Fernando Barrios

About Fernando Barrios

I’m an engineer and AI leader specializing in machine learning, autonomous systems, and large-scale product delivery, with deep experience across automotive, autonomy, and financial services. My career spans hands-on technical development through to product ownership and cross-functional leadership, with a consistent focus on building robust, scalable, and high-impact AI systems.Currently, I’m a Senior Integration and Testing Engineer at Latitude AI, where I work on next-generation motion prediction frameworks for autonomous vehicles. My work includes model development, training, compression, optimization, and rigorous validation, as well as full-stack integration of software, hardware, firmware, and sensors. I own validation strategies for multiple autonomy features, ensuring release candidates are robust and ready for track and on-road deployment.Previously, I served as a Senior Data Scientist and AI Technical Product Manager at Layer 6 AI/TD Bank, leading the development of machine-learning-based customer valuation and credit card models that improved accuracy by over 27% compared to existing solutions. I also established project intake and portfolio management processes, overseeing AI solutions delivering $20M+ in annual value.At General Motors, I held roles as AI Product Owner and Chassis Enhancement Scrum Master/Developer, where I led controls and diagnostics software deployed directly to production vehicles ranking among the top teams for software deployment velocity. I was also responsible for helping establish internal AI processes — from feasibility analysis and requirements definition to exploratory data analysis and early model development.My technical foundation is complemented by strong research credentials. I’m pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering focused on AI and autonomous driving, with multiple publications covering motion prediction, transformer compression, and battery state estimation. I hold a MASc in Mechatronics and a BEng in Software Engineering, and I’ve contributed to high-profile research labs, automotive and autonomous vehicle competitions at both McMaster University, as well as the University of Waterloo.

Experience

1. Senior Integration and Testing Engineer

   Latitude AI

   May 2024 — Present · Greenville, SC, US

Education

• McMaster University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Mechanical Engineering

  2021 — 2026

• Bishop Reding High School

  High School Diploma

  2009 — 2013

• McMaster University

  Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Software (Embedded Systems) Engineering, Economics Minor

  2013 — 2017

• University of Waterloo

  Master of Applied Science, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

  2018 — 2019

Skills

• C#
• Plc Programming
• Teamwork
• C++
• Time Management
• Leadership
• Retail Sales
• Matlab
• Cad/Cam Software
• Customer Service
• Python
• Javascript
• Actionscript
• Eclipse
• Git
• Microsoft Office
• Bash Shell Scripting
• Maplesim
• Research
• Basic Engineering Principles
• Mips Assembly