Charan Raj

Engineering Manager with 18+ years of experience leading software engineering teams, enterprise integrations, cloud transformation, and application modernization initiatives within the Computer Software industry. Experienced in delivering scalable solutions across Azure, Kubernetes (AKS), .NET, Java, Python, and API-driven architectures, while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to achieve business objectives. Skilled in team leadership, AI-enabled development adoption, technology delivery, and cloud-native solution design, with a focus on driving innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Engineering Manager - Nublar Technology

(2024-03)

• Architected and delivered Azure Logic Apps along with .NET Core API-based integration platforms for 10+ clients, enhancing system stability while achieving a 40% reduction in cloud expenditure.
• Led large-scale migration of 12+ applications into Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), strengthening scalability and cutting system downtime by 80%.
• Built and deployed Docker-based microservices on Kubernetes, enabling zero-downtime release cycles, boosting throughput by 30%, and lowering infrastructure costs by 25%.
• Introduced and operationalized SLO frameworks, incident response mechanisms, and governance structures, reducing MTTR from 4 hours to 90 minutes.
• Spearheaded AI-enabled engineering practices using Claude and GitHub Copilot across development workflows, improving coding efficiency, debugging effectiveness, and overall engineering output.
• Guided engineers in adopting AI-driven software development techniques, accelerating code generation, enhancing debugging performance, and minimizing turnaround time for repetitive engineering activities.
• Independently applied AI tools for workflow optimization and faster problem resolution, improving execution speed and reducing resolution time for critical tasks.
• Facilitated seamless coordination across Engineering, DevOps, Architecture, and Client-facing teams, ensuring alignment between technical delivery and business goals.

Engineering Lead - Nublar Technology

(2022-03 - 2024-03)

• Managed a team of 5 engineers delivering B2B integration platforms connecting ERP systems, including NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Fishbowl.
• Designed and implemented enterprise integration pipelines, reducing manual data entry by 95% and significantly improving operational efficiency for logistics and finance workflows.
• Spearheaded migration from Azure Logic Apps to .NET Core REST APIs, reducing transaction latency by 60% and delivering approximately $5,000/month in cloud cost savings.
• Developed and deployed integration workflows for 8+ enterprise clients, reducing connector implementation timelines from 6 weeks to 2 weeks through reusable architecture patterns.
• Led migration from SVN to Git and implemented Jenkins-based CI/CD pipelines, reducing build failures by 35% and improving deployment reliability and developer productivity.
• Modernised legacy reporting systems from Java 4 to Java 9, eliminating technical debt and improving report generation performance by 50%.
• Drove early-stage adoption of AI-assisted engineering workflows (Claude, Copilot) for development and debugging tasks, improving individual and team-level productivity.
• Mentored engineers on practical AI usage in software development, enabling faster code generation, improved debugging efficiency, and reduced turnaround time for repetitive engineering tasks.
• Personally leveraged AI tools for task optimisation and problem-solving acceleration, improving execution speed and reducing time-to-resolution on key engineering deliverables.

Senior Associate (AVP) - JP Morgan Chase & Co.

(2019-01 - 2022-03)

• Managed a team of 5 engineers through the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring successful delivery across multiple sprint cycles.
• Facilitated Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, backlog grooming, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives to maintain delivery momentum and team alignment.
• Served as acting Product Owner during offshore hours, managing backlog prioritisation and clarifying business requirements to support uninterrupted development.
• Functioned as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a critical file transfer payment dashboard, supporting enhancement planning, documentation, and operational improvements.
• Coordinated testing activities and defect triage through Jira, driving resolution of 120+ defects with an average turnaround time of 2 days.

Associate Software Engineer - JP Morgan Chase & Co.

(2014-10 - 2019-01)

• Enhanced and maintained a file transfer payment dashboard application, improving system usability, reliability, and operational visibility.
• Participated in all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), from requirement analysis and development to testing, deployment, and support.
• Developed application enhancements and automation solutions that improved implementation team productivity and operational effectiveness.
• Performed code reviews, debugging, defect resolution, and unit testing to ensure application quality and maintainability.
• Collaborated with business and technical teams to deliver application improvements and support seamless production releases.
• Trained and onboarded new developers on development standards, review processes, and engineering best practices.

Technology Lead - Cognizant Technology Solutions

(2010-01 - 2013-10)

• Contributed to Application Development, Software Design, Coding, Debugging, Testing, Documentation, and Production Support activities across multiple software projects.
• Coordinated Testing, Validation, and Quality Assurance efforts throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to enhance application reliability and performance.
• Collaborated with Project Teams, Business Stakeholders, and technical resources to analyze requirements and deliver effective software solutions.
• Mentored junior developers on Coding Standards, System Integration, Development Best Practices, and technical problem-solving approaches.
• Investigated and resolved Customer Issues, Software Defects, and application-related challenges through effective troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Supported Continuous Improvement, Software Quality Enhancement, and Customer Satisfaction initiatives while maintaining adherence to delivery commitments.

Software Developer - Oracle Financial Services Software Limited

(2007-08 - 2010-12)

• Developed, tested, and maintained Banking Applications in accordance with business requirements and established development standards.
• Performed Backend Development, Database Management, and Server-Side Programming activities to support application functionality and performance.
• Utilized JavaScript, SQL, and Oracle Forms to enhance and support Flexcube and FlexBranch applications.
• Gathered and analyzed business requirements, translating them into effective System Enhancements and application modifications.
• Automated business processes through customized software development, improving Operational Efficiency and user experience.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality Financial Technology Solutions while ensuring application stability and reliability.

MS - Software Engineering - BITS Pilani (2013-05)

BE - Electronics & Communication Engineering - New Horizon College of Engineering, Bangalore (2007-06)