Técnico Alumni is a platform that allows former students of Instituto Superior Técnico to reconnect, relive, and reminisce their time at Técnico through access to a network of contacts with other Alumni. It is within the context of this platform’s activities that this interview with Manuel Torrinha, a former DEI student, originally took place, and is now being republished in full.  

To learn more about Técnico Alumni and join the network, click HERE.

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Manuel Torrinha holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, which he completed in 2017. His professional journey began with a strong connection to academia, dedicating himself to systems management and administration within scientific research groups, mostly focused on astrophysics and gravitation, such as CENTRA. It was in this multidisciplinary environment that he consolidated his knowledge of networks and distributed systems and developed a holistic view of projects, learning to balance technical details with business needs.

In 2020, he made the leap from research to the global industry by joining Cloudflare as a Systems Engineer. He currently holds a leadership role as an Engineering Manager, heading a team responsible for development tools, automation, and the reliability of critical services. Considering the transition from a technical career to management as his most challenging professional decision, Manuel now finds his greatest motivation not only in the technological success of projects but in ensuring the success and growth of the people and teams he leads.

• Why Técnico?

At the time, I saw IST as one of the most important hubs for engineering and research at the national level, a view I still hold today. Additionally, since I lived along the Sintra line, it made sense because the Taguspark campus was nearby, and it meant saving on rent. If I remember correctly, I had four IST programs as my top four choices when I applied.

• What do you value most from your time at Técnico, in class or outside it?

More than the subject matter itself, I certainly value the way we came together to study and learn beyond what was taught. Whether in the Taguspark laboratories, in the RNL basement waiting for security to open the door every hour, or in the “Aquario” in Civil Engineering. Learning how to learn was certainly the most valuable lesson I took from Técnico.

• At Técnico, did you have any inspiring figures? Who and why?

One of the hardest questions to answer, yet one that brings back the best memories. I had several, from Professor Rogowski (Mechanics and Waves), for his kind and thoughtful method of teaching Physics to engineers; Professor Luísa Coheur (Logic for Programming), for her data structuring methods and her ability to recognize any student and remember their name even years later; Professors Ricardo Chaves and Luís Veiga, for motivating us to explore and embrace the toughest challenges without fear; and Professor Pedro Bettencourt de Melo Mendes, who sparked my interest in management.

Outside my program, Professor Ana Mourão, for her commitment and dedication to science, as well as Professor Vitor Cardoso for his demonstration of perseverance.

• What is your best memory from Técnico?

Certainly the years I collaborated with CENTRA, the Multidisciplinary Center for Astrophysics and Gravitation. I learned a great deal through collaboration on different projects indirectly related to my field of training. It definitely gave me the ability to look at projects holistically, not focusing solely on technical details but considering the entire business context. I had the privilege of interacting closely with people from all over the world, some of whom I still keep in touch with today.

• Tell us a bit about the work you are currently developing.

At the moment, I am leading part of a team at Cloudflare whose mission is to support and accelerate the company’s entire software development lifecycle through tools, services, and automation. More specifically, the team is responsible for the reliability, resilience, and high availability of these services and automations. Some of the services include the code management system, the continuous integration agent, and artifact repositories. Our clients are all the company’s software engineers, as well as some executives.

• What was the most difficult decision you have ever had to make?

Professionally speaking, certainly changing my career path, from Senior Engineer to Engineering Manager. Although it is very rewarding, it requires a completely different set of skills. I observed the various signs around me and, as I was already successfully progressing toward a leadership position as an individual contributor, a window of opportunity appeared that I decided to seize. I feel it was the right decision; more than seeing projects successfully completed, I enjoy seeing, and contributing to, the success of the people around me.

• What have been the major challenges of your career?

With a strictly technical start to one’s career, it can be difficult to understand the broader business implications of certain technical decisions. As I became more senior and gained more experience, I had the privilege of being close to decision-making, acting as an advisor. Constantly learning, researching, and understanding the world around me and how the business I was part of operated, I gradually acquired the tools needed to move closer to a leadership role.

• What advice would you give current students?

Stay curious and always willing to learn.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe Técnico Alumni?

Ready for whatever comes.

• Do you have a favorite quote or phrase?

If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

(original image: Manuel Torrinha)