PALLAVI KASTALA
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Detail-oriented and highly analytical QA Analyst with a strong background in finance, technology, and quality assurance. Proven expertise in designing and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure financial software products meet stringent quality standards. Skilled in analyzing software functionalities from a user perspective, simulating financial transactions, and collaborating effectively with development teams to resolve issues. Adept at leveraging innovative testing tools and methodologies to maintain high-quality software performance. Excellent problem-solving abilities, keen attention to detail, and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Expertise in creating and managing test data for API endpoints, including validating JSON/XML responses, headers, and payloads for optimal performance. Conducted load balancing and auto-scaling tests to validate that cloud environments adapt efficiently to changing workloads.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Software Test Engineer
BNY Mellon Technology
Pittsburgh, PA
12.2023 - Current
- Incorporated delivery requirements into the planning of testing schedules.
- Optimized test coverage by prioritizing high-risk areas of the application, using risk-based testing methodologies.
- Gathered data on integration issues and vulnerabilities, reported findings, and recommended improvements.
- Recommended changes and corrections to developers for optimal software performance and usability.
- Identified critical defects in the early stages, performing detailed root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives, contributing valuable feedback during post-release reviews, and retrospectives.
- Developed and maintained defect databases for known issues.
- Participated in available training sessions to improve software knowledge.
- Completed automation of functional and regression testing.
- Collaborated with DevOps teams to integrate automated test cases into CI/CD pipelines, accelerating deployment cycles.
- Automated API validation and integrated it into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins and Git, reducing regression testing time.
- Validated API responses for functional accuracy, performance, and security under high-load scenarios using tools like JMeter.
- Collaborated with development teams to identify, debug, and resolve API issues, focusing on root cause analysis for long-term fixes.
- Automated new, reusable, end-to-end business scenarios, which helped in the reduction of 20% of manual testing efforts.
- Created successful test scripts to manage automated feature testing.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and possessing a strong work ethic.
Software Tester
BNY Mellon Technology
Jersey City, NJ
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Developed automation test scripts for freight forwarders to guide shipments through an efficient and contract-aware allocation process, with various customers and ports data. Used Cucumber Gherkin language to define test steps.
- Extensively used Oracle/SQL Developer for back-end testing.
- Generating Cucumber automation test reports using the Maven-Cucumber API and JUnit reporting on automated testing results.
- Attended Sprint meetings to discuss and provide the estimated test case creation and execution for each sprint.
- Attended daily Scrum meetings to sort out the issues and discuss the activities for the next day.
- As a scrum team member, attend Sprint review meetings to discuss the execution of planned activities and ensure that the planned activities are completed.
- Utilized Apache Maven as a build management tool and created pom.xml to define dependencies.
- Recorded and tracked defects through JIRA.
- Performed Integration and Regression testing to ensure stability of applications.
- Understanding of RDBMS to perform data validations using SQL Developer.
Programming Analyst
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Chennai, India
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Operated under Agile and Scrum frameworks to complete releases and well-organized sprints.
- Collaborated with business analysts and product owners to stay current on intended functionality.
- Conducted thorough reviews and interactions to ensure a clear grasp of business requirements.
- Engaged in discussions with the business team to understand and align with business value and requirements.
- Reduced manual testing efforts with the development of reusable, automated test scripts.
- Built automated test scripts to handle repetitive software testing work.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Enhanced testing efficiency by identifying and implementing appropriate automation tools and frameworks.
- Authored and maintained well-organized, efficient, and successful manual test cases for the entire team.
- Kept scripts and test cases updated with current requirements.
- Directed teams to complete regression tests to support successful product development stages.
- Developed detailed test plans, test strategies, and test case documents for effective test coverage.
- Determined server operating limits with weekly load tests.
- Tested the functionality and compatibility of new programs or updates in comparison to existing applications.
- Ensured documentation alignment with project objectives and testing goals.
- Facilitated regular meetings, and sent daily status reports to the project management team.
- Established open channels of communication for seamless collaboration across teams.
- Played a key role in preparing comprehensive test data to support the execution process.
- Ensured the availability and relevance of test data for various testing scenarios.
- Analyzed and documented test results, promptly reported defects, and collaborated with developers for swift issue resolution.
- Spearheaded the development of a Selenium-based automation framework, leading to a 40% reduction in manual testing efforts.
- Provided insights and received feedback to enhance testing processes.
- Shared comprehensive defect reports with the client, ensuring transparency and client awareness.
- Tested the application using Selenium with the Cucumber BDD framework.
- Developed automation scripts in Eclipse, leveraging Selenium IDE, WebDriver, and Grid.
- Implemented various automation frameworks, including data-driven, keyword-driven, and hybrid frameworks.
- Used Selenium WebDriver and TestNG/JUnit for test case execution.
- Created and executed data-driven tests, and database content checks.
Education
Master of Science - Computer Science
Northern Arizona University
12.2023
Bachelor of Technology - Electrical and Electronics Engineering
KKR and KSR Institute of Technology
05.2019
Skills
- Software Testing: Functional Testing, Regression Testing, Load Testing, System Testing, User Acceptance Testing
- Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript
- API Testing: Rest Assured, Postman
- Testing Frameworks: Selenium, TestNG, Junit
- Bug Tracking and Project Management: Jira, Confluence
- Databases: SQL, MySQL, MongoDB
- Testing Methodologies: Agile Methodology, Scrum Methodology, Waterfall, BDD, TDD, Manual Testing, SDLC
- Build & CI Tools: Git, Maven, Jenkins
Timeline
Software Test Engineer
BNY Mellon Technology
12.2023 - Current
Software Tester
BNY Mellon Technology
01.2023 - 11.2023
Programming Analyst
Cognizant Technology Solutions
01.2020 - 08.2022
Master of Science - Computer Science
Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Technology - Electrical and Electronics Engineering
KKR and KSR Institute of Technology
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