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 integrations, with a strong focus on problem-solving and mentoring. Enhanced team productivity and test coverage in robotic surgical platforms.
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.
- Automated test case management and execution reporting through REST API integrations with Jama, enhancing traceability.
- Implemented UI automation using Squish for Qt-based applications, enabling reliable cross-language localization testing.
- Created dynamic HTML reporting and traceability matrices to link SRS requirements with test cases, improving documentation efficiency.
- 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: [Johnson & Johnson](https://www.jnj.com)
Senior Technical Lead
HCL America
04.2014 - 03.2019
- Developed safety-critical monitoring modules in C, enhancing functionality of surgical imaging 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, ensuring robust system integration.
- Built unit test frameworks using VectorCAST and integrated with Jenkins for automated validation.
- Created unit test frameworks with mock interfaces for UART/SPI communication.
- Developed Selenium-based automation for EMR web applications.
- Resolved critical system issues, significantly enhancing device reliability and performance.
Technical Lead
HCL Technologies
10.2007 - 04.2014
- Built and maintained toolchains using Wind River, standardizing global build systems across multiple teams.
- Designed simulation frameworks for validating hardware-dependent algorithms, ensuring reliability and performance.
- Developed embedded software for multifunction printers, enhancing communication layers and diagnostics functionality.
- Provided IT services and solutions for a global technology company.
Software Engineer
Trioz Technologies
India
09.2005 - 10.2007
- Implemented scheduling, resource, and event management modules to optimize system performance.
- Developed and ported OSEK-compliant RTOS, enhancing reliability of automotive ECU systems.
- Ensured compliance with OSEK standards through rigorous testing, contributing to quality assurance.
Education
Master's - Software Engineering
Kumaraguru College of Technology
01-2004
Skills
- Python and C programming
- Automation frameworks
- UI automation with Selenium and Squish
- Continuous integration with GitLab CI/CD
- JIRA project management
- REST API automation with Jama and PACS
- Robotics testing in medical devices
- Unit testing frameworks and mock communication
- Problem solving strategies
- Test automation frameworks
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