“Returning to the defence sector was, and has been, a very enjoyable experience”

Estefânia Gameiro on procurement, technical expertise and finding her way back to defence

In an industry where timing, quality and cost all have to align perfectly, procurement teams are often the quiet force keeping programmes on track. At EID, the Contracting and Procurement team plays exactly that role bridging engineering needs, supplier relationships and the realities of delivering complex technology to demanding clients. Since 2024, Estefânia has been part of that team, bringing with her a technical background in Materials Engineering and prior experience in the aeronautical sector.

“I started my professional path in a defence sector company, and it has always been an area that interested me greatly. Coming back to the defence sector has been, and continues to be, a very pleasant experience.”

Procurement might not always be associated with engineering, but for Estefânia, her academic background plays a direct role in how she approaches her day-to-day work. Holding a degree in Materials Engineering from FCT NOVA, she explains that this technical foundation helps her understand, in depth, what exactly she is purchasing – not just the commercial terms, but the substance behind them.

“My academic background helps me understand more deeply what I am buying, not only on the technical side. My university also invests heavily in soft skills, which has helped me adapt to all kinds of challenges in my day-to-day work.”

Her early career in the aeronautical sector reinforced that foundation, introducing her to strict, highly organised procedures from the start.

“Starting my career in the aeronautical field helped me build my path around strict, organised procedures always giving, and demanding, the maximum.”

Learning to adapt across different contexts

Beyond her technical training, Estefânia’s career has also taken her abroad, including a period working in Brazil, an experience that shaped how she approaches new contexts and challenges.

“Having lived in Brazil gave me the opportunity to see and experience completely different situations.”

That adaptability has become a defining trait in how she navigates the demands of procurement, an area where flexibility and problem-solving are tested daily.

Although it often works behind the scenes, the Contracting and Procurement team has a direct influence on whether programmes succeed and whether clients receive what they were promised, on time and to the right standard.

“Procurement is one of the most important areas for the success of any project. It’s the area that negotiates the best prices and ensures that all materials and services are delivered on time and with quality, among other things.”

For Estefânia, that responsibility is part of what makes the role meaningful: every contract negotiated and every supplier relationship managed has a direct line to the technology EID ultimately delivers to its customers.

During the pandemic, while many professional plans were put on hold, Estefânia chose to invest in herself: completing pedagogical training to become a certified trainer.

“That training had a positive impact on my personal and professional development, strengthening communication, leadership and group management skills.”

It’s a choice that reflects a broader pattern in her career: technical expertise paired with a continuous investment in the human side of the job, communication, adaptability, and the ability to lead and collaborate across teams.