Vandana Thakur

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At eWater, our software isn’t just code – it’s science-based technology that supports critical decisions in water management. Ensuring that every release is reliable, accurate, and user-friendly is the responsibility of our Software Testers, and Vandana Thakur plays a vital role in making that happen.

Building trust through quality

For Vandana, quality assurance is not only about finding and fixing bugs. It’s about building confidence.

“I see my role as safeguarding the integrity of the software,” Vandana explains. “Every release must meet our high standards so that users can trust the results for critical water management decisions.”

Vandana combines technical precision with a deep focus on user needs. Her testing process begins with a thorough understanding of customer requirements, followed by the design of robust test plans that cover functionality, performance, usability, and edge cases. She makes use of automation to improve efficiency but also prioritises exploratory testing to uncover subtle issues. Regression testing, close collaboration with developers, and regular feedback loops with stakeholders all help ensure that every feature performs as expected – and that eWater’s reputation for dependable, science-based tools remains strong.

Solving challenges that matter

Vandana’s eye for detail and persistence in problem-solving have had a direct impact on the quality of eWater’s software. One example she recalls is a complex data visualisation module that behaved inconsistently with large datasets. The bug was subtle, appearing only under specific conditions, which made it difficult to reproduce.

Through targeted test scenarios and close collaboration with the development team, Vandana helped trace the issue to a memory-handling problem. Resolving it not only stabilised the module but also significantly improved performance for users working with large-scale hydrological models.

“The most rewarding part of catching issues early is knowing I’ve protected the integrity of the product and the trust our users place in us,” she reflects. “It prevents disruptions, saves time and resources, and makes the release smoother for everyone.”

Collaboration at the core

Vandana believes the best products come from teamwork. She works closely with developers from the planning stage, clarifying requirements and identifying potential risks.

During development, she provides continuous feedback, bug reports, and discussions that ensure testing and development move forward together. She also engages with product managers, support staff, and domain experts to align the software with both technical standards and real-world needs.

“Collaboration brings diverse perspectives,” she says. “Developers contribute technical insight, testers bring a user-focused lens, and domain experts ensure scientific accuracy. Working together helps us catch issues early, refine features, and deliver a product that’s both robust and meaningful to our customers.”

Growth and giving back

Since joining eWater, Vandana has expanded her technical expertise in test automation, exploratory testing, and performance analysis, particularly in the context of scientific and modelling software. She has also developed stronger collaboration and leadership skills, often contributing to product strategy discussions in addition to testing.

Her commitment to growth extends beyond her own career. Vandana is also a mentor with the Australian Computer Society, where she guides emerging professionals in the tech industry.

“Mentoring has been deeply enriching,” she says. “It’s helped me reflect on my own journey while also strengthening my communication and coaching skills. My approach is grounded in empathy and adaptability – I want mentees to feel supported, encouraged, and confident to explore their strengths and interests.”

“It is not just about giving advice – it’s about empowering others to discover their potential and take ownership of their growth.”

Purpose and passion

What drew Vandana to software testing in the first place was her passion for problem-solving and her natural focus on quality. Joining eWater gave her the opportunity to apply those skills with purpose.

“I was inspired by the mission to support sustainable water management through science-based tools,” she says. “It’s rewarding to know that the work I do contributes to environmental outcomes and helps communities make informed decisions about water resources.”

For those looking at a career in tech industry, Vandana believes start by building a strong foundation in understanding software development principles and testing methodologies and balancing it with real-world projects.

“Stay curious. Ask questions, explore edge cases, and think like a user. Communication is key, so work on articulating issues clearly and collaborating effectively. Most importantly, embrace a mindset of quality and continuous improvement.”

Outside of work, Vandana finds balance and inspiration in her personal interests. She enjoys gardening, which keeps her grounded and connected to nature, as well as playing cricket, which sharpens her teamwork and keeps her active. Travel allows her to explore new cultures and perspectives, while family time brings balance and joy.

Making a difference

When asked what makes eWater such a rewarding place to work, Vandana’s answer is simple:

“It’s a place where I can grow, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful.”

For Vandana, working at eWater is a rewarding experience because the work has purpose. “Our tools support sustainable water management, which has real-world impact. There’s a strong culture of learning and innovation, and I feel valued not just for finding bugs, but for contributing to better solutions. It’s a place where I can grow, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful.”

Through her dedication, collaboration, and passion, Vandana helps ensure that eWater’s software remains a trusted resource for sustainable water management – and that the team behind it continues to grow stronger, together.