Fabian Farelo
About Fabian Farelo
Fabian Farelo is a Senior Manager at Nikola Motor Company, specializing in Systems Modeling and HIL Validation, with extensive experience in the automotive powertrain integration and aerospace industries.
Title
Fabian Farelo currently holds the position of Senior Manager, Systems Modeling & HIL Validation at Nikola Motor Company. His role involves overseeing systems modeling and hardware-in-the-loop validation projects, integral to the development and validation of automotive powertrain and aerospace systems.
Professional Experience at Nikola Motor Company
Fabian Farelo joined Nikola Motor Company in 2021 as the EV Technology Manager – HIL Validation, focusing on hardware-in-the-loop validation for electric vehicles. After 10 months, he transitioned to his current role as Senior Manager, Systems Modeling & HIL Validation. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, his responsibilities include managing teams within the Electrical, Electronics & Controls organization, ensuring the effective implementation of simulation models and validation tools.
Previous Positions in Aerospace and Automotive Industries
Before joining Nikola Motor Company, Fabian Farelo accumulated extensive experience in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. He served as Senior Engineer - Avionics at Virgin Orbit from 2019 to 2021 in Long Beach, California. Prior to that, he held several technical and leadership roles at Cummins Inc., where his work ranged from systems simulation leadership to technical specialization in performance modeling and systems analysis from 2011 to 2019. His earlier career also includes a role as a Biodiesel Young Researcher at Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia from 2005 to 2006.
Education and Six Sigma Certification
Fabian Farelo holds an impressive educational background, with multiple degrees in engineering and business. His academic achievements include an MBA from Indiana University Bloomington (2016-2017), a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Florida (2008-2009), and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from both the University of South Florida (2006-2007) and Universidad del Norte (2002-2006). Additionally, he is Six-Sigma Green Belt certified, emphasizing his proficiency in process improvement and quality management methodologies.
Expertise in EV Platforms and Powertrain Systems
Fabian Farelo's expertise spans directing controls application software validation for battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicle platforms, utilizing simulation models and MIL/HIL validation tools. His strong background in analysis-led design (ALD) and powertrain systems performance modeling has enabled him to effectively manage and lead teams focused on advancing the development and validation of cutting-edge automotive and aerospace technologies.