Fernando Fernandez

Staff Engineer · Tesla

From automotive technician to software engineer. Building diagnostic automation systems that have saved $12.8 million and serve thousands of technicians worldwide.

Discover the Journey
I

The Transformation

I spent years as an automotive technician, diagnosing problems by sound and instinct. Every engine told a story. The patterns I recognized in vibrations, temperatures, and electrical signals became the foundation for everything that followed.

I taught myself Python through YouTube tutorials after work. That curiosity led me from the shop floor to Staff Product Support Engineer at Tesla.
"At the technician level, your impact stays within your assigned region. At the service engineering level, you affect every vehicle."
II

The Ascent

2024 - Present

Staff Engineer

Leading diagnostic automation initiatives. Built 4 subsystem autodiags in production. Driving conversion from visual to Python-based diagnostics.

2020 - 2024

Senior Engineer

Discovered Autodiag. Self-taught Python through Udemy and YouTube. Traveled to service centers supporting critical tasks.

2016 - 2020

Field Specialist

Mobile service across Texas. Learned the critical importance of remote diagnostics and telemetry analysis.

2011 - 2016

Master Technician

Passed all 8 ASE certifications. Specialized in electrical diagnostics and complex system troubleshooting.

III

The Impact

$12.8M

Savings

38%

Time Saved

7,500+

Automations

84%

ML Accuracy

IV

Beyond the Code

🍖

Pitmaster

2x Brisket Competition Winner. Texas traditional with mesquite wood. Low and slow is the only way.

🏃

Marathon

First marathon: 4:29:46. Training through the greenways of San Antonio. The discipline translates.

🌱

Legacy

Planning a Hill Country ranch. Rolling hills, river access, and a place for generations to gather.

Let's Connect

Open to conversations about engineering, career transitions, or the art of slow-smoked brisket.