A Tribute to Critical’s Titans on World Engineers’ Day

This is our annual opportunity to celebrate the tremendous work performed by engineers across the globe. They design, build and implement the tech we use, from day-to-day appliances to the critical systems we all depend on.  

Find out what Marco, Emanuel and Lisa had to say about their roles as critical systems engineers. 

1. How long have you been an engineer? What project are you currently working on at Critical?  

Marco Coelho: I joined Critical Software 7 months ago and I recently entered in a project in the space sector where the mission is to reduce space debris in the Earth’s orbit. 

Emanuel Morais: I have been an engineer for almost 3 years now, and since then I have been working on a trading platform mobile app which provides crypto exchange, commodities and financial assets trading. 

Lisa Silva: I have been working at Critical since 2018, when I started as an intern in my first year as a software engineer. I have been working on the same project since I joined, which is to develop a core banking system for one of our financial services clients. 

2. What excites you the most about being a critical systems engineer? 

MC: Being able to make a system more reliable. Nowadays business has become completely computer-dependent, and systems are getting more and more complex. So if a business depends on a critical system then it is fundamentally necessary for it to run as expected, as failure may lead to injury or loss of life, damage to the environment or major financial losses. That is a huge responsibility! It’s critical for those systems to be functioning correctly and, if necessary, with a 24/7 uptime. 

EM: The need for constant improvement to keep up with the demands of this type of systems. 

LS: Knowing that the code I write contributes towards a well-functioning system used by many people. Also, being able to work with a fantastic team that I respect. 

3. What has been your biggest challenge so far? 

MC: I would say adapting to a new working environment where I’ve been introduced to new methodologies, best practices, etc. 

EM: Keeping up with the cutting-edge of technology, which is a daily challenge but also very rewarding. 

LS: My biggest challenge was changing my career at 37 years old from chemistry to software development, but it was the best decision I ever made. At work, many things that started as a challenge were learning opportunities and I love a good challenge. But the biggest one so far working at Critical was delivering a change request from the bank that needed to be done in a short period of time. 

4. If you could have one superpower that helped you at work, what would it be? 

MC: I don’t need superpowers because we're all superheroes in this company. 

EM: Programming code without using my hands, maybe with the mind or something. 

LS: That would be ultra-focus, the ability to disconnect from the surroundings. 

5. Any advice for people interested in becoming engineers? 

MC: Believe in yourself! You have the potential to do more than you think. If you just want to be part of challenging projects, that's great, but isn't it greater to be part of something that impacts the world we live in? I personally think so and this is one of the reasons why I chose to work at Critical. 

EM: The real improvement comes when you step out of your comfort zone – and there are plenty of opportunities to do that at Critical. 

LS: Yes, from my experience, I would like to say it is never too late to do what you love, and perseverance is key. 

Do you feel like unleashing your superpowers and joining a team of superheroes? Check out our current vacancies and join Critical's Titans squad!