Introducing Our Team: Vitor Pinto

Meet Vitor, Exaud’s Senior Software Developer! With a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering and years of experience in C++ and embedded systems, Vitor loves tackling tough technical challenges and turning ideas into real solutions. Outside the office, he applies the same focus to padel and kickboxing, sports that test teamwork, planning, and quick thinking. Ready to dive into his journey, hear his insights, and see what keeps him motivated after years in the field? Read here!

Tell us about your journey studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. What drew you to that field?

My journey in Electrical and Computer Engineering was challenging and deeply rewarding. From early on, I was always curious about how technology works not just using devices, but understanding what happens behind the scenes. I was fascinated by how hardware and software interact to create the systems we rely on every day. What drew me to that field was this combination. I liked to put together knowledge of different areas (electronic circuits, programming, signal processing and embedded systems), to solve real-world problems. Overall, studying Electrical Engineering has given me not only technical knowledge but also a methodology and way of thinking that I can apply to many different challenges.

As a Senior Software Developer with strong experience in C++, what keeps you motivated after so many years in the industry?

The constant opportunity to learn and solve complex problems. Technology evolves continuously, and even with experience, there are always new things to explore. The programming languages are always evolving (e.g.: Modern C++ standards), and there are new performance optimization techniques, system architectures and emerging tools.

When you compare the beginning of your career to today, what feels most different?

At the beginning of my career, I was primarily focused on writing correct and efficient code. My main goal was to strengthen my technical skills and prove myself through implementation.

Today, my perspective is much broader. Technical excellence is still important, but now I think more about architecture, scalability, long-term maintainability, and business impact. I’ve also learned that communication, collaboration, and technical decision-making are as critical as coding itself. Experience brought not only technical depth but also better judgment and prioritization.

What do you enjoy most about working on embedded projects? And what do you find most challenging in this area?

What I enjoy most about embedded projects is the close interaction between hardware and software. I think it is very satisfying writing code that directly controls physical devices and to see immediate results. I also appreciate the performance and resource constraints typical in embedded systems. Working with limited memory, strict timing requirements and low-level interfaces. This forces you to write efficient and well-structured code.

Are there any technologies or domains you’re particularly curious to explore in the coming years?

Off course. Topics like modern C++ evolution, real-time systems, edge computing and AI integration in embedded systems are particularly interesting to me. I think AI will have a major role in this area if suitable applied. I’m curious about the evolution of areas such as robotics, IoT, autonomous systems and automation.

Outside of work, sport plays an important role in your life. What activities have been part of your journey, and what do they bring to your routine?

Yes. I always liked sports because it is a team activity, you need to be synchronized with your teammates. If you just think about you and play alone you will not succeed. 

The sport I played until some years ago was football. Now that I am older I chose a different sport which i don’t need to run so much, ahah. So I started playing Padel more than 3 years ago and it’s mandatory to do at least one or two matches per week. So I can say Padel is part of my life as well :) 

Recently, I also started practicing kickbox. I’m still at the beginning, but I’m really linking it. Much like a game of chess, it requires planning, strategy, and the ability to read your opponent’s moves and weaknesses before attacking.

When you need motivation or perspective, where do you usually find it? 

When I need a fresh perspective I try to reach other experienced people to exchange some ideas. This usually helps, even just by describing the problem to others makes you think about it and some idea comes in the process. If this doesn’t help… Well, sometimes you just need a break, listen to some of my favorite music and start working on a different task. Later when you go back to the problem that was blocking you, you will look at it with different eyes and other ideas will come.

As a senior developer, what advice would you give to your more junior colleagues?

One important advice I would give is to focus on understanding, not just implementing. It’s easy to make something work, but taking the time to conduct a previous study of different solutions and understand why one is better than others will make you a much stronger engineer in the long run. Also be modest and never think you are always right, be open to discuss with your team mates and listen to their ideas.