Jorge Varandas' Blueprint as a System Architect

Diversity, innovation, and excellence intertwine in the DNA of Mercedes-Benz.io. Join us as we embark on a journey to showcase the vibrant tapestry of our tribe. Through "no Blueprint for Excellence", we celebrate some of the unique paths and stories of our MB.ioneers andwhat is their blueprint — or, being a tech company, their motherboard. 😉

Check out the complete video series available on our YouTube channel!

Jorge Varandas, a System Architect at Mercedes-Benz.io, believes excellence rests in three pillars: attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and resilience. His journey has been anything but linear, but each step has reinforced his passion for innovation and teamwork.

A Tech Pivot

Jorge’s professional journey began far from the tech world. While studying Biology at university, he realised teaching wasn’t his calling. “Around my third year, I figured I didn’t want to spend my whole life as a teacher,” he shares.

Seeking a different path, he left college and pursued technical engineering, enrolling in a web design course. It was there that Jorge got his first break. “A classmate reached out about a junior Flash developer position. I barely remembered Flash from the course, but I said yes.” That leap led to 13 years at a creative agency, where he refined his skills and found his passion for interactive experiences.

Finding Purpose at Mercedes-Benz.io

In 2015, Jorge joined Mercedes-Benz.io after an internal referral. “I was the kid at home always building computers,” he says. Despite familial expectations to pursue a career in medicine, Jorge found his true calling in creating digital tools that connect with people. A highlight of his career has been building and mentoring a team.

We started with fresh graduates, some super junior. Seeing them grow, and even having some leave and return, has been my happy place at Mercedes-Benz.io. It’s all about the people.

Cultivating a Collaborative Culture

For Jorge, the people and culture at Mercedes-Benz.io are inseparable.

We’ve worked hard to foster an environment where the right people thrive. Some may leave if they don’t align with our values, but those who stay truly gel with the company’s culture.

This culture of collaboration is central to Jorge’s role as a Systems Architect. He thrives on providing technical expertise and helping stakeholders make informed decisions. “It’s about crafting the best possible solution for any problem, even if it’s not ideal.”

Transparency and honesty are his guiding principles. _“I’m all for openness — no behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. Transparency builds trust,”- he emphasises.

Balancing Work and Home

Outside work, Jorge finds joy in simple traditions and family connections. His heritage is rich with culinary memories, from his grandmother’s homemade gin to his father’s love for fava beans. “Coriander is divisive, but I’m on the love side,” he says with a laugh.

Jorge’s family-oriented mindset extends to Mercedes-Benz.io, where he strives to create a supportive environment for his team.

Interacting with people is what motivates me. Building relationships is key to making this a great place to work.

Jorge’s Blueprint

Jorge’s blueprint for excellence combines technical mastery, collaboration, and a dedication to transparency. By nurturing his team and maintaining a problem-solving mindset, he continues to leave his mark on Mercedes-Benz.io.

Join the Journey of Excellence

Thank you for reading about this episode of no Blueprint for Excellence. Each story shared here is a glimpse into the mindset and dedication that drive our Mercedes-Benz.ioneers to innovate, create, and excel. If you're inspired by these journeys, we invite you to explore the full video series on our YouTube channel, where we bring these conversations to life with the people behind the stories.

Stay connected, stay inspired, and continue the journey with us!