An Interview with Krishnateja Shiva, Engineering Leader and Software Visionary

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Krishnateja has made significant contributions to major projects that have reshaped how businesses operate and enhanced the user experience for millions of customers.

Krishnateja Shiva, an accomplished Engineering Leader and Staff Software Engineer, has been a driving force in the field of software development for over 12 years. With a wealth of experience in application development, project management, and product support, Krishnateja has made significant contributions to major projects that have reshaped how businesses operate and enhanced the user experience for millions of customers. His journey from a technical services intern to a leader managing multimillion-dollar projects is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and continuous learning. This Q&A session delves deeper into Krishnateja’s career, exploring the milestones, challenges, and inspirations that have shaped his remarkable professional path.

Q: Can you tell us about your professional journey and how it all started?

A: My journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Technological University in Hyderabad, India. Following that, I pursued a Master of Science in Computers and Information Systems from the University of Central Missouri. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various capacities, including application development, project management, and product support, which has shaped my career in software engineering. Each role has provided a unique opportunity to hone my skills, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to impactful projects.

Q: What are some of the significant milestones in your career?

A: One of the major milestones was joining a leading tech company in 2017, where I managed the development and support of critical retail applications. During this period, I led the end-to-end design and development of a custom ordering solution that streamlined the order intake process for thousands of stores across the country. Another highlight was driving the development of the Store Maps and Store Assistant applications, which have become integral tools for enhancing customer experiences and optimizing store operations.

Q: How have you contributed to these projects?

A: In these roles, I’ve been responsible for leading a development team and managing support and maintenance teams across multiple locations. I’ve played a key role in setting up centralized project-level data collection and reporting mechanisms, which has helped create transparency and improve decision-making processes. Additionally, I’ve been involved in architecting and developing various products, ensuring they align with business goals and address user needs effectively. My focus has always been on building scalable and efficient solutions that drive both business value and user satisfaction.

Q: Can you elaborate on your role in developing the Store Assistant product?

A: Store Assistant is a crucial feature that provides customers with relevant information and actions to achieve their goals when they are in-store. I led the team in gathering technical requirements, interacting with business and technical teams, and authoring programming tasks. We followed the Scrum methodology, which allowed us to continuously groom product requirements and prioritize deliverables based on customer feedback. My role also involved ensuring that our development practices adhered to high standards of code quality and security, which was essential for maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

Q: What was your approach in creating the Store Maps application?

A: For Store Maps, our objective was to create a best-in-class map experience that helps customers locate items quickly and complete their shopping efficiently. I developed the mobile app using modern technologies and frameworks, focusing on improving usability and stability. We implemented secure code reviews and used design patterns like MVC and MVVM to enhance the application’s architecture. Additionally, I worked closely with the UX team to ensure that the design was intuitive and aligned with the overall brand experience. The end result was an application that significantly improved in-store navigation, reducing customer frustration and increasing overall satisfaction.

Q: How did your previous experience shape your current skill set?

A: Before joining this organization, I worked at a leading insurance company, where I was involved in various phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) using Agile methodology. I developed user interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and AngularJS, and was responsible for migrating applications from AngularJS to Angular 4. This experience helped refine my skills in project management, user interface development, and working with REST web services. It also exposed me to different challenges and best practices in the industry, which have been invaluable in my current role.

Q: What was your role as a Software Engineer at a different organization earlier in your career?

A: As a Software Engineer, I was responsible for designing web applications, developing UI layouts with a data-driven approach, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility. I also performed unit testing using Jasmine Framework and Karma, which honed my skills in quality assurance and frontend development. These early roles gave me a solid foundation in software engineering principles and practices, setting the stage for my transition into more leadership-oriented roles.

Q: Can you share your experience as a Technical Services Intern at the University of Central Missouri?

A: During my internship, I developed a dynamic web application for online examinations and other resources for students. I used Java-based technologies, implemented JavaScript for validation, and developed Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs) for service layer interactions. This role provided me with a strong foundation in web development and server-side programming, and it was my first exposure to building applications that were used by a large audience. It was a valuable learning experience that sparked my interest in creating solutions that have a real-world impact.

Q: What motivated you to create the GCTC Portal during your undergraduate studies?

A: The GCTC Portal was born out of a desire to provide my fellow students with a centralized platform for academic and event-related information. I designed and developed the website using HTML, CSS, AngularJS, and PHP, integrating features like SMS alerts, event updates, and a complaint box. This project was a significant learning experience and a testament to my passion for solving real-world problems through technology. It was also an early indication of my interest in product management and creating solutions that address user needs effectively.

Q: What are your future aspirations in the field of software engineering?

A: I aim to continue growing as a leader in software engineering, focusing on innovative product development and technology management. My goal is to leverage my skills and experiences to drive business growth and make impactful contributions to the tech industry. I’m committed to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies to stay at the forefront of the field. As technology continues to evolve, I want to be at the cutting edge, helping shape the future of software engineering and product management.

About Krishnateja Shiva

Krishnateja Shiva is a seasoned Engineering Leader and Staff Software Engineer with over 12 years of experience in application development, project management, and product support. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Technological University and a Master of Science in Computers and Information Systems from the University of Central Missouri. With a track record of delivering high-impact projects and leading cross-functional teams, Krishnateja is passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth and create innovative solutions that enhance the customer experience.

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