Srikanth D M

Firmware and server platform validation professional with 13+ years of experience spanning BIOS/UEFI, server platform bring-up, firmware QA, low-level debugging, reliability validation, and embedded/UEFI software. Hands-on experience across Intel and AMD server platforms, including Granite Rapids-D, Sapphire Rapids, Ice Lake, Turin, Genoa, Bergamo, Naples, Rome, and Milan. Strong expertise in UEFI, BIOS, BMC/IPMI, PCIe, ACPI, SMBIOS, Memory RAS, TPM, Secure Boot, stress/performance validation, and cross-functional firmware/hardware debug.

Experienced in leading validation activities, improving test efficiency, mentoring engineers, and applying Python automation and test-automation practices to firmware validation workflows.

BIOS QA Lead Engineer at Cisco Systems India Pvt. Ltd. (2021-06 – 2026-07)

• Lead BIOS validation and release qualification for Cisco UCS Rack Server platforms across Intel (Granite Rapids-D, Sapphire Rapids, Ice Lake) and AMD EPYC (Turin, Genoa, Bergamo) processor families.
• Own validation of critical firmware capabilities including Memory RAS, TPM, FRB-2 Timer, ACPI, SMBIOS, PCIe, and platform security features, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability and release readiness.
• Drive board bring-up, feature validation, stress testing, performance benchmarking, and low-level debugging across Intel and AMD server platforms, accelerating issue identification and resolution.
• Partnered with firmware, hardware, and platform engineering teams to validate BIOS patch releases, contributing to multiple releases with zero critical production issues.
• Improved validation turnaround time through process improvements, enhanced test coverage, and QA best practices.
• Mentored junior engineers and drove continuous improvements in validation methodologies, test execution efficiency, and firmware quality.
• Established validation best practices and review mechanisms that improved test coverage consistency and release confidence across firmware programs.
• Supported successful qualification of next-generation Intel and AMD server platforms by identifying critical firmware issues early in the development lifecycle.
• Strengthened cross-functional collaboration between BIOS, hardware, and platform engineering teams, improving issue triage efficiency and accelerating root-cause resolution.

BIOS QA Engineer at AMD India Pvt. Ltd. (2016-03 – 2021-05)

• Validated BIOS and firmware functionality across AMD EPYC server platforms including Naples, Rome, and Milan, supporting successful platform qualification and product launches.
• Executed board bring-up, pre-silicon validation, feature validation, and system-level testing for Secure Boot, ACPI, SMBIOS, PCIe, SATA, USB, and BMC/IPMI subsystems.
• Performed performance benchmarking, stress testing, and low-level debugging to identify firmware defects and improve platform stability.
• Contributed to the successful launch of multiple AMD EPYC processor generations by ensuring firmware quality, reliability, and release readiness.
• Accelerated platform readiness through comprehensive validation, early defect identification, and close collaboration with firmware and hardware engineering teams.
• Boosted platform stability by 25%, reducing memory-related customer escalations through rigorous qualification of diverse DIMM configurations.
• Enhanced defect closure efficiency by 25%, reducing production escapes through comprehensive BIOS issue resolution.

Software QA Engineer at VeriFone India Technology Pvt Ltd (via ITC Infotech) (2014-02 – 2016-02)

• Validated POS systems and payment applications across transaction processing, networking, and device integration workflows.
• Executed functional, network, and transaction testing for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and EMV-based payment systems to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Developed test utilities and validation tools that improved test execution efficiency and defect identification.

Software Developer at Dell R&D (via Access Automation Pvt Ltd) (2012-07 – 2014-02)

• Developed UEFI-based pre-boot applications for enterprise server platforms, supporting system provisioning and management capabilities.
• Contributed to RAID configuration, OS deployment, and server setup workflows within firmware-driven environments.
• Performed debugging, defect fixes, and unit testing to improve software quality and platform stability.

Embedded Software Developer at Aurinko Embchip Technologies Pvt Ltd (2011-06 – 2012-06)

• Developed embedded C software modules for microcontroller-based systems, supporting feature development and system integration.
• Participated in debugging, testing, and optimization activities to improve firmware functionality and reliability.

Embedded Engineering Trainer at Nettur Technical Training Foundation (2009-02 – 2011-01)

• Delivered training programs on embedded systems, C programming, and microcontroller fundamentals for engineering students and professionals.
• Designed practical learning exercises and lab sessions to strengthen hands-on embedded development skills.

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electronics & Communication Engineering – Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Karnataka (2008 – 2008)