cucumber frameworks for API testing Established multithreaded runs for nightly testing routines Proficient in developing and testing with SOAP UI for comprehensive API testing coverage

  • Cloud

Create and maintain resources efficiently Easily deploy build and execution servers from Docker images on cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, and GCP, ensuring versatility and scalability across diverse environments

Certification

  • ISTQB Certified tester
  • (EPAT) Executive Program in Algorithmic Trading Certified
  • (Statistics, Algorithmic Trading, Quantitative Finance, Financial Markets)

Timeline

Automation Lead

Crawford and Co
12.2024 - Current

Technical Lead

HSBC UK
06.2022 - 10.2024

Automation Lead

BTL Group Ltd
01.2017 - 06.2022

Senior Automation Engineer

Amway IT Services
09.2016 - 12.2016

Senior Software Engineer

Allscripts Healthcare
09.2012 - 09.2016

Automation Test Engineer

SunGard Financial Systems
09.2011 - 09.2012

Software Developer

53 Bank (SLK Software Services)
04.2010 - 09.2011

Trainee Engineer

Indian Space Research Organisation-ISRO
10.2008 - 09.2009

Bachelor Of Engineering - Electronics and Communication

VTU

Master of Business Administration - Project Management

Alagappa University

Projects

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Balaji Bawa Kesavan