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What starts as a “just a 2 AM personal project” on a laptop screen can take an engineer further than they ever imagined. For Carlos Macedo, a Senior Financial Software Engineer at Exadel Brazil, that late-night curiosity was the spark that ignited a career spanning complex financial systems and global collaboration.
We sat down with Carlos to discuss his path to engineering, why "perfection" is a developer's trap, and how he found a culture where his voice truly carries weight.
Curiosity That Builds Careers
What first pulled you into tech? Was it curiosity, necessity, or something accidental?
Pure curiosity, ever since I was a kid. I was fascinated by how things worked behind the scenes, from a simple website to a video game. That feeling of "wait, I can actually build this" hooked me, and I never looked back.
What did your path into the industry look like - was it traditional, self-taught, or somewhere in between?
Definitely a mix. I went through formal education, sure, but I learned just as much, if not more, by breaking things on my own, reading docs late at night, and struggling through personal projects at 2 AM. School gave me the foundation, but curiosity did the heavy lifting.
Was there a specific 'turning point' or a mentor who completely shifted your perspective on what it means to be an engineer?"
Yes, an early mentor of mine. He showed me that being a great engineer isn't just about clean code. It's about solving real problems for real people. That shift in perspective changed everything for me.
The path in tech is rarely linear. What has been one of your most challenging professional moments, and how did you navigate it?
Once, a project went sideways right before delivery. Massive pressure, a tired team, shifting scope. What saved us was stepping back, being honest about what was realistic, and reorganizing priorities as a team. The fix wasn't technical; it was communication.
Engineering Craft, Habits & Mindset
What helps you stay productive without burning out?
Clear routines, real breaks, and knowing when to close the laptop. I use a loose Pomodoro approach and try hard not to blur the line between work and rest.
What’s one skill that has made the biggest difference in your growth in tech?
I know it sounds cliché, but being able to explain a technical idea simply, receive feedback gracefully, and say "I don't know" honestly, that's moved my career forward more than any framework ever did.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about as an engineer?
I used to think perfect code was the goal. Now I know that good code is code that solves the problem, is readable, and easy to maintain. Perfection is the enemy of shipping.
How do you stay up to date with AI and emerging technologies without feeling overwhelmed?
I filter aggressively. A few trusted sources, curated newsletters, and I focus on what has a practical impact on my day-to-day. You don't need to know everything; you just need to know what matters.
What song is on repeat during your most productive coding sessions?
When I need an extra boost, some heavier electronic or rock does the trick.
Global Impact: Advice for LATAM Engineers
What advice would you give to engineers in LATAM who want to work on global teams?
"Invest in your English, yes, but invest even more in soft skills and in making your work visible. The technical talent in LATAM is excellent. What sets people apart is the ability to communicate, be proactive, and not be afraid to speak up."
Many developers worry about time zone burnout. How does your team structure help?
"Team structure makes all the difference. Meetings at reasonable hours, strong async communication, and genuine respect for everyone's schedule. When the team gets that right, everything flows."
Life at Exadel
What does your typical workday look like, and what do you enjoy most?
I start by checking priorities, spend most of the day coding or pair programming, and wrap up with quick syncs. The part I enjoy most? That moment when a complex solution finally clicks, there's nothing like it.
How does the engineering culture here differ from other places you’ve worked?
There's a genuine respect for each person's technical opinion. It's not "just do what you're told", it's "what do you think? How can we make this better?" That changes everything.
When did you first feel like “I belong here”?
When I made a suggestion in a meeting, and the team didn't just listen, they actually ran with it. It may sound small, but feeling that your voice carries weight is what makes a place feel like home.
Can you describe the Exadel experience in three words?
Collaboration, growth, and trust.
Carlos’s journey started with curiosity and a few late nights. Today, he’s part of a global team solving real-world challenges.
If you’re an engineer in LATAM looking to grow, collaborate, and make your work matter, there’s a place for you here.
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