Vaibhav Narkhede
Test Automation Architect
Pune
Summary
Strategic and hands-on Test Automation Architect with over 17 years of experience in leading global QA teams and designing enterprise-grade automation frameworks. Expert in architecting scalable solutions using Playwright, Selenium, Appium, and integrating them into CI/CD pipelines to accelerate delivery and improve test reliability. Proven ability to reduce test cycle time, enhance testing efficiency, and align automation strategies with business goals. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring engineers, and driving innovation in quality engineering across complex domains including PLM systems and enterprise applications.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Test Automation Architect
ABS Professional Service (India) Pvt. Ltd.
10.2024 - Current
- Architected a scalable Playwright automation framework in Java using TestNG and POM design, resulting in a 40% increase in test coverage, and improved maintainability.
- Defined and aligned an enterprise-wide test automation strategy with stakeholders and BAs, setting clear goals, toolsets, and processes to reduce test cycle time.
- Led tool evaluation and selection, choosing optimal automation technologies based on integration capabilities, scalability, and team expertise, to ensure long-term efficiency.
- Embedded quality across the SDLC by collaborating with cross-functional teams (shift left), ensuring early defect detection, and seamless integration of automation into development workflows.
- Resolved technical blockers proactively, enabling uninterrupted development and testing cycles across multiple teams.
- Delivered executive-level dashboards and test reports, highlighting automation coverage, defect trends, and release readiness for informed decision-making
- Established and tracked quality metrics, driving continuous improvement in test effectiveness and team performance.
- Mentored and coached QA engineers through structured training, SonarQube-based code reviews, and best practice enforcement, elevating team-wide automation maturity
QA Manager
ABS Professional Service (India) Pvt. Ltd.
07.2021 - 09.2024
- Led and mentored a global team of 40+ QA engineers, improving testing efficiency by 20% through automation and process optimization.
- Spearheaded enhancement and maintenance of automation tools, delivering innovative solutions that streamlined testing workflows.
- Implemented QA best practices, reducing test cycle time by 15% and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality releases.
- Oversaw automation project execution while balancing dual responsibilities as Project Manager, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder alignment.
- Negotiated and managed vendor relationships, achieving a 10% cost reduction in testing tool procurement and services.
- Monitored QA metrics and KPIs, maintaining 98% accuracy and driving data-informed quality improvements.
- Delivered QA initiatives under aggressive timelines, consistently meeting project milestones and release targets.
- Led Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, retrospectives, RCA, and bug triage to foster continuous improvement.
- Delivered end-to-end QA solutions across functional, automation, and performance testing domains.
- Championed Shift Left Testing, enabling earlier defect detection and improving overall test effectiveness.
- Provided executive-level updates on project risks, progress, and quality metrics through daily leadership syncs.
- Led recruitment efforts, including campus hiring and lateral onboarding to build high-performing QA teams.
Lead, Product Delivery
ABS Professional Service (India) Pvt. Ltd.
06.2019 - 06.2021
- Designed and implemented robust automation frameworks across multiple platforms , UFT (VBS) for Windows-based applications, Selenium(JAVA) for web, and Appium(Java) for mobile (iOS and Android)—enhancing scalability, reusability, and maintainability across projects.
- Led end-to-end QA delivery for monthly releases and strategic initiatives, managing a team of 30+ resources (employees and contractors) across manual and automation streams.
- Conducted automation code reviews and defined branching and merging strategies to ensure code quality and version control.
- Integrated Selenium scripts into CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Azure DevOps, enabling continuous testing and faster feedback loops.
- Created detailed QA project plans, including strategy, estimation, and resource allocation for new programs and initiatives.
- Delivered QA status reports to senior leadership, highlighting manual and automation progress, risks, and release readiness.
- Managed resource planning and recruitment, hiring skilled QA professionals to strengthen the automation portfolio.
- Performed POCs on emerging testing tools to evaluate feasibility and enhance automation capabilities.
Analyst Programmer - Project Lead
Syntel India Pvt. Ltd.
04.2008 - 05.2019
- Acted as primary QA point of contact for client stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on testing goals and timelines.
- Led and coordinated offshore QA team of 7, managing end-to-end testing delivery.
- Collaborated with product owners, developers, and BAs to define test coverage, resulting in 30% fewer missed requirements and improved traceability.
- Defined and implemented test strategies and processes, contributing to a 15% reduction in test cycle time and improved release predictability.
- Designed and executed test plans and automation scripts using UFT (VBScript) and Selenium(Java), automating 70% of regression test cases for client-specific workflows.
- Created various utilities to accelerate testing using VB Macro/Automation script.Saving 20+ hours per release cycle.
- Managed resource planning, recruitment, and performance reviews for QA team members.
- Performed tool evaluations and POCs to enhance testing capabilities and efficiency
- Ensured compliance with audit and quality standards, contributing to successful SAS and internal audits with zero major findings
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Science
Nagpur, M.H.
Nagaur, India 04.2001 -
Class XII - Maths And Science
Samaritans English Medium Higher Secondary School
Narmadapuram, M.P01.2004
Skills
- Automation Frameworks: Playwright (Java), Selenium (Java), UFT (VBScript), Appium (Java), UiPath
- Testing Tools & Libraries: TestNG, JUnit, Maven, Extent Reports, Allure
- CI/CD Integration: Jenkins, Azure DevOps , GITHUB actions
- API Testing: Rest Assured, Postman
- AI in QA: AI-based test case generation, self-healing scripts, predictive defect analysis
- Version Control & Code Reviews: Git, GitHub
- Platforms & Tools: JIRA, Xray, Zephyr, PowerBI, Cognos, Oracle, SQL Server, JaCoCo , CREO
- Domain Expertise: Windchill PLM, IBM Maximo
- Global Exposure: 6 Years Onsite Experience (USA)
Certification
Agile Scrum Master Certified.
Date of Birth
30 Sept, 1986
Accomplishments
- Architected enterprise-grade automation frameworks
- Led global QA teams of 40+ engineers
- Integrated automation into CI/CD pipelines
- Delivered QA solutions for complex enterprise platforms
- Successfully managed onsite-offshore delivery model
Timeline
Test Automation Architect
ABS Professional Service (India) Pvt. Ltd.
10.2024 - Current
QA Manager
ABS Professional Service (India) Pvt. Ltd.
07.2021 - 09.2024
Lead, Product Delivery
ABS Professional Service (India) Pvt. Ltd.
06.2019 - 06.2021
Analyst Programmer - Project Lead
Syntel India Pvt. Ltd.
04.2008 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Science
Nagpur, M.H.
04.2001 -
Class XII - Maths And Science
Samaritans English Medium Higher Secondary School