Generalist operator | cross-functional execution | data-driven decision-making
MSc Mechanical Engineering (17/20) | Thesis on Machine Learning (20/20)
Co-founded a MedTech B2B startup: €30k revenue, 2 international clients (DE, DK)
Experience
Co-Founder
Feb 2024 – Dec 2025
- Built a B2B MedTech services startup helping polymer AM SMEs industrialize technology through ISO-aligned quality labs and validated processes for certification readiness
- Defined GTM strategy: ICP, segmentation, positioning, pricing, channels, and sales KPIs
- Executed outbound (270 dials → 120 connects → 20 discovery → 5 sales → 2 closes)
- Identified and resolved a key outbound bottleneck (~8 min between calls) by building an AI-driven lead generation and scoring automation system (co-designed architecture), reducing prospecting time by ~75%
- Delivered quality lab implementations: sourced and deployed €15k UTM (China → Denmark) and built ISO-aligned SOPs, traceability systems, and data interpretation frameworks for standardized mechanical testing
- Built company positioning and distribution assets (website, narrative, playbooks), resulting in 6 invited talks and participation in StartForFuture and EIT Jumpstarter programs
- Made the decision to shut down after failing to achieve PMF, driven by difficulty in clearly demonstrating ROI to prospects
R&D and Data Analyst
Oct 2019 – Nov 2024
- Performed data visualization and performance analysis on telemetry data to inform strategic setup changes
- Designed and manufactured the chassis for a 300cc race bike using CAD, CAM and FEA
New Projects Engineering Trainee
Jul 2024 – Aug 2024
- Executed qualification testing on cable prototypes and structured results for engineering decision-making
- Identified and suggested process improvements with a lean and efficiency-driven approach
- Participated in cross-functional stakeholder meetings for new plant build-out
Ambassador
Oct 2023 – Jun 2024
- Selected for the Ambassador Program, gaining exposure to logistics, marketing, and pricing strategy
- Participated in company visits to understand lean supply chains and employee culture importance
Manufacturing Engineering Trainee
Jul 2023 – Aug 2023
- Developed CAD/CAM for industrial components and operated CNC machinery
Co-Founder
Oct 2021 – Jul 2022
- Built early-stage prototype for stair mobility solution and pitched internationally (StartForFuture)
Education
University of Aveiro
2019 – 2024
MSc Mechanical Engineering — Thesis [20/20]
- Trained and evaluated ML models that predict material behaviour in sheet metal forming using FEA data
- Published a peer-reviewed article in ESAFORM 2024
- Presented the work at the TEchMA 2024 conference
- Stack: Python, Abaqus (Python API), NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, XGBoost, SHAP, Matplotlib
BSc Mechanical Engineering
Portfolio:
joao-gamboa.github.io
Skills
- Data Analysis, Project Management, Scrum (PSPO I), Excel, PPT, Python, Pandas, XGBoost, CAD, CRM
- Languages: PT (native), EN (C2), ES (C1)