Connector Spotlight: Rodrigo Silva

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It doesn’t take much to make Rodrigo Silva, Android Software Engineer here at Connected, happy. Good friends, cold beer and plenty of laughter, this laidback Brazillian ex-pat prefers the simple things in life; which means when he’s not learning Android from the inside out, you’ll likely find him sprawled on a comfy couch, contemplating the most fitting mantra for the moment. 

Tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on?

In the universe of Software Engineering, I’m currently working on Project Chili Pepper. And if it sounds a little spicy, that’s because it is. The project is about creating a retail experience for a mobile device for a big tech company. We’re building the face of the product that will be consumed in stores, meaning the experience needs to be effective, fun, informative and fool-proof.

Another project I work on internally and love is participating in the organization and planning of our Google Dev Weekly Meetings. We have Cross Project Code Reviews, Professional Development Meetings, Android Library Discussions and so on. We value the opportunity to be teachers and learners, so being able to contribute to the development of my fellow colleagues is a great pleasure and an experience I’ll carry with me always. 

What’s the most interesting challenge about the project?

Talking about Project Chili Pepper, the main challenge is that the device is not in production. To make the launch flawless, we need to work hard, be attentive to details, communicate well with the countless other teams on the client and be ready to make quick adjustments when things change, and they do – a lot. Additionally, tackling tasks in AOSP (Android Open Source Project) is a big challenge and a great learning opportunity. Understanding how Android works from the inside out is amazing.

Where did you work before Connected?

I’ve been around for a while, but most recently, I worked on Rose Rocket; simply the best Transportation Management Software you can get. I was a lone warrior back then, and I had the big task of rebuilding the Android Application used by Truck Drivers. Looking back now, I understand how important Rose Rocket was for the direction of my career and, really, my life. I was still an international student, and they offered me my first Software Engineer job in Canada. They trusted me with a big task and I like to think that I delivered it well.

What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?

My previous answer gives a bit of a hint. At Rose Rocket, I was still inexperienced as a software engineer in Canada. I had a lot of responsibilities, like gathering requirements with the Product Team about a universe I had no idea about, trucking; plus, I also contributed to the Design Team with feedback and ideation meetings. As such, my biggest achievement so far is that single Android Application that is still being used and evolved at Rose Rocket.

Do you have a mantra you live by?

Not really. I try to be prepared for everything in life, but I know that’s impossible, and I guess I just accept it. So I just live by having one ad hoc mantra at a time, depending on the situation. It hasn’t failed me yet. 

What do you love to do outside of work?

Good friends, cold beer, tasty food, and most important – lots of laughter.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what album, movie, and book would you take with you?

Album – That would be from a Brazilian hardcore band called CPM 22, and it’s not exactly an album, but the recording of their live concert in 2015. It just never gets old, and I know all the song’s lyrics, so I can’t ever get bored of it.

Movie – Cast Away, for obvious reasons

Book – The Seven, by Andre Vianco, one of the best Brazilian horror book writers. Maybe it would not be a good idea since I would be alone in the dark, but well… If I get terrified I can just crank up the volume of CPM 22 Live concert and forget about it.

Describe yourself in three words. 

Chill, sincere and jocular (I learned that last one from Ramiz Khan)

And finally, what’s your favourite product and why? 

A sofa. This comfortable piece of furniture is where I spend hours watching great movies and series, playing video games, playing with my dog, having amazing moments with my friends and also taking awfully satisfying naps.