Quality Assurance Product Owner

Nalini Siddappa

******.****@*****.*** 469-***-**** Texas (Visa-GC) Linkedin: Nalini Siddappa LinkedIn

Bachelor of Engineering – 1998

SUMMARY PROFESSIONAL:

I have over 20 years of experience in Software Testing and Quality Assurance, specializing in functional, non-functional testing activities including Automation. My key skills include Telematics, Telecommunications, Salesforce, Finance, Health. Design test strategies, developing automation FW, leading teams to ensure delivery of High-Quality software.

My roles and Responsibilities transitioned from software QA to software engineering, project lead, Test solution architect, Test Manager, ScrumMaster and Product Owner. Lead QA team size varies from 5 to 20 max which included Manual and Automation team.

With Network functions, I started with Traditional NFs and moved over to Cloud based VNFs. handing projects with multiple Databases, multiple protocols, multiple test tools that includes testing of native, hybrid, desktop app, iOS mobile app and android app etc.

Understand QA principles and various testing aspects like SDLC, defect tracking /triaging, industry standards & spec, TCOE best practices, process and procedure, Testing Strategies, Automation framework for functional and non-functional test activities. My Automation included BDD Cucumber framework with Jenkins CI/CD pipelines.

Knowledge of oil and gas operations like Upstream, midstream, downstream process, SCADA systems IOT applications in Oil & Gas and Digital Transformation in Oil & Gas concepts.

Familiarity with Generative AI concepts such as model validation and AI-generated content testing. Understanding prompt engineering and use of tools like ChatGPT and testing experience of Chatbot.

Technical Skills

Operating Systems and platforms

UNIX- Sun Solaris, Linux, Windows

Programming Languages

C++, Python, XML, SOAP

Database

MySQL, Oracle, DB2, MangoDb, Kasandra, Postgres DB etc

Tools

API test tools like POSTMAN, Swagger, SOAPUI, Appium, Mulesoft, Anypoint studio, JMETER and other performance test tools like Load runner, Performance Center, Jmeter, Network analyzer like Wireshark, IRS test tool, Spectra-2. Also company standard specific automation tools for RF test, Call processing test tool, Kibana, Prometheus, Splunk, Scada etc

Test Management tool

Jira, GitLab, Rational Clear Case, Rational Clear Quest, Team Foundation Server, MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Lotus Notes, service now,

Cloud Network

AWS, Oracle cloud, open stack, VMware, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker Containers, Azzure

Experience

Course & Certification

Scrum certified product owner (CSPO) certification.

Generative AI and ML with Prompt engineering certification

Generative AI and ML – Mastermind

Projects on Generative AI model and frameworks – chat GTP 4.0, Open AI, Agentic AI, Open Source LLMs, AI driven applications like Claude, Leonardo, Perplexity, Suno etc

Verizon- Remote Jan 2023 to Jan 2025

5G RAN RF Testing – Scrum Master/ Product Owner

Led cross-functional teams across onshore and offshore operations, managing test execution, tracking, and streamlining all RF testing activities.

Facilitated Agile ceremonies, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, backlog refinement, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, ensuring smooth execution of sprints.

Coached cross-functional teams across onshore and offshore operations, fostering Agile best practices and continuous improvement in collaboration and delivery.

Removed impediments by identifying blockers, facilitating discussions, and working with stakeholders to ensure teams remain focused and productive.

Guided Agile adoption, mentoring team members and leadership on Agile principles, Scrum framework, and Lean practices to enhance team efficiency and delivery.

Managed stakeholder communication, collaborating with Product Owners, QA teams, vendors, and leadership to align on priorities, manage risks, and drive project success.

Championed CI/CD and automation strategies, working closely with DevOps and QA teams to improve test efficiency and accelerate deployments.

Promoted continuous improvement, tracking team performance through metrics like velocity, cycle time, and burndown charts, and driving action plans for enhancements.

Encouraged a culture of collaboration, fostering a high-performing, self-organizing team through coaching, feedback, and servant leadership.

Ensured adherence to Agile best practices, facilitating backlog management, tracking deliverables, and maintaining seamless integration with external partners.

Oversaw test planning, automation strategies, and CI/CD pipeline integration, reducing execution time and improving test efficiency.

Managed stakeholder communication, collaborating with QA teams, PMs, and multiple vendors to align on project goals, triage issues, and mitigate risks.

