About Álvaro Castro Leite - Embedded Software Engineer

👋 Hello, I’m Álvaro Castro Leite

I am an Embedded Software Engineer at Bosch Portugal, specializing in designing and implementing robust software architectures that bridge hardware and software. With over 15 years of passion for electronics, sparked by school robotics clubs, I believe the most impactful systems emerge from technical excellence combined with a collaborative, user-centric approach.

🚀 My Journey

The Early Spark (2008 – 2014)

My engineering path began at school robotics clubs. By 2012, I was already competing internationally, winning the Super Team OnStage Competition at RoboCup Mexico. This early exposure solidified my passion for technology and teamwork.

Academic Leadership & Research (2014 – 2021)

At the University of Minho, I earned my Master of Engineering, graduating with high honors in critical subjects like Real-Time Systems and Microprocessor Architectures. Beyond the classroom, I:

  • Served as a Researcher at Centro ALGORITMI, focusing on FPGA-based hardware accelerators.
  • Founded NEEEICUM (Student Body) and served as President, coordinating major events like the Electronics Engineering Week.

Professional Evolution (2021 – Present)

Since joining Bosch Portugal, I have grown from an intern to a core Embedded Software Engineer. I currently specialize in Software Architecture for Safety-Critical Software for Steering Angle Sensors, ensuring robust and maintainable designs. I also act as a Scrum Master and mentor Master’s thesis students, fostering a culture of Clean Code and engineering excellence.

🛠️ Technical Skills

I specialize in building reliable, high-performance embedded systems using modern tools and methodologies:

  • Languages: C, C++, Python, Assembly, VHDL/Verilog, LaTeX
  • Microcontrollers: ARM Cortex-M (STM32, NXP), ESP32, AVR
  • Tools: Git, GitHub, Docker, Jira, VS Code, Linux (Power User)
  • Concepts: Software Architecture, Functional Safety (ISO 26262), RTOS, CI/CD, Agile/Scrum, Clean Code

🎓 Certifications

  • Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) (2025)
    • Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework, Scrum Master accountabilities, and how to apply Scrum effectively.
  • BOSCH Certified Clean Coder (2025)
    • Ensures the ability to write high-quality, maintainable code, reducing technical debt and improving collaboration.
  • iSAQB Certified Professional for Software Architecture - Foundation Level (2024)
    • Conveys the ability to design, document, assure, and evaluate software architecture, and knowledge of necessary tools for various systems.

🎤 Speaking & Teaching

Sharing knowledge is a core part of my professional life. I have delivered technical workshops to engineering students on:

  • STM32 Microcontrollers: Covering GPIO, UART, Interrupts, DMA, and RTOS.
  • C/C++ Programming: Focusing on performance, data structures, and memory management.
  • Teaching Old Code New Tricks: Presented a real-life case where I worked on updating an old codebase to have newish software development techniques and methodologies.

✨ Featured Projects

Throughout my academic and professional career, I’ve built systems that blend creativity with engineering rigor.

Academic projects:

  • TIAM (Tiny Interactive Arcade Machine): an innovative console using sensor-equipped balls for control, powered by a Raspberry Pi and STM32.
  • VCOMIC (Voice Command Multi-Information Clock): a smart clock with voice assistants, cloud connectivity, and sensor integration running on FreeRTOS.
  • Hoffman Compressor: C++ file compressor using the Huffman Algorithm
  • FPGA Accelerators: designed hardware accelerators for Machine Learning inference and Road Condition Sensing using Xilinx FPGAs.

For a complete list of my recent work, visit the Projects section.

👥 My Approach

I navigate the engineering landscape by balancing Agile adaptability with the strict rigor required for Safety-Critical Systems.

  • 🛡️ Safety by Design: In Embedded Software, reliability is non-negotiable. I can deal from day one with architectural drives like robustness, maintainability, extendability, safety & security, and performance.
  • 🔄 Iterative Excellence: I apply Agile methodologies to break down complex problems, enabling rapid feedback loops that reduce risk and ensure alignment with stakeholder goals.
  • 🏗️ Sustainable Architecture: I believe in building systems that last. By adhering to Clean Code and robust architectural patterns, I ensure that speed never comes at the cost of maintainability or safety.

🎯 My Goals

I am driven to bridge the gap between complex embedded constraints and modern software development practices. My professional roadmap includes:

  • Deepening Expertise: Mastering advanced topics in Software Architecture for safety-critical domains.
  • Modernizing Embedded: Bringing DevOps culture and modern tooling to embedded workflows to accelerate innovation.
  • Mentorship: helping the next generation of engineers navigate the challenges of the embedded world.

🎲 My Hobbies

Outside of engineering, I enjoy:

  • 🖥️ Home Lab & Self-hosting
  • 📚 Reading
  • ✒️ Writing
  • 📈 Investing
  • 🥾 Hiking
  • 🏎️ Formula 1

🤝 Let’s Connect

I thrive on collaboration and engaging with fellow professionals. Whether you’re interested in discussing cutting-edge embedded software architecture, functional safety, or exploring new opportunities, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to exchanging insights!