Firoj Awate

About Firoj Awate

Dynamic technology leader with over 15 years of extensive experience in Application Development and Test Automation Management. Specializes in architecting innovative software solutions and robust automation frameworks that significantly enhance software quality, accelerate delivery cycles, and empower agile teams through intelligent automation strategies. Proven expertise in hands-on development using Java, SpringBoot, Kafka, and REST APIs, complemented by advanced proficiency in automation technologies like Selenium, REST Assured, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms. Adept at seamlessly bridging development and quality engineering practices, fostering engineering excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Experience

1. Sdet Manager - Vice President

   Citi

   Jun 2023 — Present · Pune, IN

   Architected scalable test automation solutions across UI, API, and integration layers, delivering efficiency gains and long-term cost savings.Led and mentored high-performing SDET teams, promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and engineering excellence.Defined and executed end-to-end test strategies aligned with shift-left principles, test pyramid models, and CI/CD practices.Integrated open-source tools and custom solutions into automated pipelines to improve test reliability and accelerate feedback loops.Pioneered performance testing initiatives using JMeter, resolving system bottlenecks and optimizing application responsiveness.Established standardized frameworks, test data strategies, and reporting mechanisms to ensure consistency across projects.Collaborated cross-functionally with Development, Product, DevOps, and Release teams to embed quality early in the development lifecycle.Tracked and improved key QA metrics (e.g, automation coverage, defect leakage, execution time) to drive data-informed decisions.Managed resource allocation, vendor coordination, and contributed to QA budget planning to support delivery across parallel projects.Enabled continuous learning through training sessions, code reviews, and internal QA workshops to strengthen team capability.

Education

• Shivaji University

  Bachelor's degree, Computer Science

  2004 — 2007

• Savitribai Phule Pune University

  Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Computer Science

  2007 — 2010

Skills

• Visual Studio
• Regression Testing
• Test Automation
• Software Testing Life Cycle
• Core Java
• Selenium Webdriver
• Production Support
• Testng
• Post-Production Support
• Test Planning
• System Testing
• Coded UI Automation
• Integration Testing
• Load Testing
• Test Environment Setup
• Performance Testing
• Test Management
• Manual Testing
• Functional Testing