Directed Agile/Scrum practices, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, triage meetings, and project status calls to ensure efficient execution.

Developed and enforced Integration Best Practices & Processes, promoting architectural and deployment strategies for enterprise-grade solutions.

Automated common test procedures to optimize testing efforts, reducing execution time by 35%.

Managed system engineering operations, defining operating procedures, tracking deliverables, and maintaining seamless integration with external partners.

Led mentoring and coaching initiatives, guiding junior team members on best practices in test execution, automation, and integration strategies.

Charter Communications, Remote April 2022 to Jan2023

WTG-QA WINET 2.0 – Scrum master/QA manager.

Led an 6-member team (manual and automation, onsite and offshore).

Facilitated Agile ceremonies for a 6-member cross-functional team (manual and automation, onsite and offshore), ensuring alignment with Scrum practices.

Collaborated with development and testing teams on 5G broadband small cell site activation, registration, configuration, and provisioning to ensure smooth deployment.

Contributed to PI planning, working closely with stakeholders to define and prioritize user stories for each sprint, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Led backlog refinement and sprint planning by reviewing and updating user stories, ensuring clarity of acceptance criteria, and driving efficient sprint execution.

Engaged in Scrum ceremonies, including daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, to track progress, remove impediments, and foster continuous improvement.

Managed the assignment of testing user stories, ensuring workload distribution across manual and automation teams while aligning with sprint goals.

Validated acceptance criteria for user stories in collaboration with the testing team to ensure quality and completeness.

Led daily Scrum meetings, facilitating collaboration between onsite and offshore teams, tracking sprint progress, and addressing blockers.

Supported test automation and CI/CD efforts, enabling efficiency in execution while fostering an automation-first mindset.

Facilitated defect triage calls, tracking and resolving issues collaboratively with QA and development teams to ensure timely defect resolution.

Monitored key Agile metrics, tracking team performance through velocity, burndown charts, and cycle time to drive continuous improvement.

Engaged in cross-team collaboration, providing regular project updates, stakeholder communication, and reporting on sprint progress.

Encouraged a culture of knowledge sharing, organizing project handoff meetings, documenting processes, and mentoring team members to enhance Agile maturity.

Ensured seamless integration testing, leveraging tools like POSTMAN, Oracle DB, and MySQL to validate system performance and data integrity

AT&T, Remote September 2021 to March 2022

OSS and BSSe WBB Order Graph(DSL, GPON, UVAERSE) – Scrum Master/QA manager

Conducted end-to-end testing of retail POS systems integrated with payment gateways for wireless broadband services.

Validated payment transaction workflows and ensured compatibility with mobile and web apps, using PyCharm for automation development and Appium for mobile testing on Android and iOS platforms.

Designed automated test scripts for POS terminals, focusing on payment method validation (credit cards, gift cards, and mobile wallets).

Collaborated with the development team to troubleshoot and optimize the seamless integration of POS systems with back-end order processing systems.

Ensured compliance with PCI DSS standards during payment gateway testing.

Worked for OSS/BSS wireless Broadband service order creation, aggregation, Transformation, fulfillment, activation, notification, monitoring, order completion.

Participated in grooming and refinement meetings to identify current sprint stories, pull from the product backlog, and create QA user stories.

Designed test plans and strategies for OSS/BSS High-Level Design Docs and User Stories, using a traceability matrix for mapping.

Reviewed Python build code to identify test environments and database authentication details.

Conducted API testing for the Order Graph BSS eWBB cloud network project.

Utilized API testing tools like Postman and Swagger for Order Graph-related user stories.

Performed API manual and automation testing for AT&T Order events flow, including ingestion, transformation, aggregation, V2, TMF events, responses, and notifications on IDP Kafka and MR Kafka, as well as external APIs (GEO, customer, order, payment, address).

Followed Agile methodology throughout the project.

Worked with cloud-based databases like Cassandra and Redis.

Published events and notifications on MR Kafka and IDP Kafka queues.

Conducted performance testing using JMeter for API calls.

Automated API testing via Jenkins using the Robot Framework.

Triaged tickets and validated data in databases using SQL and analyzed ELK logs for microservices.

Oracle, Irving, TX April 2021 to September21

5G core telecom application – Resident Engineer / SME

Worked on 5G SA architecture, deploying multiple 5G VNFs including DSR, NRF, SLF, and PCF network elements.

