Plinio Masiel
San Jacinto,CA
Summary
I am an experienced engineering professional specializing in prototype vehicle development and testing at Czinger Vehicles, where I work at the intersection of cutting-edge automotive technology and rigorous engineering excellence. Currently, I support the development and testing of our high-performance hybrid vehicles, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability. In my role, I manage the troubleshooting and diagnosis of complex software and electrical issues using advanced diagnostic tools such as CANAPE, PCAN, VFLASH, and LIFERACING. I am deeply involved in the entire lifecycle of prototype vehicles—from testing, issue investigation, and root cause determination to reworking and enhancing vehicle systems to meet production specifications.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Vehicle Validation Technician-Powertrain
Czinger Vehicles
Torrance, CALIFORNIA
04.2024 - Current
- Troubleshot software problems through use of advanced diagnostic tools like CANAPE and vSygnalyzer.
- Carryout repairs and reworks to prototype vehicles to the highest quality and safety standards.
- Support issues investigations, root cause determination and temporary mitigations. Provide Engineering guidance and advice for production spec issue resolution
- Carry out installation and rework of vehicle electrical harnesses. Diagnosis of electrical/electronic issues.
- Support raising and tracking issues via JIRA - Engineering Issues Management System.
- Support vehicle level testing and Marketing activities locally and abroad at Proving Grounds, Racetracks and Test Rigs.
Test and Development Technician
Anduril Industries
Costa Mesa, CA
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Member of an interdisciplinary team capable of executing static, dynamic, fatigue, thermal and vibration testing
- Test items ranging from small integrated electronics systems to whole aircraft fuselages and large structures
- Operate and maintain thermal chambers, vibration tables, data acquisition systems and structural testing equipment as needed to execute test objectives
- Build test equipment and execute test procedures to inform and validate design decisions
- Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed
- Travel to test sites as needed
- Support the prototype vehicle Test and Development program.
Senior Engineering Test Technician Lead
Rivian
Irvine, CALIFORNIA
10.2019 - 07.2023
- Collaborated with engineers in new product introduction phases to develop
and verify design changes. - Evaluated installed electrical equipment and systems to isolate faults and
implement corrective actions. - Identified specific cables, connectors, fuses, circuit breakers and other
electrical devices required for the implementation of new modules. - Used multiple data acquisition such as Canalyzer pro, PCAN explorer and
CANape to help aid with in depth CAN diagnostics - Install instrumentation, test equipment, and other components on prototype
vehicles in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, and/or test
procedures - Communicate directly with engineers and other technicians to ensure a high
level of technical support
Electrical Diagnostic Specialist
Karma Automotive LLC
Moreno Valley, CALIFORNIA
11.2015 - 10.2019
- Performed Complex electrical diagnostics which included low voltage wiring
- repairs, high voltage wiring repairs and High voltage battery isolation faults.
- Certified by Delphi/Aptive to perform Warranty repairs and claims on defective harnesses.
- Created Quality Alerts to best implements change in the production line
process when a fault was caused by an operator or quality concern from a
supplier. - Set up and operated specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test
or analyze performance of electronic components, assemblies or systems. - Supported continuous improvement efforts to achieve company goals.
Education
Automotive Technology - Automotive Engineering
United Technical Institute
Rancho Cucamonga, CA09-2011
Skills
- Software validation
- Test planning
- Strong problem solver
- Teamwork and positive attitude
- Software development tools: JIRA, confluence
- Circuit troubleshooting
- Signal tracing
- Wire harness assembly
- Power distribution systems
- Instrumentation installation
- Vibration monitoring equipment
- SEP 3 High voltage Certified
- CANalyzer, CANape and PCAN explorer
operator - CMV and Tow Experienced
Accomplishments
- Launch of the Karma Revero (05/2017)
- Validate and Launch of the Rivian R1T and R1S
- Launch of the Rivian R1T and R1S
(09/2021) - Launch of AMAZON EDVs (07/2022)
- Winner of "The GoodWood Festival of speed" 2024
- Lap Record Holder at "Circuit of the Americas" 2:10.702. Official production car lap record.
- Lap Record holder at "Laguna SECA" 1:24.75. Official production car lap record.
Timeline
Vehicle Validation Technician-Powertrain
Czinger Vehicles
04.2024 - Current
Test and Development Technician
Anduril Industries
08.2023 - 04.2024
Senior Engineering Test Technician Lead
Rivian
10.2019 - 07.2023
Electrical Diagnostic Specialist
Karma Automotive LLC
11.2015 - 10.2019
Automotive Technology - Automotive Engineering
United Technical Institute
Similar Profiles
FASALU RAHMANFASALU RAHMAN
Team Leader at Popular Vehicles & Services Pvt.LtdTeam Leader at Popular Vehicles & Services Pvt.Ltd
Avery GrubbsAvery Grubbs
Surf Instructor at Wave Riding Vehicles Surf CampSurf Instructor at Wave Riding Vehicles Surf Camp
Robert BettsRobert Betts
Auto Body Technician at Horton Emergency VehiclesAuto Body Technician at Horton Emergency Vehicles