Neha Ingole – QA Engineer driving quality and automation

Meet Neha Ingole – Functional and Automation Test Engineer at inGain

Meet Neha – a QA engineer with 10 years of experience in functional and automation testing. Originally from India, Neha now calls Riga, Latvia her home. Over the years, Neha has worked in the field of QA engineering across industries like HRMS, healthcare, travel and trading. Now she’s bringing that wide-ranging experience to the world of FinTech at inGain. She's passionate about quality, detail and continuous improvement. Outside of work, Neha enjoys reading great books, watching movies and exploring her love for cooking.

What inspired you to pursue a career in functional and automation testing?

I initially started my career as a manual test engineer in India, where I developed a strong passion for identifying bugs and applying out-of-the-box analytical thinking. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of testing and the impact it has on improving software quality.

While working in manual testing, I noticed a growing demand for automation in the industry. This motivated me to expand my skill set, so I began learning automation tools on my own. Transitioning into automation testing allowed me to enhance efficiency, reduce repetitive tasks, and contribute more effectively to software quality assurance.

Coming from India to work in Latvia, what was the transition like for you, both professionally and personally?

The transition has been a mix of challenges and exciting new experiences. Culturally, it was a significant change—Latvia is much quieter compared to India, where large gatherings and festivals are a big part of life. I do miss the festive atmosphere, but I see this as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

Professionally, the experience has been quite smooth. While the work environment is different in some ways, I’ve enjoyed learning from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. One noticeable difference is in government processes, such as tax payments, which work differently here.

As a Functional and Automation Test Engineer, what does a typical workday look like for you?

My day typically starts with checking emails and reviewing Jira stories for updates, comments, or assignments. After that, I join the daily stand-up call, where I provide updates on the projects I’m currently working on.

Once the stand-up is over, I set my priorities for the day, often coordinating with team leads if any clarifications are needed. Recently, I’ve been focusing more on implementing automation testing, which involves working closely with developers to integrate testing processes effectively.

Throughout the day, my tasks include executing tests, creating and reviewing test stories, inspecting requirements, and preparing detailed test reports. Collaboration is a key part of my role, ensuring that testing aligns with development and project goals.

What do you find most rewarding about your role at inGain?

One of the things I appreciate most about working at inGain is the open and transparent culture. The company shares information openly—even things many organizations would only discuss at the management level—including challenges and mistakes. This level of transparency creates a sense of trust and involvement.

Another aspect I really enjoy is the approachable and supportive environment. Whenever I need help or have a question, people are always willing to assist. It makes collaboration much easier and more enjoyable.

Additionally, after working remotely during COVID, transitioning back to an office environment—at least partially—has been a refreshing change. The in-person interactions and direct communication make a big difference. I also appreciate how the CEO engages with everyone and remains accessible, which isn’t something you see at every company.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in automation testing?

If you’re starting out in automation testing, I highly recommend gaining experience in functional/manual testing first. Understanding the fundamentals of testing—such as test case design, bug tracking, and software quality assurance—will give you a strong foundation. Once you have this knowledge, transitioning to automation testing becomes much easier.

After mastering the basics, start learning automation tools and frameworks that are in demand, such as Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright. Hands-on practice, continuous learning, and staying updated with industry trends will help you build a successful career in automation testing.

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