Conducted regression testing manually and with BDD Cucumber framework via CI/CD Jenkins.

Created multiple YAML files in Python for NF deployments and created PVC, secrets, ASM, service entries, destination entry etc

Managed deployed NFs and managed respective ticket triage, tracked fixes, and closed multiple issues.

Worked closely with customer Verizon and provided value addition by deploying flawless Network functions and its features.

Maintained NFs health and Monitored closely for any issues(events and alerts) on deployed Network functions using Prometheus tool.

SiriusXM, Irving, TX March 2019 to March 2021

Autonomous & Connected Car Devices (Telematics, Automotive, Infotainment)– Sr.QA-Test lead

Worked on safety and security web applications and mobile application (IOS, android, TCU software installations and upgrades, API Rest Assured testing for Remote services, voice and concierge services, vehicle Autonomous features that included surveillance features using cameras and LEDS.

Validated voice and IoT services (SOS, concierge, roadside, voice recognition) for various vehicles (EV, AVK, TCU2K) through mobile apps, web portals, and IoT devices.

Followed Agile methodology, designed test plans, and managed end-to-end testing, including defect triaging with Gray logs, AWS cloud, and SQL.

Automated remote monitoring services testing (Jenkins) for sanity, smoke, and regression.

Performed VIN enrollments, cancellations, upgrades, and worked with Siebel CRM and TIBCO for data management.

Executed IVR voice service tests (manual and BDD Cucumber automation) for sanity, smoke, and regression.

Participated in bi-weekly production activities and triaged issues on hot calls.

Coordinated testing efforts across multiple application groups, ensuring milestones for mobile OS releases.

Managed tests using HP ALM, tracked defects in Jira, and coordinated functional, integration, and UAT testing.

Prepared daily/weekly status reports and participated in triage and refinement meetings.

Gained knowledge of network architecture, AWS components, and data flow.

SQL Experience in API AutomationExperience in CI/CD tools like Jenkins.

Experience in Mobile Automation (Android & IOS) using Appium tool.

Led problem-solving efforts for engineering issues related to telematics systems, ensuring seamless vehicle connectivity and data communication.

Utilized CANalyzer, Somat, and Dew Soft for in-depth analysis of CAN-based datalinks and communication protocols, diagnosing network issues and optimizing performance.

Conducted EV vehicle testing and troubleshooting, focusing on telematics performance, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and system reliability.

Managed gate reviews from concept charter through Job 1, ensuring telematics features met project milestones and functional requirements.

Developed and executed validation plans, overseeing engine and vehicle builds to verify telematics system integration and performance.

Led multiple technical and analytical discussions with cross-functional teams, including software, hardware, and testing teams, to resolve issues and enhance system efficiency.

Designed optimized validation strategies for telematics modules, ensuring alignment with vehicle end-goals, safety standards, and customer expectations.

Worked extensively with CAN-based communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet) to validate data exchange between vehicle ECUs and telematics control units.

AT&T, Plano, TX March 2018 to March 2019

TOSCA MODEL 5G – Test Solution Architect

Worked with AT&T’s ECOMP-DCAE, gaining expertise in PM/FM data lifecycle, alarm generation, and KPI-based thresholds.

Reviewed IPD/HLD documents, designed test scenarios, and created detailed test cases.

Deployed and tested VLM, VSP, VF, and VNF models via ECOMP-VID, managing policy updates and Python configurations.

Gained experience deploying microservices on Docker using CodeCloud/SDC with blueprints for services across test environments.

Worked with TOSCA models, policy creation in SDC/Clamp, and stored policies in PEF.

Conducted traffic testing and gained knowledge of 5G core elements (PCF, AMF, SMF, UPF, CUPS, etc.).

Gained experience with data flows (PM/FM, syslog) and collectors like DCAE SAM, VES, and SNMP trap.

Learned data storage in A&AI, Vertica, and PostgreSQL DB.

Usage of tool Splunk to collect, process, optimize, store and analyze data and detect for any events and generate graphs, alerts and later report it to right channel with severity of tickets.

AT&T, Plano, TX January 2017 to March 2018

Triple play – Senior Technical QA

Tested dual-stack (IPv4-IPv6) Residential Gateways for triple play services (Voice, Video, HSIA) over DSL and GPON, supporting multiple ONTs (e.g., FTTN, IPDSLAM, GPON models).

Designed test plans and cases for RGs, including GUI access via RG-GUI, ECO Manager, and CMS.

