
Divya Elanjikal
Automation Test Lead, Intelematics
Meet Divya, a passionate and experienced professional with over eight years of expertise in Automation Testing. As a vital member of the Intelematics team, part of the RACV group, Divya plays a significant role in developing life-saving technologies like the Emergency Call (eCall) system.
The eCall system is a groundbreaking innovation that automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a serious accident, with the potential to save up to 200 lives and prevent 2,500 severe injuries each year in Australia.
Divya’s contributions to the Australian automotive industry are truly remarkable. Her work now supports over 500,000 connected vehicles across four major automotive brands, ensuring that critical services like eCall, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, and in-vehicle SOS button functionality are reliable and effective.
As the leader of the test team at Intelematics, Divya is dedicated to establishing best practices in testing automation. Her commitment to quality and safety is evident in every aspect of her work, making a real difference in the lives of road users across the country.
Explain your job to us?
I am an Automation Test Lead responsible for handling test requirements and estimations for various projects such as Asure, Roadside Assistance, and Track My Patrol. I coordinate and work closely with client test teams to ensure quality and efficiency. Additionally, I manage and mentor a team of three QA engineers.
Why does this job/industry get you out of bed in the morning? Where did this passion come from?
What gets me out of bed in the morning is the excitement of working in an industry that's constantly innovating and making a real difference in people's lives. Ensuring top-quality automotive software means contributing to safer and smarter transportation, which is incredibly fulfilling. My passion for this field comes from a lifelong love of cars and technology. I find great satisfaction in leading my team and seeing our collective efforts result in excellence in such a dynamic and impactful domain.
What is the pathway to your job ie. what did you study, formal training, courses etc?
To get to where I am today, I started with a Master's in Computer Science, which gave me a solid foundation in software development and engineering. Along the way, I earned my ISTQB certification, deepening my knowledge of testing methodologies and best practices. I also got certified in various automation test tools, which equipped me with the practical skills needed to lead and manage complex testing projects effectively. These steps have all been crucial in shaping my career as an Automation Test Lead.
What does a typical work day look like?
A typical workday for me starts with reviewing the test requirements and priorities for our projects like Asure, Roadside Assistance, and Track My Patrol. I coordinate with client test teams to make sure we're all on the same page. My day is a mix of hands-on testing, automating test cases, and troubleshooting any issues that come up. I also mentor and manage my team of three QA engineers, making sure they have the support they need.
I also work closely with developers and the operations team to ensure smooth releases of new changes. Regular meetings and updates with stakeholders keep everyone aligned and help maintain project momentum. It's a dynamic mix of technical and managerial tasks, all aimed at delivering high-quality automotive software.
What are some important skills required to be successful in your job? (Can be trained skills as well as soft skills)
To be successful as an Automation Test Lead, you need a blend of technical and soft skills.
Technical Skills:- Automation Testing Tools: Proficiency in tools like Selenium and Cypress.
- Programming Languages: Knowledge of Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, and Python.
- Test Management: Experience with tools such as JIRA and other test management systems.- Understanding of Testing Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile, DevOps, and other software development practices.- Problem-Solving: Being able to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues effectively.
Soft Skills:- Leadership: Successfully graduated the RACV New and Emerging Leaders program in March 2024, constantly learning on the job while guiding and supporting a team of QA engineers.- Communication: Effectively conveying ideas and updates to clients, developers, and stakeholders.- Attention to Detail: Ensuring thorough and accurate testing.- Time Management: Balancing tasks and meeting deadlines efficiently.- Adaptability: Being open to changes and new technologies.
These skills help in managing complex testing projects and ensuring high-quality software delivery.
Career highlight or a pivotal moment in your career?
A career highlight for me was recently moving into a management role after spending years in technical positions. It’s been a big change, especially after completing a leadership program. I’m excited to apply my technical skills in this new role, leading a team and helping guide projects. This shift represents a major milestone for me, combining my technical experience with new leadership challenges.
One thing the industry can do to make itself more appealing to women?
To make the industry more appealing to women, focusing on creating a welcoming and supportive environment can make a big difference. This could mean offering mentorship opportunities and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Celebrating diverse perspectives and genuinely valuing women’s contributions can also help. By building a positive and inclusive culture, the industry can attract more talented women and create a richer, more innovative workplace.
Is work-life balance a lie?
Work-life balance isn't a lie — it’s a realistic and worthwhile goal, though it can look different for everyone. For example, someone might find balance by having flexible work hours that allow them to attend family events or pursue personal interests, while still meeting their professional responsibilities. It’s about finding what works for you, setting priorities, and making choices that support both your career and personal life. With supportive workplaces and flexible options, many people successfully manage to balance their work and personal lives, leading to greater overall happiness and productivity.
Time management is an issue for EVERYONE - how do you manage yours, what tools, big or small do you use? How do you plan your work/life when you're at your busiest.
Time management can indeed be a challenge for everyone, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. Personally, I rely on a few key strategies and tools to stay organized:
Prioritization: I start each day by listing out my tasks and prioritizing them based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on what really needs to get done first.
Digital Tools: I use tools like Outlook Calendar to schedule my tasks and meetings.
Time Blocks: I break my day into time blocks dedicated to specific tasks or types of work. This helps me stay focused and avoid multitasking, which can be less efficient.
Regular Breaks: I make sure to take short breaks throughout the day to recharge. This helps maintain my productivity and prevents burnout.
Boundaries: When things get really busy, I set clear boundaries between work and personal time. For example, I avoid checking work emails during personal time to ensure I have time to relax and recharge.
By using these methods and tools, I can manage my time effectively and maintain a balance between work and personal life, even during the busiest periods.
What are some of the assumptions people make about you and your work.. do people know what you do?
People often think my job is all about writing code and hunting down bugs, like I’m some sort of tech wizard. In reality, it’s a bit more nuanced. I spend a lot of time working with different teams, solving practical issues, and making sure everything runs smoothly. While debugging is a big part of what I do, it’s also about collaboration and keeping everything on track. So, there’s definitely a bit of wizardry, but it’s really about teamwork and making sure things work seamlessly.
Where can your career/role lead you?
My career as an Automation Test Lead can lead in several exciting directions. One possibility is advancing to higher management roles, where I could oversee larger teams and more complex projects. Another option is diving deeper into specialized areas, such as quality assurance strategy or technical innovation. I might also explore roles in product management or project management, where I can leverage my technical background to guide product development. Ultimately, it's about finding opportunities that align with my interests and continuing to grow both professionally and personally.
Anything else you want to mention?
One thing I’d like to mention is how rewarding it is to see the tangible results of our work. It’s really satisfying to know that our efforts contribute to creating innovative solutions and improving automotive software. I also love that there’s always something new to learn, as technology and best practices are constantly evolving. It keeps my job interesting and exciting, and it’s great to be part of a team that’s making a real difference.
