Efrain Plascencia
Automotive × AI
Professional Profile
Accomplished Automotive Engineer & Innovator with over a decade of experience in software-defined vehicles (SDVs), seamlessly bridging the gap from intuitive smartphone applications to robust electronic control units (ECUs) that deliver reliable performance. Proven expertise in the full spectrum of automotive software—including infotainment systems, autonomous features, and seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates—while integrating cutting-edge large language models (LLMs) from OpenAI, Perplexity and others to advance AI-driven automations.
Based in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Worked With
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Work Experience
Proven track record in software defined vehicles, delivering impactful insights from companies around the world.
Head of Business Development & Engineering
GEMMACON North America
Full-Time
2023 - Present
Long Beach, California + Remote
Built a specialized team from scratch to pioneer validation of sophisticated vehicle software for advanced computing systems, delivering exceptional results in performance and standards adherence. Propelled business expansion through key collaborations and opportunity exploration, while broadening service portfolios to embrace next-wave technologies. Infusing innovative tactics to navigate demanding timelines, my guidance fueled triumphant project executions, boosting efficiency and cementing the firm's forefront status in vehicle innovation.
Lead Test Engineer
PACCAR
Contract
2023 - 2023
Lewisville, Texas
Spearheaded testing initiatives for a new vehicle architecture, collaborating closely with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of high-quality software. Designed and executed comprehensive test strategies. Fostered alignment between cross-functional teams and external partners.
Senior Test Engineer
Toyota Motors North America
Contract
2020 - 2022
Plano, Texas
Collaborated extensively with business units to guarantee seamless user experiences in telematics registrations and activations, overseeing end-to-end testing for processes such as user registration, secure payment processing, and service activations across mobile and web platforms. Developed and executed rigorous test plans that identified potential bottlenecks in user flows, through iterative improvements and integration with backend systems.
E2E Quality Engineer
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development - North America
Full-Time
2017 - 2020
Long Beach, California
Contributed to end-to-end testing for integrated vehicle systems, validating seamless connectivity across a wide range of interfaces including smartphones, digital assistants like Siri and Alexa, health trackers, smart watches, and IoT devices to deliver flawless user experiences in premium automotive settings. Developed and executed detailed test strategies for software-hardware interactions, pinpointing and fixing integration problems that enhanced system compatibility. Worked closely with cross-functional business teams in Mexico, aligning on requirements, collecting regional market insights, and integrating feedback into testing processes to support global product launches customized for varied user preferences.
Quality Engineer
Hyundai Autover Telematics America
Full-Time
2013 - 2017
Fountain Valley, California
Help design and implement robust quality assurance processes for telematics systems, encompassing software testing for vehicle connectivity features. Collaborated across functions to validate hardware-software integrations, boosting system reliability. In this startup setting with limited resources, took on diverse roles beyond QA, including basic DevOps for deployment pipelines, coordinating user acceptance testing, and conducting initial requirements gathering to fill gaps in positions like business analysis and product management.
Education
Degree in specialized fields from reputable and high ranking educational institution.
California State University - Long Beach
Bachelor’s Degree
Computer Science
2008 - 2012
Licenses & Certifications
Professional accreditations and certifications demonstrating expertise and compliance with industry standards.
Designing and Building AI Products and Services Program
MIT xPRO
Oct 2025 (Estimated Completion Date)
Professional Skills
Key competencies essential for navigating and excelling in various professional contexts.
Skills
Generative AI
Automation
Quality Assurance
Data Visualization
RAG
Defect Tracking
OTA
Open Language Models
Software Define Vehicle
ADAS
Large Language Models
Prompt Engineering
AI Agents
Languages
Proficient in multiple languages, facilitating effective communication and collaboration in diverse settings.
English
Native Proficiency
Spanish
Bilingual Proficiency
German
Just "Guten Tag" and "Auf Wiedersehen"
Recommendations
Endorsements and testimonials highlighting professional aptitude and contributions from colleagues and partners.
Phaik Zhin Lim
CEO/Founder
GEMMACON North America
I wholeheartedly recommend Efrain Plascencia to any organization. During our time together at GEMMACON, he demonstrated exceptional hard work and unwavering commitment, directly contributing to growing our company headcount by over 300% through strategic team building, innovative engineering initiatives, and forging key partnerships that scaled operations rapidly. His leadership and dedication make him an invaluable asset to any forward-thinking organization.
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