Richard Gonzalez
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Vehicle Integration Specialist with over 22 years of automotive expertise spanning laboratory research, nationwide technical support, and master-level diagnostics. Specialized in EV performance validation, quantifying energy consumption through systematic proving ground operations and chassis dynamometer testing. Experienced primary ADAS and dynamometer driver with a strong foundation in high-voltage safety (LOTO) and vehicle network diagnostics. Proven track record of delivering verified, high-precision data to engineering teams to support vehicle quality and consumer-facing innovation.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Automotive Research Specialist
Auto Club of Southern Calif-Automotive Research Center
Los Angeles, CA
05.2017 - Current
- Vehicle-Level Testing & Execution: Conduct chassis dynamometer, environmental chamber, ADAS, and closed-course testing for EV, HEV, PHEV, and ICE platforms.
- EV & HEV Range / Efficiency Evaluation: Perform SAE J1634 multi-cycle and charge-depletion protocols across 20°F–95°F ambient conditions to assess environmental and HVAC impacts on vehicle range and energy consumption; supported payload-effect evaluation projects.
- Vehicle Instrumentation & Data Acquisition: Install and validate Hioki power analyzers, voltage sensing, and OBD logging to ensure accurate battery current and power-flow measurement during efficiency and compliance testing.
- Data Validation & Analysis: Process and verify raw test data using AVL PUMA and Concerto; confirm energy consumption trends and coastdown-derived inputs prior to reporting.
- ADAS & Proving Ground Testing: Conduct precision closed-course driving for ADAS evaluations (safety-critical systems) and support coastdown data collection to characterize vehicle road-load behavior.
- Regulatory Compliance Testing: Serve as primary driver for EPA drive cycles in accordance with CFR protocols.
- Laboratory Operations: Maintain and calibrate chassis dynamometer systems to ensure repeatability and data integrity across research programs.
- Engineering Collaboration: Contribute to test planning discussions and instrumentation strategy with cross-functional engineering teams.
Toyota Technical Assistance System Agent
Advantage Technical Resourcing
Los Angeles, CA
11.2012 - 09.2016
- National Diagnostic Support: Provided real-time technical guidance to dealership technicians nationwide, resolving complex drivability and electrical concerns using Techstream data logs and system-level analysis.
- Emerging Issue Recognition: Monitored incoming cases and repair data for recurring trends; identified potential pattern failures and communicated findings to product quality and engineering teams.
- Technical Documentation & System Validation: Utilized OEM wiring diagrams, repair manuals, and circuit logic to guide field diagnostics and verify system functionality for high-priority cases.
MBZ Master Technician
Downtown L.A. Motors-Mercedes Benz
Los Angeles, CA
06.2003 - 10.2012
- Advanced Systems Diagnostics: Utilized Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnosis (SDS) for data logging and troubleshooting of complex electrical, drivability, and CAN/LIN network communication faults; performed circuit-level fault isolation and root-cause analysis.
- Early EV/Hybrid Exposure: Completed OEM high-voltage training for early hybrid platforms; performed battery isolation and applied dealership-level electrical safety practices in accordance with standards at the time.
Education
Associate of Science - Technology Education
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC)
Los Angeles, CACertificate - Automotive Technology
Universal Technical Institute
Rancho Cucamonga, CASkills
TECHNICAL SKILLS
EV/HEV Validation: Range & efficiency testing, environmental/proving ground evaluation, EPA/CFR compliance, road load analysis (F₀, F₁, F₂)
Instrumentation & DAQ: Hioki, Vbox, Dewesoft, OBD scan tools, oscilloscopes; alternative strategies when CAN unavailable
Testing & Standards: Dyno operation, environmental chamber protocols, ADAS validation (AEB/LKA), track testing
Software & Analytics: AVL iGEM & Concerto, Excel, Toyota Techstream, MBZ Star Diagnosis
High-Voltage Safety: Battery isolation, LOTO awareness, PPE protocols, dealership-level OSHA/NFPA 70E exposure
Collaboration & Reporting: Work with engineers, troubleshoot electrical/mechanical issues, document actionable findings
Timeline
Automotive Research Specialist
Auto Club of Southern Calif-Automotive Research Center
05.2017 - Current
Toyota Technical Assistance System Agent
Advantage Technical Resourcing
11.2012 - 09.2016
MBZ Master Technician
Downtown L.A. Motors-Mercedes Benz
06.2003 - 10.2012
Associate of Science - Technology Education
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC)
Certificate - Automotive Technology
Universal Technical Institute