João Sousa Silva
Vila Nova de Gaia
Summary
Experienced project manager and robotics specialist with a strong foundation in digitalization, Industry 4.0, and automation. Proven success in driving complex, cross-functional projects from concept to execution within the automotive, manufacturing, and research sectors. Skilled in stakeholder management, process optimization, and team leadership, with a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency through innovative technology solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Invited Assistant Professor
University of Aveiro
03.2022 - Current
- Teach Programming Techniques using C# for Automation, Robotics, and Industrial Informatics students, focusing on algorithmic principles
- Deliver Algorithms and Programming classes in Python, covering core programming concepts for the Software Development course
Digitalization Consultant
KIRCHHOFF Automotive
11.2021 - Current
- Digital Transformation: Lead digitalization projects across KIRCHHOFF's global operations, focusing on Industry 4.0 to modernize manufacturing processes and improve data analytics
- Project and Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with international teams to implement projects that optimize productivity and align with corporate goals; facilitate change management and strategic alignment across departments
Product Manager
iLoF - Intelligent Lab on Fiber
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Managed product development and lifecycle, coordinating with engineering, design, and production teams to enhance functionality based on market needs
- User-Centric UI/UX: Applied Design Thinking to optimize the UI/UX for a health-tech platform, improving user engagement and product adoption
Project Manager
SARKKIS Robotics
01.2017 - 03.2021
- Project Lifecycle Management: Managed robotics projects overseeing planning, budgeting, and execution to meet timelines and client expectations
- Process Optimization: Standardized project workflows, enhancing productivity and quality; implemented risk management strategies to complete projects on time and within budget
- Stakeholder Engagement: Managed relationships with customers, vendors, and technical teams, ensuring alignment on technical and business objectives
Robotics and Automation Engineer
SARKKIS Robotics
04.2013 - 12.2016
- Robotic System Development: Developed and deployed CAD/CAM and human-machine interface applications, optimizing robotic systems for industrial automation
Researcher
INESC TEC
09.2012 - 03.2013
- Programming by Demonstration (PbD): Conducted research on PbD for industrial robotics, focusing on path planning and automation in collaboration with the PRODUTECH PTI project
Education
Executive Master - Digital Transformation
Porto Businness School
Postgraduate - Project Management
Porto Business School
01.2020
Master’s Degree - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Robotics Systems
Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto
01.2012
Skills
- Industrial robotics
- Path planning
- Human-machine cooperation
- IoT
- UI/UX
- Industrial safety systems
- Project lifecycle management
- Stakeholder management
- Risk management
- Budgeting
- Process optimization
- Microsoft NET (C#)
- WPF
- Python
- C
- PLC programming
Websites
Additionalinformation
Microsoft Visual Studio, Codesys, Matlab, LabView, TwinCAT, Yaskawa, Fanuc, ABB, Comau, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, German language, “Start Deutsch 1”, Lancaster College, 09/01/11 - 06/30/12
Publications
- Silva, J., Costa, P., Lima, J., Manipulator Path Planning for Pick-and-Place Operations Using A
- Algorithm, Robotics in Smart Manufacturing, Springer, 2013
- Amaral, M., Vale, F., Silva, J., Caramelo, F., Veiga, G., Evaluation of In Vitro Zinc-Air Battery for Intraoral Devices, Journal of Medical Devices, 2014
- Malaca, P., Rocha, L. F., Gomes, D., Silva, J., Veiga, G., Automated Fabric Texture Classification Using Machine Learning for the Automotive Industry, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 2016
Projects
SMErobotics (FP7), Development of cooperative robotic systems for assembly in metal structures manufacturing, 01/01/14 - 12/31/16 CoopWeld (P2020), Integration of cooperative robotics in metal structure assembly and welding operations, 01/01/16 - 12/31/17 ScalABLE4.0 (H2020), Optimized production lines through human-machine collaboration in robotics, 01/01/17 - 12/31/19 PRODUTECH - SIF (P2020), Advanced production systems to prepare industries for Industry 4.0, 01/01/17 - 12/31/21
Supervisionexperience
- Mentored final-year students in Automation, Robotics, and Industrial Informatics at the University of Aveiro, providing guidance in project development and technical skills.
- Advised Master’s students on robotics-related projects, including the development of collaborative robotic systems for welding, enhancing both theoretical and practical competencies.
Languages
Portuguese
Native language
English
Upper intermediate
B2
Spanish
Elementary
A2
Timeline
Invited Assistant Professor
University of Aveiro
03.2022 - Current
Digitalization Consultant
KIRCHHOFF Automotive
11.2021 - Current
Product Manager
iLoF - Intelligent Lab on Fiber
04.2021 - 10.2021
Project Manager
SARKKIS Robotics
01.2017 - 03.2021
Robotics and Automation Engineer
SARKKIS Robotics
04.2013 - 12.2016
Researcher
INESC TEC
09.2012 - 03.2013
Master’s Degree - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Robotics Systems
Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto
Executive Master - Digital Transformation
Porto Businness School
Postgraduate - Project Management
Porto Business School
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