Conducted call flow testing and failure analysis using Wireshark and Tektronix IRIS.

Performed testing on protocols like VOIP, SIP, UDP, TCP, IGMP, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and multicast streaming.

Analyzed Wi-Fi and SIP protocols, including header manipulation per client requirements.

Tested RGs for upgrades/downgrades under different loads and multiple speed tiers using Domino and Spirent automation tools.

Conducted various tests: FIT (speed/performance), INT (interoperability), Stress, and Soak (24+ hours load).

Debugged using TCP dump, tracert, and TR-69 commands, and identified throughput/bandwidth with Iperf.

Tested load balancers (e.g., F5) for performance, scalability, and reliability.

Comcast, Moorestown, NJ January 2016 to January 2017

SBC and VOIP PBX Testing : Lead QA

Oracle SBCs was integrated with comcast’s SIP-VOIP network to offer features such as SIP normalization, security, and interoperability, which facilitate seamless integration with service providers' networks.

Validated Oracle SBC functionality such as peering, wholesale call routing, topology hiding, header manipulation capability, access control, performance testing, call admission control, mediation functionality like legal intercept anchoring, transcoding, etc.

Validated and Deployed Oracle SBC as an enterprise SBC.

Coordinated with Peering partners to execute regression deck due to release changes.

Conducted feature requirement analysis, scheduling, and task tracking.

Managed project/release planning and problem simulation.

Performed functional, integration, and system testing as per defined processes.

Reported and verified bugs.

Executed testing using Sipp and validated customer deliverable patches.

Created and reviewed test plans and test cases.

Tested new SBC solutions like Cloud SBC and evaluated new vendor products.

Independently performed code certifications and routing configurations on Oracle and Sonus products.

Migration test plan with scope (pre-migration, cutover, post migration) was reviewed and updated. SIP call flow scenarios (origination, termination, peering calls). Functional, Integration, Regression, and Performance testing plans and SIP signaling validation checklist (INVITE, 180/183, 200 OK, BYE) was added in test plan.

SIP Migration Test Execution & Defect Report was made and demonstrated.

AT&T, Austin, TX January 2015 to January 2016

LTE-EPC-VoLTE/OpenStack – Sr Integration Test lead

Designed test plans and cases for validating Broadsoft Cloud elements (SBG, BGF, AS, USS, UMS, F5).

Gained expertise in UCaaS, CCaaS, and Unified Communication products (e.g., UMS, USS) using protocols like XMPP, SOAP, REST, IMAP, and WAP.

Conducted application testing for failover, load balancing, security, subscriber provisioning, integration, and feature validation.

Managed VM/vNF configuration, software upgrades, and configuration updates.

Performed E2E service testing and performance testing (load, call success rate, latency, voice/video quality, geo-redundancy).

Identified test scenarios from network design docs and conducted lab setups and integration tests.

Troubleshot issues with network capture tools, RTP capture, and application trace, and managed defects.

Executed tests using Broadsoft UC-one client across multiple devices (MAC, iPad, Android, Windows).

Frontier Communications, Dallas, TX June 2014 to January 2015

Uverse/FiOS – Sr Network QA Lead

Worked on U-verse triple play products and features (voice, Video, data, Device Surveillance, Order Management and Provisioning, OSS/BSS)

Experienced Customer Relationship Manager with a strong background in retail operations, specializing in Retail POS systems, inventory management, and reporting. Skilled in optimizing customer satisfaction, streamlining inventory processes, and generating actionable insights to drive business performance. This included Inventory Management, customer engagement, POS systems, Reporting and analytics.

Lead a team size of 8 onsite. Assist team in understanding business requirements, assist in writing test cases, and continuous communication with team auditing on test case prep, execution, defects tracking, monitoring on project, resource timelines and project deliverables.

Making sure the team has no show stopper with regards to testing activities.

Attend daily scrum call, status call and weekly status report. Update status of project and defect tracking on workbook.

Gather Information about the testing requirements and test data (3264-Mediaroom Surveillance system,

3060-Plant integration, Welcome letter generation for Regulated services )

Co-ordinate with BA, developers, 3rd party vendor and DB team for Environment, test data related info.

Plant conversion experience (CO, DSLAM, OLT, ONT, FTTH, FTTN, POTS, VOIP, BTN, WTN etc)

Oracle, Remote, North Carolina July 2013 to June 2014

HSS/PDRA/PCRF Upgrades: Professional Services Architect.

