ASHWINI KARNATAK
Test Automation Lead
Rotterdam
Summary
Dynamic QA Automation Lead and Architect with over 12 years of experience in designing, implementing, and leading test automation strategies across diverse sectors, including banking, healthcare, insurance, and tax judiciary. Proven expertise in developing robust automation frameworks from the ground up, utilizing modern BDD methodologies with Playwright and enhancing legacy Selenium suites. Recognized for strategic leadership in mentoring QA teams, driving framework modernization, and seamlessly integrating automated testing into complex Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines while effectively managing stakeholder expectations. Committed to delivering high-quality software solutions through innovative testing practices and a collaborative approach.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
QA Automation Lead & Architect
PHILIPS & ASML
08.2021 - Current
- Designed and developed a robust, hybrid Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) automation framework from scratch using SpecFlow and C# for regression testing and validation of different portals and web apps for MRI machine (Philips), SonicBlue (Electric toothbrushes from Philips) and Lithography Machine (ASML).
- Leveraged advanced SpecFlow features such as custom step definitions, hooks, tags, and reusable scenario outlines to maximize test coverage and maintainability.
- Integrated SpecFlow with NUnit for test execution and adopted Dependency Injection using SpecFlow.Context to manage shared state across steps.
- Led and mentored a team of six senior QAs in adopting SpecFlow and C# best practices, including the implementation of data-driven testing, parameterized steps, and the Page Object Model (POM) pattern for scalable and maintainable test code.
- Provided hands-on workshops and code reviews to elevate team proficiency in advanced C# features such as LINQ queries, asynchronous programming with async/await, and custom utility class development for test automation.
- Owned and managed automated test case execution within the CI/CD pipeline, orchestrating test runs in GitHub Actions. Automated the generation and publication of detailed test reports (LivingDocs) to project stakeholders. Established automated triggers for Nightly runs.
- Provided technical leadership and guidance to QA team members in implementing SpecFlow and C# best practices, including custom attribute development, advanced error handling, and test data management using CSV, JSON, and SQL database integrations. Led initiatives to optimize test automation processes with static code analysis tools such as SonarQube.
- Authored and maintained the formal Test Plan, Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), and Test Closure reports for all project releases, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.
- Managed all code versioning and branching strategies using GitHub within Visual Studio 2022, implementing automated merge checks to maintain code quality and streamline collaboration.
Senior Automation QA Lead
HMRC (HER MAJESTY'S REVENUE AND CUSTOMS)
04.2020 - 07.2021
- Spearheaded the design and implementation of a new BDD Cucumber automation framework using C# from the ground up for the CADx tax jurisdiction application.
- Led a team of two senior QAs in developing and executing automated regression suites using C#, Selenium, and Maven with a Page Object Model (POM) architecture.
- Developed and integrated automated Extent Reports to generate daily progress and quality metrics, improving defect visibility for project management.
- Directed API testing for System Integration Testing (SIT) using Postman to validate data integrity between UK and EU tax regime systems.
- Managed project workflows, defect logging, and requirements traceability using JIRA and Confluence.
- Utilized AWS S3 buckets to perform specific jobs and assist in root cause analysis of application issues.
- Managed all source code versioning using GitLab.
Senior Automation QA Lead
HRA (HEALTH RESEARCH AUTHORITY)
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Analyzed and enhanced an existing automation framework built using Specflow and C#, identifying and automating high-priority regression tests to reduce manual testing efforts and time.
- Implemented automated test scripts and validation logic for the EAA (Amendment Application) and OBF (Online Booking) patient applications.
- Generated and distributed daily/weekly status reports using Extent Reports and Selenium Reports.
- Managed CI builds and automated backups using a Jenkins Continuous Integration build tool.
- Maintained all test script code versions and documentation within a GitLab repository.
Senior Automation QA Lead
MOJ (MINISTRY OF JUSTICE)
11.2013 - 12.2017
- Led a team of 6 Senior QAs in building a new BDD Cucumber automation framework from scratch using the Katalon tool for the Appeal Courts application.
- Architected the framework to include end-to-end integration testing using Rest Assured, eliminating the need for third-party API testing tools.
- Defined the automation scope based on regression and priority analysis, enhancing the framework to reduce testing time and manual effort.
- Led the critical System Integration Testing (SIT) phase between the Najiz and Appeal applications, earning official appreciation for application knowledge and leadership.
- Implemented and validated automated test scripts based on complex business logic for 14 different integrations.
- Managed all code versioning for the automation framework using a GitLab repository.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Sciences
Dehradun Institute Of Technology
Dehradun05-2013
Skills
- C# / net 80
- Playwright
- Selenium WebDriver
- Tricentis Tosca
- Cucumber / Gherkins
- Specflow & LivingDoc
- API Testing (REST, SOAP)
- Azure DevOps
- Jenkins
- Git/GitHub/GitLab
- Java
- Python
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Dutch (A2 Level)
Timeline
QA Automation Lead & Architect
PHILIPS & ASML
08.2021 - Current
Senior Automation QA Lead
HMRC (HER MAJESTY'S REVENUE AND CUSTOMS)
04.2020 - 07.2021
Senior Automation QA Lead
HRA (HEALTH RESEARCH AUTHORITY)
01.2018 - 03.2020
Senior Automation QA Lead
MOJ (MINISTRY OF JUSTICE)
11.2013 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Sciences
Dehradun Institute Of Technology