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 setting, language and profession path. What drew him in? The popularity of the staff, the possibility to study one thing new day-after-day and the chance for private {and professional} progress.
“I’d at all times been taken with 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 advice 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 the complete manufacturing course of from dealing with elements straight out of the printer, checking high quality, ending them, via to getting them prepared for purchasers. “Despite the fact that the method might sound 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 excited 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 know the way individuals would react. However the staff was superb. That second actually confirmed I used to be in the correct place.”
Stepping up and standing out
João’s curiosity grew along with his confidence, particularly when it comes to how jobs have been ready earlier than printing, how the staff managed tight buyer deadlines and the way so many elements could possibly be produced with such precision. That curiosity led him to hitch the Planning staff and later step into the function of Course of Technician.
Immediately, he works as a Senior Manufacturing Technician, planning all incoming orders and ensuring printers are operating as effectively as potential. He additionally works instantly with prospects to evaluate whether or not their designs are appropriate for the chosen expertise and, if not, helps them modify for a greater consequence.
“I really like the problem-solving facet of this job,” he says. “Becoming advanced orders into print trays, discovering methods to optimize workflows positively retains you sharp. And we’re at all times searching for 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 staff round him. “Since day one, I’ve felt supported. Individuals are at all times keen to reply questions, share what they know and provides trustworthy suggestions. That gave me the arrogance to attempt 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. In the event you’re proactive and wish to develop, that is the correct setting.”
Balancing complexity with calm
With so many various prospects, applied sciences and jobs to handle, João admits it’s not straightforward. “It’s quite a lot of quantity and quite a lot of transferring elements, so we’ve got to remain centered to ship high quality on time.”
“You’ll want to keep calm underneath strain. If one thing goes improper, you search for an answer, not somebody accountable. And if you happen to see an opportunity to forestall future issues, you’re taking it.”
A staff that displays the world
Working within the worldwide, cross-functional staff 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 wherever else.”
That variety, he says, is likely one of the staff’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 substances for achievement in his function. “Issues change quick — new orders, new priorities — so it’s important to keep versatile. However communication is simply as vital. You need to work throughout groups, clarify choices and keep aligned.”
“By way of my expertise I’d say planning, optimization and time administration have all grown massively. However truthfully, one of many largest 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? Most likely 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 subsequent layer.
