Paolo

Why I chose my degree programme

I followed classical studies during high school (Latin, Ancient Greek, Philosophy) and decided I needed a change of direction after that. I needed to dive into something more dynamic. Software engineering was appealing for it’s dynamism, depth and variety and it’s growing importance in the world, and hardware engineering looked like an excellent way to gain more understanding of the underlying systems that would benefit my understanding of software. Besides, the first Iron Man movie was out.

I undertook a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Electronics Engineering and studied the basics of programming and computer systems, but also about mathematical analysis, electronics, transmission lines and circuits.

I chose eventually to do my Master’s degree in software engineering despite my fascination with photonics, because I was captured by the beauty of pure logic and ingenious behind a few lines of well designed software. Also the possibility to apply software engineering skills to an extremely wide range of applications had it’s appeal.

Why I chose Embecosm

As mentioned, I did classical studies in my high school, so probably my passion for languages, grammar rules and semantics is still beating deep down. Compilers represent a unique kind of software that implements the grammar of a language and the analysis of its syntax and semantics. It is also well connected with the hardware world, and a both ancient and dynamic piece of software that harvests multiple disciplines to achieve the best possible code optimizations for different hardware targets and applications.

I had heard about Embecosm as an authority in the field of compiler programming and decided that it would be an excellent opportunity to gain competence in a niche but very well regarded field in software and hardware.

My experience at Embecosm

As part of my work at Embecosm, I develop backends for the LLVM compiler, QEMU emulator optimizations, instruction set emulations and, as required, I design fixes and optimizations across the whole tool chain. My time at Embecosm is also teaching me how to be a manager, both through direct experience and by interacting with different customers with different products and needs.

One of the things I like at Embecosm is the freedom (and the need) to explore new ideas to bring better optimizations and analysis strategies to life. This is achieved by encouraging the employees to dedicate some monthly time to field-related personal project ideas and by being involved with the open source community.

Embecosm has also helped me getting in touch with authorities of the field and being known in the environment.

What I enjoy outside work

I have an appetite for arts and I spend time on several hobbies, like playing the violin, salsa and swing dancing, skiing, cooking and just recently I’m doing some tentative steps into the acting world.

From time to time I still enjoy a gaming session with some old friends from university, or a chilled pint-in-hand Friday evening at my favourite pub by the pier.

I often have an eye also on the latest restaurants coming up in town.