When João São José moved from Portugal to the Netherlands three years in the past, it was to do greater than begin a brand new job, it was a leap into a very new atmosphere, language and profession path. What drew him in? The fame of the crew, the possibility to be taught one thing new daily and the chance for private {and professional} progress.
“I’d all the time been considering additive manufacturing,” João explains, “however I didn’t really feel very assured in my English, so I made a decision to take a extra hands-on function to construct that confidence whereas additionally studying from the within.” A suggestion from his brother Tiago who was already at Shapeways painted an image of a collaborative, open firm tradition — and that was sufficient to spark his transfer to Eindhoven.
Ranging from the bottom up
João joined Shapeways as a Manufacturing Technician. It was a job that gave him front-line publicity to your entire manufacturing course of from dealing with elements straight out of the printer, checking high quality, ending them, by means of to getting them prepared for patrons. “Though the method may appear repetitive, no two days are ever the identical,” he says. “Each tray of elements is completely different. Each half brings new challenges. That’s what retains it thrilling.”
From day one, João was already serious about enhancements. “I had concepts about how you can make sure steps extra environment friendly, however I used to be nervous to share them at first as a result of I used to be new and didn’t understand how individuals would react. However the crew was superb. That second actually confirmed I used to be in the fitting place.”
Stepping up and standing out
João’s curiosity grew along with his confidence, particularly by way of how jobs have been ready earlier than printing, how the crew managed tight buyer deadlines and the way so many elements could possibly be produced with such precision. That curiosity led him to affix the Planning crew and later step into the function of Course of Technician.
At present, he works as a Senior Manufacturing Technician, planning all incoming orders and ensuring printers are working as effectively as potential. He additionally works immediately with prospects to evaluate whether or not their designs are appropriate for the chosen know-how and, if not, helps them alter for a greater consequence.
“I like the problem-solving facet of this job,” he says. “Becoming complicated orders into print trays, discovering methods to optimize workflows positively retains you sharp. And we’re all the time in search of methods to automate and enhance what we do.”
Progress is a byproduct of belief and teamwork
João is fast to credit score his growth to the crew round him. “Since day one, I’ve felt supported. Individuals are all the time prepared to reply questions, share what they know and provides sincere suggestions. That gave me the arrogance to strive new issues.”
The belief positioned in him made an enormous distinction too. “Each time I confirmed curiosity in one thing new, my managers inspired me to go for it. Whether or not it was studying about planning or optimizing a workflow, they gave me house and help.”
That openness to progress is one thing João sees as core to Shapeways. “There’s an actual tradition of steady studying right here. Should you’re proactive and wish to develop, that is the fitting atmosphere.”
Balancing complexity with calm
With so many various prospects, applied sciences and jobs to handle, João admits it’s not straightforward. “It’s a number of quantity and a number of transferring elements, so we’ve got to remain targeted to ship high quality on time.”
“It is advisable keep calm beneath strain. If one thing goes improper, you search for an answer, not somebody accountable. And for those who see an opportunity to forestall future issues, you are taking it.”
A crew that displays the world
Working within the worldwide, cross-functional crew at Shapeways Eindhoven is one thing João clearly values. “We’ve received individuals from throughout which creates this mixture of concepts and views that you just wouldn’t get anyplace else.”
That range, he says, is among the crew’s strengths. “Everybody brings one thing completely different. We’re all studying from one another and there’s an actual sense of collaboration. It’s open, it’s supportive and it actually works.”
Classes in management
Wanting again, João sees adaptability, curiosity and a spotlight to element as key elements for fulfillment in his function. “Issues change quick — new orders, new priorities — so it’s important to keep versatile. However communication is simply as essential. It’s a must to work throughout groups, clarify choices and keep aligned.”
“When it comes to my expertise I’d say planning, optimization and time administration have all grown massively. However actually, one of many greatest issues has been my confidence in English. I by no means imagined I’d be doing this sort of work in a second language.”
What’s subsequent for João? In all probability one other problem. One other enchancment to chase. One other course of to fine-tune. As a result of for somebody pushed by progress, that is simply the following layer.
