ALAGUSAKTHI GNANADHANDAPANI
Fremont
Summary
Principal software developer in test with a proven track record at Johnson & Johnson. Engineered a Python-based automation framework that reduced manual testing efforts by 50%. Expertise in CI/CD and REST API integration, with a strong focus on mentoring teams and driving project success. Enhanced test coverage and compliance in robotic surgical platforms, contributing to overall product quality.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Software Developer in Test
Johnson & Johnson
Redwood City
03.2019 - Current
- Designed and implemented a scalable Python-based automation framework for robotic surgical platforms, improving test coverage and reducing manual testing effort by 50%.
- Built and integrated GitLab CI/CD pipelines to execute nightly automation suites across simulated and real hardware environments.
- Reduced design verification (DV) cycle time by 2+ weeks through automation and optimized test execution strategies.
- Developed REST API integrations with Jama to automate test case management and execution reporting, ensuring full traceability.
- Automated UI testing using Squish for Qt-based applications, enhancing reliability of cross-language localization testing.
- Created dynamic HTML reports and traceability matrices that link SRS requirements to test cases, improving visibility and compliance.
- Developed a test report automation tool that generates ~90% ready-to-submit reports, reducing report creation time by approximately 4 hours per report.
- Established remote testing infrastructure during COVID-19, allowing engineers to control robotic systems and execute tests from remote locations.
- Automated system configuration and protocol execution, saving ~30 minutes per test cycle and reducing audit risks.
- Led tool validation efforts (CSV) for in-house and third-party tools, ensuring compliance with IEC 62304 standards.
- Mentored engineers and contractors, accelerating onboarding and improving team productivity.
- Auris Health, a part of Johnson & Johnson, focuses on robotic surgical platforms. Website: [not provided]
Senior Technical Lead
HCL America
04.2014 - 03.2019
- Developed safety-critical monitoring modules in C, enhancing reliability of surgical imaging systems.
- Designed and developed a system-level automation framework for defibrillator systems.
- Designed and developed a system-level automation framework for defibrillator systems.
- Built Python-based APIs to simulate patient signals (ECG, NIBP, SPO2), enabling end-to-end testing.
- Automated embedded communication testing using Ctypes and serial interfaces.
- Developed Selenium-based automation for EMR web applications.
- Developed Selenium-based automation for EMR web applications.
- Resolved critical system issues improving device reliability and performance.
- A global technology company providing IT services and solutions. Website: [not provided]
Technical Lead
HCL Technologies
10.2007 - 04.2014
- Built and maintained toolchains using Wind River, standardizing global build systems to streamline development processes.
- Developed embedded software for multifunction printers, focusing on communication layers and diagnostics to improve functionality.
- Designed simulation frameworks to validate hardware-dependent algorithms.
- Delivered consulting services and IT solutions, optimizing client operations in India for enhanced performance.
Software Engineer
Trioz Technologies
India
09.2005 - 10.2007
- Developed and ported OSEK-compliant RTOS for automotive ECU systems, enhancing system reliability and performance.
- Implemented scheduling, resource, and event management modules, optimizing task execution and resource allocation.
- Ensured compliance with OSEK standards through rigorous testing.
- A technology company specializing in embedded systems. Website: [not provided]
Education
Master's - Software Engineering
Kumaraguru College of Technology
01-2004
Skills
- Python and C programming
- C development
- Test automation with pytest
- UI testing with Squish
- Web automation using Selenium
- Custom framework development
- CI/CD with GitLab CI and Jenkins
- Nightly build pipelines
- Linux and QNX operating systems
- Embedded systems expertise
- Project management with Jira and Jama
- Version control with Git and Perforce
- REST API integration
- I2C, SPI, and RS232 communication protocols
- Robotics engineering
- Medical device technology
Key Impact
- Reduced DV cycle time by 2+ weeks
- Saved hours of manual testing effort per release cycle
- Enabled scalable CI/CD automation across multiple products
- Improved traceability and compliance for regulatory audits
- Automated test report generation (90% ready-to-submit), saving ~4 hours per report
Additional Highlights
- Extensive experience in safety-critical systems (IEC 62304)
- Strong expertise in system-level testing and validation
- Proven leadership in automation strategy and execution
- Experience working with cross-functional and global teams
Core Skills
Python, C, C++, PyTest, Squish, Selenium, Custom Frameworks, GitLab CI, Jenkins, Nightly Pipelines, Linux, QNX, Embedded Systems, Jira, Jama, Git, Perforce, REST APIs, I2C, SPI, RS232, Robotics, Medical Devices, Embedded Systems
Timeline
Principal Software Developer in Test
Johnson & Johnson
03.2019 - Current
Senior Technical Lead
HCL America
04.2014 - 03.2019
Technical Lead
HCL Technologies
10.2007 - 04.2014
Software Engineer
Trioz Technologies
09.2005 - 10.2007
Master's - Software Engineering
Kumaraguru College of Technology