Bala Narayanan

Detail-oriented QA Engineer with 4+ years of progressive experience in software testing, including manual and automation testing across web and mobile applications. Proven ability to design scalable test frameworks, enhance product quality, and collaborate effectively within Agile teams. Seeking to leverage expertise in automation and quality engineering to drive high-impact results.

QA Engineer at Vigo Retail (2025-04 – Present)

Worked on automation and manual testing for a retail e-commerce platform, focusing on improving test efficiency, ensuring product quality, and delivering scalable, high-performance applications. Involved in designing robust automation frameworks, enhancing test coverage, and supporting continuous integration and delivery pipelines in Agile environments.

• Analyzed user stories, business requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint planning and execution
• Developed and executed automated test scripts using Selenium WebDriver with Java, integrated with Jenkins CI/CD pipelines
• Reduced manual testing effort by implementing scalable automation frameworks using Cucumber, Maven, and POM design pattern
• Performed API testing and backend service validation using Postman and Rest Assured tools
• Executed database validation and data integrity checks using MySQL queries and SQL joins
• Managed end-to-end defect lifecycle using JIRA, including defect logging, tracking, retesting, and closure
• Implemented and maintained BDD automation framework using Cucumber and Gherkin syntax
• Designed and maintained modular test scripts using Page Object Model (POM) and Data-Driven frameworks
• Executed cross-browser, regression, and integration testing cycles across multiple environments
• Maintained automation scripts for smoke testing, triggered via Jenkins scheduled jobs
• Collaborated with developers, product owners, and QA teams to improve overall software quality
• Participated in daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospective meetings in Agile Scrum environment
• Implemented test data management strategies using external files (Excel/JSON) and dynamic data generation to improve test coverage and reusability
• Integrated continuous testing practices within Jenkins pipelines, enabling early defect detection and faster feedback during development cycles
• Performed exception handling and synchronization techniques (explicit waits, fluent waits) to enhance script stability and reduce flaky test failures

Test Analyst at HTL Limited (2023-04 – 2024-04)

Worked on a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) application used in cable and wiring production to monitor shop floor operations, production workflows, and quality checks. Involved in validating end-to-end manufacturing processes, ensuring data accuracy, production traceability, and compliance with operational standards.

• Analyzed business requirements, manufacturing workflows, and process diagrams for test scenario creation
• Designed and executed test cases for production modules, including inventory, order processing, and quality control
• Conducted functional, system, regression, and integration testing across manufacturing workflows
• Validated data accuracy and production records using SQL queries and backend verification
• Performed testing on shop floor data entry systems and process tracking modules
• Logged, tracked, and managed defects using JIRA, ensuring timely resolution and retesting cycles
• Maintained Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) to ensure full coverage of manufacturing requirements
• Verified end-to-end production lifecycle, including raw material input to finished goods output
• Supported User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with business stakeholders and production teams
• Ensured data consistency, reporting accuracy, and system reliability across releases
• Prepared test reports, execution summaries, and defect metrics for stakeholders
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams including developers, business analysts, and operations teams
• Performed batch processing and job validation testing to ensure accurate execution of production schedules, material planning, and system-generated workflows
• Validated ERP system integrations (such as inventory, procurement, and production modules) to ensure seamless data flow across manufacturing systems
• Conducted risk-based testing and impact analysis for production changes, minimizing disruption to critical manufacturing operations and ensuring system stability during releases

Software Tester at VZURE SOFTWARE NETWORK SOLUTIONS (2021-05 – 2023-03)

Bachelor of Engineering in ECE – Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (2018 – 2021)