When Tomislav reached out for an opportunity at Verhaert On-site Consulting, Maurício didn’t hesitate. He made the move from Portugal in early 2024 and is now working as an Equipment and Product Engineer at Volvo Car Ghent. With hands-on experience in robotics, renewable energy, and automotive projects, he’s no stranger to complex challenges. At Volvo, he’s channeling that expertise into engineering solutions that keep production running smoothly and efficiently.
What does your typical day at Volvo look like?
At Volvo, my role as an equipment engineer centers around managing the machines that transport the car bodies throughout the welding factory, both for current lines and upcoming production. With around 600 to 700 robots welding continuously, timing and precision are everything. I coordinate closely with a wide range of stakeholders, like building engineers, shop engineers, production engineers and logistics, as well as contractors and safety coordinators, to ensure that every part of the transportation process is perfectly aligned with other teams operating in the same space.
At the beginning of the project, we evaluate all the components of the machines (like gears, bearings and belts) based on Volvo’s general standards. However, we also rely heavily on insights from maintenance and production teams. This collaborative approach ensures the machines are not only compliant but also optimized for performance and longevity. It’s a dynamic role that blends technical precision with cross-functional teamwork, and no two days are ever the same.
What do you like most about working at Volvo?
What I enjoy a lot is the level of responsibility and trust I’ve been given. I started with smaller tasks, proved I could handle them, and gradually took on more, at one point even overseeing everything from steel and concrete to transportation while my manager was away. It’s rewarding to know you’re playing a big role in making the production line run smoothly in a company like Volvo. Especially during the collective holidays, when we rush to build and rearrange equipment for the continuous production lines. It’s intense but incredibly rewarding when everything runs on time. It’s that feeling of ownership and appreciation that really makes the job fulfilling.
What’s a new skill you’ve acquired in the last year?
Over the past year, I’ve really developed my planning and organizational skills. It’s essential that I think about the full process and make sure everything is aligned across teams, so that means talking with everyone involved and adapting along the way. I’ve also become more versatile, especially when it comes to checking technical details with the stakeholders.
What motivated you to move from Portugal to work abroad?
After four years designing custom machines in a single field, I started to feel quite constrained and wanted to broaden my experience. In Portugal, consultancy isn’t very common, so when Tomislav reached out with an opportunity at Verhaert On-site Consulting, it felt like the right time to make a change. Our first talks made me feel reassured that this was a company that would help me grow professionally in a more dynamic, varied environment. Because as an on-site consultant, I can work at different companies, gain experience in different fields, without changing the company I work for.
Did you have any hesitations about relocating or starting this new job?
To be honest, when Tomislav called, I had already been thinking about moving abroad, I just hadn’t found the right opportunity yet. So the decision to relocate wasn’t too difficult. I was a bit concerned about organizing housing remotely, but Pascal helped me connect with a reliable source. He also supported me with a lot of practical things, even finding the right bank and where to get groceries. What really has stood out since I started working here is how much effort the company puts into supporting its consultants and creating a sense of community, especially in a consultancy setting.