João Gamboa
Mechanical Engineer
Ex-founder with a bias for execution, fast learning and cross-functional problem solving.
Ambitious, proactive and impact driven. Focused on building solutions that matter.
Education
University of Aveiro
2019 – 2024
MSc Mechanical Engineering [17.2/20] — Thesis [20/20]
BSc Mechanical Engineering [12.3/20]
Portfolio: joao-gamboa.github.io
- Developed and validated ML models to predict plastic behaviour in sheet metal forming using FEA data
- Published a peer-reviewed article in ESAFORM 2024
- Presented the work at the TEchMA 2024 conference
Experience
Co-Founder
Feb 2024 – Nov 2025
- Built a startup that worked with polymer AM MedTech SMEs on technology industrialization and quality system implementation
- Led client definition and discovery across multiple companies, using pattern recognition to identify stakeholder needs and pain points and refine the ICP
- Designed and iterated the service offering and sales system, executing outbound prospecting and cold outreach to generate B2B sales conversations
- Developed brand identity, marketing, website and value/behaviour frameworks to shape the company’s external perception
- Delivered client projects in quality implementation and certification support, operating in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity environment and solving cross-functional problems
- Generated initial revenue with two customers; closed the company after failing to achieve repeatable sales and product market fit
New Projects Engineering Trainee
Jul 2024 – Aug 2024
- Supported the development of new automotive cable products, from requirements definition to industrialization
- Performed ISO based tests to verify thermal, mechanical and data-transmission properties of cables, ensuring compliance with specifications
- Supported the innovation team during construction of new facilities by solving on-site issues with stakeholders and keeping decisions aligned with the factory plan
- Reviewed past facility projects to understand strategic site-selection decisions and how evaluations and issues were resolved in international expansion
R&D and Data Analyst
Oct 2019 – Apr 2024
- Designed and manufactured chassis components for a racing motorcycle using CAD, CAM and FEA
- Analysed telemetry to identify performance patterns and recommend setup adjustments
- Established partnerships with companies to secure components and services that allowed the project to progress
Campus Ambassador
Oct 2023 – Jun 2024
- Represented the company on campus by communicating its values and programs to students
- Observed retail operations and backstage processes through direct contact with on-site teams
- Understood the role of company culture and structured career development paths in HR for retaining and developing employees
Machining Tool Operator Trainee
Jul 2023 – Aug 2023
- Contributed to product development for clients in the glass industry, prototyping components and iterating based on feedback
- Worked as an on-floor CNC machinery operator, translating CAD/CAM programs into production parts
Co-Founder
Oct 2021 – Jul 2022
- Selected for the Start for Future startup program and pitched a stair-mobility prototype for wheelchair users
Skills
- Execution: Fast learning, rapid context switching, operating effectively in ambiguity, sense of urgency, ownership, transparency, leadership
- Technical: CAD/CAM, FEA, CNC, ML, Python, HTML
- Languages: Portuguese (native), English (C2), Spanish (C1)