João Passos, 40 years old, was born in the beautiful city of Santarém, the “Capital of Gothic,” and is proudly Scalabitano. However, his heart is divided between his hometown and Lisbon, where he has lived since he was 11. In 2009, he completed his Integrated Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and, in the same year, began his professional career as a Product Development Engineer. In 2011, he embraced the aerospace field, starting as a Design Engineer on the KC-390 program. In 2015, he moved to England, continuing his career in aerospace engineering, and taking on successive management roles in different engineering areas. Currently, he is a Senior Engineering Manager at Collins Aerospace in the actuation systems unit, focusing on military aviation and defence systems. Recently, he completed an MBA at Warwick Business School and continues to live in England, a country he has adopted as his own. However, whenever possible, he travels to Portugal to be with his family and friends and to indulge in Portuguese food, which he considers the best in the world.

Why Técnico?

My interest in engineering has always been present. Since childhood, I used to take apart toys to create mechanisms. During the 9th grade, I took aptitude tests that confirmed my inclination toward engineering. While researching top universities, Técnico stood out as Portugal’s leading institution for Mechanical Engineering. From that moment, the choice was simple.

Can you tell us a bit about your studies at Técnico?

The beginning was challenging. I struggled to adapt to the fast-paced and demanding study requirements, as high school had never required me to study much. My parents' support and my classmates' encouragement were crucial in helping me push through and achieve good grades. By personal decision, in my 4th year—one and a half years before the official start—I began working on my master’s thesis, which motivated me during the final two years of the course. Those years were filled with countless hours of studying, extra doses of caffeine, and Muse CDs/MP3s playing on repeat. Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life.

What was the best part of your course? And the most challenging?

The 3rd year was the toughest—probably because it marked the culmination of three years of highly theoretical subjects and had the heaviest workload. I vividly remember the Heat Transfer course: a fascinating subject, but the material could easily have been spread over two semesters. The 4th and 5th years were more practical and industry-related, revealing the versatility of Mechanical Engineering. These years also included the most engaging group projects, company visits, and production line optimization studies—providing my first real-world work experience.

Did you have an inspiring figure at Técnico? Who and why?

Definitely, Professor Jorge Rodrigues and Professor Bárbara Gouveia. They inspired me through their dedication to students, exceptional teaching, and incredible intelligence. Both supervised my master’s thesis. They set aside a morning every week to work with me. I would arrive at these sessions thinking I knew a lot, only to leave realizing how much more I had to learn. This experience instilled in me the drive to continuously expand my knowledge—a mindset that still defines me today.

What is your favourite place in Técnico and why?

Probably the library in the central building. I loved the silence, the high windows, the feeling of being surrounded by books in a historic building, headphones on, Muse playing loud—everything created the perfect study environment. The proximity to the café in the central building, which sold cheap coffee (if I remember correctly, it was €0.30), was also crucial. Like many students, I was on a tight budget at the time…

Tell us a bit about your current work.

As I mentioned in my introduction, I am currently a Senior Engineering Manager at Collins Aerospace. I lead a team of 50 engineers across various aerospace engineering fields, including design, structural validation, materials engineering, systems, electronics, testing, and certification. We develop actuation systems for aerodynamic surfaces of military fighter jets from different generations, as well as defence systems for various clients.

What have been the biggest challenges in your career?

The pandemic years. At the time, I was working on the A350 program. With all aircraft grounded, production volumes dropped to near zero, and the aftermarket almost disappeared. The financial impact on the supply chain of major OEMs was enormous.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up at 6:00, have a long coffee, and read the news. I start work at 7:30. Even though I prefer working in the mornings, I need at least an hour to fully wake up… My mornings are usually dedicated to tactical meetings, reviewing key development projects, and supporting production lines for existing programs. I also have one-on-one meetings with my direct management team to discuss topics related to their own teams. I usually have a light lunch at my desk while catching up on emails. Afternoons are focused on more strategic meetings, short- and long-term planning, financial report reviews, and continuous improvement projects. At the end of the day, I make it a priority to spend an hour at the gym. Occasionally, I play football—a childhood passion that I would play every day if I could. I usually end my day with a good book to relax and unwind, though at home, I keep hearing that we’re running out of space for more books…

What makes you proud to be a Técnico alumnus?

Being able to say that I learned the foundations of engineering at one of the top institutions for Mechanical Engineering. But also, the pride in having overcome such a challenging yet rewarding experience. Every now and then, even though it’s getting old, I proudly wear my Técnico sweatshirt during work video calls.

What advice would you give to current students?

Make the most of your time at Técnico to absorb all the knowledge available to you. These will be the last years where you have the privilege of dedicating yourself solely to learning. A strong theoretical foundation is essential for making well-founded and credible decisions throughout your professional career.