Prasad Rao

About Prasad Rao

I am an experienced engineering leader with a proven track record in QA, system validation, and field engineering across robotics, AI, IoT, and networking domains. I have built and led global teams, established robust testing and deployment processes, and delivered end-to-end solutions for complex hardware, software, and firmware systems. I have also led field deployments, gathered real-world feedback, and implemented process improvements to achieve >95% system uptime and uncover 3x more issues during validation.Core expertise includes:Quality Assurance & System Validation: End-to-end testing, automation, regression, performance, reliability, fault injection (HIL/SIL), and root-cause analysis.Field & Deployment Engineering: Real-world system validation, post-deployment monitoring, debugging, and issue resolution across robotics, AI cameras, and IoT devices.Hardware & Electronics: Motherboards, add-on cards, embedded systems, robotics platforms, signal integrity, board-level debugging, SMD replacement/soldering, and electrical/mechanical validation.Software, Firmware & Robotics Systems: IoT devices, robotics, AI and vision systems, security testing (authentication, TLS, encryption, RBAC), and embedded firmware validation.Networking & DevOps: LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), configuration management (Puppet, Ansible), and WAN optimization.Leadership & Team Management: Building and mentoring onshore/offshore QA, field, and system validation teams, driving continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and high employee engagement.Data & AI Support: Data collection for deep learning models, performance benchmarking, and real-time observability portal enhancements using Grafana and Looker.Nonprofit & Fundraising: Co-founder & Secretary of Mithil Prasad Foundation, raising over $300K for pediatric brain tumor research, supporting families, and promoting awareness.I\'m exploring new opportunities where I can leverage my technical expertise, leadership experience, and hands-on engineering skills to drive product quality, system reliability, and innovative deployments.

Experience

1. Sr Manager, System Validation and Field Engineering

   Hayden AI

   May 2024 — Present · US

   Established and led global validation and field service teams for AI-based traffic enforcement systems, building structured processes for pre- and post-deployment testing and quality assurance.Developed comprehensive validation methodologies for NVIDIA Orin/NX compute hardware, firmware, and software, from simulation and lab testing to full-scale field deployment.Built complex system integration environments replicating real-world customer deployments, validating full-stack interoperability and uncovering 3x more issues through multi-phase testing.Directed field failure analysis (FFA), RMA investigations, and corrective actions, collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to resolve hardware and software issues.Enhanced portal observability via Grafana dashboards, enabling real-time field monitoring, debugging, and analytics for deployed AI systems.Performed security validation, including signature verification for violation packages, network scanning (nmap).Led field deployments and visits, working with transport engineers, operators, and technicians to gather feedback, refine methodologies, and ensure >95% system uptime.Supported AI data collection and model development, conducting multiple projects globally to train deep learning models for new use cases.Enabled End-to-End System Validation automation, improving regression and new feature testing and expanding overall test coverage.Supported the full product lifecycle, from prototype demos and NPI through production readiness, ensuring reliable and scalable deployments.Hardware and tools exposure: AI powered Cameras, Nvidia Orin NX SOM, I2C, STM32, G-Streamer, Grafana

Education

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

  Certification, Computer Engineering

  1989 — 1990

• St Josephs evening College

  Software specialization

  1989 — 1990

• GBDT College of Engineering, Mysore University

  Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Skills

• Tcp/Ip
• Linux
• Snmp
• C
• Test Automation
• Cloud Computing
• Optimizations
• Deduplication
• Compression
• Pre-Sales
• Product Demonstration
• Proof of Concept
• Cisco Networking