Bala Balaraman

About Bala Balaraman

Engineering Leader/Distinguished Engineer, passionate about leading high-performing teams and building innovative software solutions. With extensive experience spanning all phases of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), a strong blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership to every project.Background includes hands-on experience in client-server arch, object-oriented design, microservices, Docker container-based products, and cloud technologies with expertise in Data Protection, Cyber Resiliency, and Storage Technologies. Known for problem-solving skills, a hands-on approach, a can-do attitude, and a passion for continuous learning.Core Skills & Expertise:End-to-End Software Development from the ground up & Leadership Led the development of cutting-edge solutions DellEMC PowerProtect Cyber Recovery with Data Domain and IndexEngines CyberSense solution from the ground up, shaping the design, architecture, programming languages, tools, team composition, and development processes. This included building high-performing teams of Architects, Developers, Testers, Security Champions, and release engineers while overseeing planning, scheduling, and continuous improvement efforts.Led Hiring, Team Building, Team Growth, and MentorshipCollaborated with cross-functional teams, stakeholders (Sales, Professional Services, Solution Architects, Support, and Service), partners, and customers to drive alignment and success.Scrum @ Scale, Jira Align, CI/CD, Agile – Chief Product OwnerData Protection & Cyber Resilience – Cyber Recovery, AirGap, Backup, Recovery & Replication, Ransomware, Malware, Anomaly Detection, Disaster Recovery, Immutable, Business ContinuityStorage & File Systems – PowerMax, PowerStore, Data Domain, PowerFlex, Replication, VMWare, SAN, RAID, Clone/Snapshot, LVMSoftware Architecture & Engineering – Microservices, OO Design, Client-Server SystemsCloud Platforms – AWS, Azure, GCPC/C++/GO LangCustomer Support - Service Request and Escalation managementTechnical Documentation & White Papers Experienced in writing white papers, technical documentation, and best practices guides to drive knowledge sharing, training, industry insights, and product adoption.

Experience

1. Senior Engineering Manager - Built the Dell Cyber Recovery from the Ground up

   Dell Technologies

   Apr 2021 — Present · Hopkinton, MA, US

   Cyber Recovery (CR) protects and isolates critical data from Ransomware attacks and other sophisticated threats. CR establishes an air-gapped, isolated CRS Vault, leveraging Data Domain replication technology to air-gap, replicate, retain (immutable), analyze, and manage copies for enhanced data protection. CR works with multiple Backup Apps to test backup integrity and automated Disaster Recovery (DR) of protected backup data. CR works with partner product IndexEngines CyberSense, an AI/ML technology that detects Malware/Suspicious activity (Anomaly Detection) in the backups. CR strengthens Cyber Resiliency & Business Continuity by enabling recovery from a known good copy, ensuring swift and secure restoration of business operations. Supports in Linux, Clouds (AWS, Azure & GCP), APEX All-Flash, Multi-Clouds, and Sheltered Harbor.• Spearheaded the development of the product from the ground up, including design, programming language, and tool selection.• Launched Version 1.0 in 2018, scaling it from $0 to over $500+ million in annual revenue, with instances running successfully in production.• Expanded the team from 2 to 35+ engineers, building a high-performing organization focused on scalability, innovation, and operational excellence.• Built and managed Agile teams, consisting of Product Owners, Architects, Developers, Quality members, and a Security Champion, to deliver results.• Led hiring, team building, mentorship, and drove the team toward consistent success.• Led design, documentation, performance testing, training, and authored guides & white papers to enhance the product\'s impact.• Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders (Sales, Professional Services, Solution Architects, Support, and Service), partners, and customers to drive alignment and success.• LEAD program, enhancing leadership skills through group discussions, courses, and senior leader insights.• Managed escalation programs to improve Customer Experience

Education

• Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Madurai Kamaraj University)

  Bachelor of Engineering - BE

• Brandeis University

  Master of Science - MS