A Journey Driven by Curiosity

From advancing high-speed connectivity to mentoring the next generation of engineers, Pedro Toledo’s career has been shaped by curiosity, collaboration and a drive to keep learning.

Originally from Brazil and now based in Portugal, Pedro is a staff engineer in Analog Design at Synopsys, specializing in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design, high-speed interfaces, and advanced semiconductor technologies. With a Ph.D. in Microelectronics and five years at Synopsys, his journey has spanned research, integrated circuit development, academia and international collaboration.

Pedro Toledo | Staff Engineer, Analog Design

How I’d Explain My Job to a Kindergartener

Imagine having a giant box of Lego blocks. Each one may not do much on its own, but when you put them together in the right way, you can build something amazing, like a race car, robot or spaceship.

My job is a little like that. I help design tiny electronic “Lego blocks” that go inside computers, phones and other devices. Together with other engineers, we figure out how the pieces should fit and communicate with one another. We test them, improve them and make sure everything works as it should.

You could say I’m a Lego builder for tiny electronic chips, helping create the hidden technology behind the devices people use every day.

Why I Choose Synopsys

I joined Synopsys for the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in a global environment where I could combine technical challenges with continuous learning, collaboration and mentorship.

What continues to make the experience meaningful is the opportunity to keep growing while working alongside talented people and contributing to technologies that can have real-world impact.

The People Behind the Technology

Working at the cutting edge of technology means navigating ambitious challenges and tight deadlines. What makes those moments rewarding is the team behind the technology.

One of my biggest career lessons has been that ambitious goals are rarely achieved alone. Collaboration, trust and recognizing the different strengths people bring to a team can make all the difference.

Even during our busiest moments, it is important to pause, recognize our successes and appreciate the journey we share together.

My team celebrating the moments that make the journey worthwhile.

From R&D to Real-World Impact

One milestone I’m particularly proud of is contributing to the development of our USB4 technology , which evolved from an advanced R&D effort into a successful product line.

Seeing an innovative idea progress from concept to a commercial product has been incredibly rewarding. It reminds me of what engineering can achieve when innovation, persistence and teamwork come together.

Leadership That Makes a Difference

Having a great manager makes a meaningful difference, both during successes and through challenging moments.

I deeply value thoughtful and inspiring leadership and the sense of support that comes from being part of a strong team. It creates an environment where people can navigate challenges together, learn from one another, and celebrate what they achieve.

Appreciating the leadership that helps my team thrive.

Learning, Sharing and Growing

What has helped me grow most at Synopsys is combining strong engineering fundamentals with continuous learning and collaboration.

Technology evolves quickly, and I’ve learned to embrace modern tools, including AI, to explore ideas and learn faster while maintaining critical thinking and technical rigor.

I also value opportunities to learn from specialists in our field and collaborate with people who bring different areas of expertise. Sharing knowledge through technical presentations, publications, mentoring and conferences has created new opportunities for feedback, learning and growth.

For me, growth isn’t only about what you learn. It’s also about what you share.

Learning and growing through shared knowledge.

Giving Back Through Mentorship

Mentoring master’s students has been one of the rewarding ways I’ve been able to share knowledge while continuing to learn myself.

Teaching creates a two-way learning experience. As we help the next generation of engineers develop their skills, they bring fresh perspectives and questions that encourage us to keep developing too.

It’s an opportunity I’m grateful for and one that reflects my belief in continuous learning and sharing knowledge with others.

Mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Staying Connected

I value having opportunities to connect directly with senior leaders across Synopsys.

These conversations provide a broader perspective on the company’s priorities and future direction while giving employees opportunities to ask questions and exchange perspectives. They also help me better understand how the work we do every day connects to the bigger picture.

Connecting, exchanging perspectives and seeing the bigger picture.

My Advice to New Joiners

Build a strong foundation and never stop learning. Technology changes quickly, but fundamental knowledge remains valuable throughout your career.

Embrace new tools while maintaining critical thinking and technical rigor. Share your ideas, collaborate beyond your immediate team, and make your work visible so that others can learn from it.

Most importantly, choose a goal that genuinely matters to you and commit to it. Passion, persistence and collaboration can make a meaningful difference in both your own growth and your team’s success.

“Great work creates even greater impact when others can learn from it.”

Proud to celebrate a great workplace in Portugal.

Beyond Engineering

Outside of work, family is an important part of my life. I enjoy spending time with my wife and our three kids, creating memories and sharing new experiences together.

I’m also a big fan of mixed martial arts (MMA) and soccer, and my curiosity extends beyond engineering. Whether I’m exploring emerging technologies, reading about science and engineering, or discovering a completely new idea, I’m always looking for something new to learn.

Curiosity has always been an important part of who I am, both as an engineer and beyond.