Career Story José Cardoso
For José Cardoso, engineering was always part of the plan, even before he fully understood what engineering actually was. As a teenager, he knew he enjoyed understanding how things worked and solving technical problems, but it took time to discover which path suited him best. Today, after experiences ranging from private aviation and machine design to international projects in the Netherlands and a growing focus on cybersecurity, one thing has remained constant: the desire to keep learning, exploring new challenges and finding better ways to solve problems.
Finding the right engineering path
Although he knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue engineering, the exact direction was not immediately clear. "When I was younger, I knew I liked engineering-related things, but I didn't really know what engineering was." At one point, robotics seemed like the obvious choice. Later, as physics and technical subjects became more prominent in school, he discovered what truly interested him. "When I got to subjects like Physics, I realised that what I really enjoyed was everything related to mechanics." That realisation eventually led him to Mechanical Engineering, a decision he still values today. Although Mechanical Engineering was the right choice for him, José admits that Computer Engineering would probably have been another strong option."If I went back today, I might have chosen Computer Engineering."
Starting in an unexpected industry
His first experience after university was not traditional mechanical design. Instead, he found himself working in private aviation at an airfield in Cascais, managing aircraft airworthiness and maintenance compliance. "I worked in civil aviation with private jets. My job was essentially managing aircraft documentation, maintenance schedules and regulatory compliance."
But over time, something was missing. "I felt overqualified. Everything I had learned at university wasn't really being applied, and that became frustrating." That frustration pushed him towards a new challenge. He joined Vision-Box, where he finally moved into mechanical design and began working directly on engineering projects. "That was where I really started doing Mechanical Design."
Looking beyond Portugal
The idea of working abroad had been in the back of his mind for years. As demand for engineers in the Netherlands increased, he regularly received opportunities to relocate, particularly around the growth of ASML and the wider high-tech ecosystem in Eindhoven.
Initially, he was not ready. "At that stage, moving abroad still felt like a huge adventure." Later, seeing friends successfully make the move changed his perspective. "A friend moved to ASML and that really opened my eyes. It made me realise that it was something I'd genuinely like to do." The pandemic only reinforced that feeling.
As uncertainty grew in Portugal, he started actively looking for international opportunities. ACE happened to be one of the companies that reached out. "I didn't actually apply to ACE. ACE contacted me." After several discussions and interviews, the decision became clear. In January 2022, he moved to Eindhoven.
Building a new life in the Netherlands
Arriving in a new country without a strong local network could easily have been overwhelming. "Basically, I didn't really know anyone." Yet the experience turned out to be much smoother than expected. He actively sought new friendships, connected with other international professionals and gradually built a community around him. "When you move to another country alone, you have to be open to meeting new people."
At the same time, working through ACE introduced him to an international environment where many colleagues had gone through similar experiences themselves.
Finding the right challenge
After moving to the Netherlands, José continued building his experience as a Mechanical Engineer, taking on increasingly complex technical projects and expanding his knowledge in different areas of engineering. One opportunity, in particular, allowed him to focus more on design and hands-on problem solving, something he particularly enjoys. "That's when things started getting much better. I started doing real design work again and learning much more."
As his technical expertise continued to grow, so did his responsibilities. Over the years, he developed into a Senior Mechanical Engineer, gaining greater autonomy and becoming a valuable source of knowledge and support for colleagues across different projects.
Returning home
Although José always expected to return to Portugal one day, he never knew exactly when that moment would come. After several years in the Netherlands, family became an increasingly important consideration, especially after becoming a father. At the same time, he saw an opportunity to contribute to something new within ACE. Together with Simão, he helped prepare one of the first presentations outlining the advantages of opening an office in Portugal. "As soon as we realised there was an opportunity, we put together a presentation explaining the advantages of opening an office in Portugal."
For José, the opportunity to return while continuing his journey within ACE felt like the natural next step.
Exploring a new direction
Alongside his engineering career, José had long maintained an interest in technology and cybersecurity. What started as a personal interest gradually evolved into something more. "Cybersecurity was already something I was interested in. I used to learn things on my own whenever I had the time." When the opportunity arose to contribute to cybersecurity projects through BRACE, José didn't hesitate. "I'm really enjoying it. My goal is to gradually transition from Mechanical Engineering into that field."
For José, it is proof that a career does not have to follow a straight line. The willingness to keep learning has opened new opportunities throughout his journey and continues to shape what comes next.
Beyond engineering
When he's not working, José enjoys exploring interests that are often very different from his day-to-day engineering projects. "I have far more hobbies than I have free time." One hobby that has stayed with him for nearly a decade is analogue photography. "I mostly photograph landscapes. Portraits aren't really my thing." Another long-standing hobby is Magic: The Gathering. Although he describes it as an on-and-off pastime, it became part of his experience in the Netherlands after discovering that several colleagues shared the same interest. "We started playing together again, and sometimes we even met outside work to play." Today, life looks a little different. "Now I don't have much free time."
Much of that time is happily dedicated to his daughter and family. Photography, games and personal projects still have their place, but like many parents, José has learned that hobbies often need to fit around nap times and school schedules.
What I appreciate most is being able to explore new directions. Whenever I've wanted to take on a new challenge, I've felt supported to do it.
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