AI Systems Engineer
    Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Central Coast

    AI Automation
    Intelligent Systems

    I don't just write code - I build reliable, scalable infrastructure combining LLM capabilities with deterministic logic to drive operational efficiency and measurable ROI.

    Built and deployed AI systems used in real business operations, not experimental prototypes.

    Rod Fernandez

    Professional Summary

    I am an AI Systems Engineer who bridges the gap between cutting-edge LLM capabilities and enterprise-grade reliability. While others build brittle wrappers, I architect robust systems combining deterministic logic, controlled workflows, and tight API integrations.

    With proven experience deploying voice agents, complex CRM automations, and full-stack platforms, I bring a rare mix of deep technical execution and sharp commercial acumen.

    I deliver software that doesn't just function - it performs, scales, and generates real business value from day one.

    Experience

    Founder & AI Systems Developer

    2019 - Present

    Rod Fernandez Design & AI Collab

    • Built AI systems and automation workflows for SMEs
    • Developed AI voice agents and chatbot systems
    • Designed conversion-focused web architectures

    Chief Technology Officer

    2019 - 2022

    The Course Collab

    • Led development of websites and landing systems
    • Built chatbot and automation workflows

    Key Projects

    Systems designed to generate leads, automate workflows, and drive business growth.

    AI Voice Agent System (Production Workflow Automation)

    Designed and deployed AI-driven conversational systems that automate inbound request handling, classification, and routing.

    • Combined LLM reasoning with structured business rules to ensure predictable behaviour
    • Integrated with backend systems for workflow execution and data capture
    • Implemented escalation, exception handling, and controlled responses
    • Focused on reliability, consistency, and real-world operational use

    Outcome

    Replaces manual call handling with consistent, automated workflows that capture and qualify leads.

    Tech Stack

    GoHighLevel
    Voice AI
    ElevenLabs
    CRM Integration

    Knowledge Structuring & Retrieval Systems

    Designed structured data and content systems to improve discoverability and machine-readable understanding.

    • Built structured knowledge layers across services, locations, and FAQs
    • Implemented schema and data modelling for AI and search systems
    • Transformed unstructured business content into usable knowledge systems

    Outcome

    Improved visibility, better indexing, and higher-quality inbound leads.

    Tech Stack

    React
    Next.js
    Tailwind CSS
    Schema.org

    AI Collab - AI Automation Systems

    AI automation and agent systems built for SMEs. Includes LLM-powered chatbot systems, voice agents integrated with CRM workflows, and lead handling automation pipelines.

    Outcome

    Streamlined operations and improved response time to customer enquiries.

    Tech Stack

    Python
    OpenAI API
    Claude
    OpenRouter
    Supabase

    Conversion & Workflow Systems

    High-performance systems designed to connect inputs to structured outputs and automate data handling.

    • Built full-stack systems integrating frontend, backend logic, and CRM workflows
    • Designed user flows that connect inputs (traffic) to structured outputs (qualified leads)
    • Implemented automation pipelines to handle and route data across systems

    Outcome

    Transforms low-performing brochure websites into lead-generation systems.

    Tech Stack

    React
    Next.js
    Astro Framework
    Tailwind CSS

    I focus on making AI systems
    usable, reliable, and safe
    in real-world environments.

    Rather than relying purely on model output, I combine:

    • Structured logic
    • Controlled workflows
    • System integration
    • Clear input/output boundaries

    "This ensures AI systems behave predictably and can be trusted in operational environments."

    "

    Core Skills

    Technologies and tools I use to build robust systems.

    Programming

    PythonJavaScriptTypeScript

    Frontend

    JAMstack (Astro)ReactNext.jsTailwind CSS

    AI & LLMs

    OpenAIClaudeOpenRouterOllama (local models)Manus AI

    Voice AI

    GoHighLevel Voice AIElevenLabs

    Creative AI & 3D

    Nano BananaVeo 3Meshy AIBlender

    Tools & Platforms

    SupabaseStripeGit / GitHubNetlify / VercelLinux systems

    Why Hire Me

    • Proven track record of deploying production-ready AI, not just experimental prototypes
    • Full-stack capability: From complex Python backends to modern React architectures
    • Deep operational understanding of LLM boundaries, context management, and hallucination mitigation
    • Commercial mindset: I engineer solutions that directly impact the bottom line

    Engineering Philosophy

    Reliability over hype.

    • Architecting deterministic guardrails around probabilistic AI models
    • Writing clean, maintainable, and rigorously tested code
    • Designing systems for scale, security, and seamless user experience
    • Treating AI as a component of a larger, robust software ecosystem

    Ready to upgrade your
    engineering team?

    I bring production-proven AI engineering and full-stack expertise to teams tackling complex problems. Let's discuss how I can accelerate your roadmap.