Joseph Pinto in Turin to present his Aeronautical Engineering paper at Ceasaidaa2025
We caught up with Joseph, who studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Staffordshire, graduating with a First-Class Honours BEng and a Distinction in his Aeronautical Engineering MSc.
Originally from Goa, India, Joseph is now working as a CAD Engineer in Greater Manchester for The Alternative Steel Company, part of the Amari Metals Engineering Group. We spoke to him about his journey through the course, how it shaped his career, and what he's most proud of since graduating.
Hi Joseph, could you describe a little about what your current role entails?
In my current role as a CAD Engineer, I use 3D CAD software to create models, technical drawings, and production documentation. I work closely with different teams to ensure designs are efficient, functional, and suitable for manufacture. My responsibilities include producing 3D models, manufacturing drawings, customer drawings, CAM programming work, prototype support, functional testing, and supporting bills of materials and part numbers.
What was it that made you choose to study Engineering at university?
I decided to study Engineering because I have always been fascinated by how machines work and how they are designed. I enjoy understanding how things are built and solving technical problems, which naturally led me into Engineering.
Did the skills you honed on the course help you stand out to employers?
Yes, the course played a key role in helping me progress into my current role. It gave me a strong foundation in CAD and engineering design and helped me understand how CAD models translate into real manufacturing. The CAD and CAM skills I developed, along with experience using Autodesk software, supported my transition into the industry and helped me stand out during the interview process.
How prepared did you feel stepping into work after graduating?
The course helped me feel well prepared for the industry by giving me practical engineering knowledge. Working with industry-standard tools and processes built my confidence, especially in applying design theory to real manufacturing problems.
One clear example is my use of CAD and CAM skills in my current role working with industrial laser machines. The experience I gained during my studies gave me the confidence and ability to create manufacturable designs and work effectively with production processes.
My journey has been a steady progression from building core engineering knowledge during my degree to applying those skills in a real industrial environment. The course gave me the technical foundation, and I have developed those skills further in my current role as a CAD Engineer.
Other than securing your graduate role, what are you most proud of achieving since graduating?
I am most proud of having the opportunity to present my research paper (MSc) at an international conference. It was a valuable experience to share my work on an international stage. I presented a paper based on my MSc dissertation project, at the CEAS - AiDaa (Council of European Aerospace Societies - Associazione Italiana Di Aeronatica e Astronautica) conference in Turin, Italy in December 2025.
The paper will be published in the conference proceedings sometime this year. The paper looked at finding ways to bring back supersonic aircraft by reducing fuel consumption and noise.
What are your long-term aspirations?
My long-term goal is to become a Chartered Engineer and continue developing my expertise within engineering, particularly in CAD/ CAM and manufacturing-focused work.
Congratulations Joseph and all the best for the future!