Led DSR upgrade from version X to Y including Linux installation, VMware setup, VM creation, and IP configuration on HP DL-380 servers and Cisco switches.

Executed end-to-end LTE traffic to verify DSR functionality and conducted troubleshooting and debugging in the lab.

Performed manual and automated VoLTE call process testing.

Created MOPs and used Seagull tool for PCRF/PCEF simulation, testing DSR functionality.

Gained expertise in Diameter, 3GPP interfaces (S6, Gx, Rx, Gy, Sh), and used Wireshark for network troubleshooting.

Conducted call processing tests with VOIP, IMS, and VoLTE elements, including Cisco SBC integration.

Worked on AT&T’s 2-tier to 3-tier migration, rebuilding NOAMs, migrating data, and reconfiguring user groups.

Configured and supported Oracle Tekelec PCRF, DSR, and other related products.

Updated policies in PCRF for IoT testing and customer demonstrations.

Configured Cisco switches, HP OAs, blades, and iLo ports, and provided troubleshooting support to field engineers.

Alcatel-Lucent, Dallas, TX October 2012 to July 2013

MGs cutouts & migration to ATCA - Production Support lead

Worked on migration project where complete re-home happened from existing softswitch to upgraded new softswitch.

Integrated Atrium WCS Wireless Call Server with WMG Wireless Media Gateway and IWF systems (7540, 7549 WMG Adds, 2G/3G pooling, re-homes).

Led re-home activities, including planning, resource coordination, MOP reviews, and database management (using Nemon software and Adams tools).

Executed CIQ and CLI generation, installation of wireless call servers, and testing of CLIs in the lab.

Coordinated live switch rehome activities, troubleshooting, defect logging, and successful execution within maintenance windows.

Reviewed and updated MOPs for integration and deployment, collaborating with stakeholders on CIQ and script preparation.

Supported lab equipment integration and assisted NDIO management with Atrium deployment and validation.

ERICSSON, Plano, TX February 2012 to October 2012

VoLTE-EPC – IMS Test lead

Worked on LTE IMS RBT systems using tools such as SIPP, Wireshark, and AT&T CC.

Performed both functional and non-functional testing with SIPP and SOAPUI, ensuring thorough test case development.

Configured user profiles and services using APIs in SOAPUI and JMeter for provisioning and testing.

Conducted end-to-end testing using Mobile Complete (mobile simulation), documenting progress through weekly reports and daily status updates.

Collaborated with customer and team support, maintained test scripts, and led review meetings.

Gained experience in Ericsson Charging System CS3.0 and CS5.0.

ALLY Financial, Auburn Hills, MI December 2010 to February 2012 Salesforce/PeopleSoft/Auto Dealer/IAM - Lead Performance Tester

Led a 14-member team (onsite/offshore) managing 25 performance testing projects; assisted with requirements, test case creation, execution, defect tracking, and resource management.

Acted as the point of contact for performance testing services (automation, load, and vulnerability scanning) for assigned Business Units.

Parameterized and correlated performance scripts created and executed group scenarios in LoadRunner Controller.

Monitored performance metrics (Throughput, Hits/Sec, Transaction Response Time, System Resources) and analyzed network/server delays using J2EE Web Diagnostics.

Experience with Salesforce, Fidelity Integrated Services, and banking transactions.

Wipro Technologies : December 2004 to Feb2010

Retail POS Systems and Payment Gateway Testing – QA Specialist

Worked extensively with retail POS systems, testing software and hardware integrations across multiple platforms.

Conducted payment gateway validation for web and mobile applications, automating regression test suites using PyCharm and Appium for mobile platforms.

Tested end-to-end inventory and sales workflows through POS systems, ensuring accurate data sync between store terminals and central databases.

Designed test scenarios for real-time payment processing using credit/debit cards and digital wallets, ensuring adherence to retail compliance standards.

Delivered actionable insights through reporting and analytics, helping retail clients optimize system performance and user experience.

Experienced Customer Relationship Manager with a strong background in retail operations, specializing in Retail POS systems, inventory management, and reporting. Skilled in optimizing customer satisfaction, streamlining inventory processes, and generating actionable insights to drive business performance. This included Inventory Management, customer engagement, POS systems, Reporting and analytics.

Worked for General Motors for testing in-vehicle on-star modem for all the features.

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