Hi there! I lead Software R&D medical device projects to production every quarter.

Hit me up! Let’s chat.

Philosophy

Keep moving forward one step at a time. With effort, belief, and hope, anything is possible.

My Work Ethic

Quality / Commitment / Keep Things Simple / Persistence

Diverse Living Experiences

Chennai

Bangalore

San Francisco, CA

San Jose, CA

Davis, CA

Hyderabad

Experience & Education - Snapshot

Becton Dickinson (BD Biosciences)
Senior Software Project Manager, Oct 2023 - Present
Software Project Manager, Jan 2022 - Oct 2023

Robert Bosch India
Senior Engineer, Jul 2018 - Jul 2019

Cognizant Technology Solutions
Associate Software Developer, Oct 2016 - Jul 2018
Programmer Analyst, Sep 2013 - Sep 2016
Full-time MBA, Marketing & Product Management, University of California, Davis,Sep 2019 - Jun 2021
LEAD Executive Business Program - Leading in Turbulent Times, Stanford University,Jun 2020 - Aug 2020
Product Management Certification, Stanford University,Jul 2020 - Aug 2020
BE, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India, Sep 2009 - Jun 2013

My Professional Story

I make things happen!

Staying on top of everything I own, I show a deep sense of clarity, a clear sense of accountability and an overall urgency.

Sr. Software Project Manager (Oct 2023 - Present) / Software Project Manager (Jan 2022 - Oct 2023) - BD Biosciences

Philosophy:
- If it needs to be done, document it.
  - I track work items for up to three projects simultaneously from planning to delivery with detailed project plans.
- Get down and dirty.
  - Since I understand the intimate details of product delivery, I roll up my sleeves and get things done even during a crisis.
- Quality is key.
  - The pre-requisites for medical device R&D can be strict. Paying attention to detail is not an option - I maintain compliance with all SOPs and processes at all times.
Vision:
- Reconcile the macro, the big picture of the organization strategy, with the micro, the minutest of detail in a single task.
Logistics:
- Proactively identify risks. Document and mitigate every possible risk in a risk register after consulting with the experts.
- Drive decisions by aligning with the stakeholders. Maintain a decision matrix to avoid re-discussions.
Documents:
- Own and maintain audit-friendly documents including but not limited to Software Development Plan, Software Configuration Management Plan, Software Verification Plan, Software Verification Summary Report, Software Release Memo, Software Release Notes, Software Failure Modes and Effects Analysis.
Miscellaneous: These are tasks that generally have no place in the resume but are essential to getting a project delivered on time.
- Identify and create software builds for sprint end deployment, Feature Complete Acceptance Tests (FCAT) start, production start, manufacturing needs, field service requests, verification start, and validation start.
- Cross-check necessary work items are implemented in the release branch.
- Provide input to the architect for deviations and risks to branch maintenance.
- Deploy the production software build in operations for manufacturing new units.
- Maintain “institutional knowledge” by staying up to date with the latest news from across different sub-systems.
  - Apply that knowledge by providing “out of the box” resolutions for issues impacting day-to-day activities.
- Keep track of phase-gate dependencies and deliver them on time to drive product technical maturity scale.
- How to manage a 100-member team?
  - Create real-time Azure DevOps dashboards to get project health information.
  - Create an agent that sends an MS Teams message to act on bugs awaiting verification.
- Use software development expertise to resolve integration pipelines, bugs, and instrument malfunctions.
- Streamline instrument availability across a 100-member team to maintain peak productivity.
- Trigger inter-team dependency management discussions and provide quick decisions to minimize downtime.
- Document trade-off decisions and communicate the cost of making decisions during timeline crunch times; minimize bad practices.

Senior Engineer (Jul 2018 - Jul 2019), Bosch

C++ software development of navigation features and Electric Vehicle (EV) features on automotive infotainment systems.

Associate Software Developer (Sep 2013 - Jul 2018), Cognizant

C/C++ software development of safety-critical radio features - used by public safety departments such as Fire and Police dept.

Portfolio - My Thought Process

Android Automotive Potential

Android Automotive Business Potential - Tarun’s take

One of the biggest learnings that I have had during my MBA was the recognition of platforms vs. pipelines. Given that big tech is taking over conventional business domains off-late, I try to analyze how Android Automotive is here to redefine the automotive space forever.

Conventional automakers are doomed to fail as the value of a platform far exceeds that of an individual product.

Click the image to view the presentation!

My Take on Products

I like to capture my mind whenever I feel like it. On one such occasion, I just tried to write down what products were to me and wrote a few articles.

Click the image to view my articles!

Passion

CARS!

I’m crazy enough to feel the character of each car. The engine exhaust note is much more important than a bass-ridden audio system. Once you form a deep connection with your car, you can even feel the car’s emotions. Sometimes the big guy grunts and sometimes the big guy wants to go out and play. No matter the situation, you press the accelerator and the big guy listens. Every. Single. Time. WOW!

GYM!

The discipline and willpower required to commit to a schedule week-in week-out make this more than just a fitness activity and one can draw parallels to several dimensions of life. When I am in the gym, I go for the kill. That is me resting after a 765 lbs leg press. I started at 90 lbs, and progressed to 1000 lbs over 1 year.

The concept of “progressive overload” - slowly and steadily making progress one plate at a time - is the biggest takeaway to be applied to any facet of life.

COOKING!

Cooking helps me clear my mind. When I am brain fogged, I typically cook up a nice meal. Not only does it satisfy my nutritional needs, but also it helps me uncover the science involved behind every ingredient’s addition. I don’t see cooking as a burden, and I light up when near and dear ones give me the slightest compliment.

I enjoy cooking feasts for loved ones!

NATURE!

If you notice the theme, everything in me lasts a lifetime. My interests last a lifetime, my friends last a lifetime, my focus lasts a lifetime. Don’t believe me? That is me continuing a 10-year old friendship with a college classmate (brothers forever) amidst nature.

No, the dog didn’t go to college with me. But, the guy taking the picture did.

Nature gives me peace, and California has exposed me to some of the best scenaries that I have ever witnessed. Be it the mountains, beaches, or just trees - I love it all.

FAMILY!

My idea of a family centers around transparent communication and the ability to clearly see what really matters. Communication is purely subjective to perspective and I actively try to clarify points of view before drawing conclusions.

If countries are able to avert wars through dialogue, I am sure any discussion can be fruitful. I pride with the most important piece of communication that is often ignored - LISTENING.