João is available for hire
Hire JoãoJoão Filgueiras
Verified Expert in Engineering
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Developer
Location
Porto, Portugal
Toptal Member Since
July 8, 2014
João is an accomplished researcher, AI expert, and data scientist with a special talent for breaking down large problems into solvable pieces. His background both in R&D and the industry gives him the edge in implementing state-of-the-art solutions while keeping practicality in mind.
Portfolio
AI-Penguin
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning, Machine Learning...
infraPLAN, LLC
React, JavaScript, Ruby, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Flask, Jupyter...
Vexxit
Python, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Algorithms, Pandas...
Experience
Availability
Full-time
Preferred Environment
Jupyter, Git, Linux, Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
The most amazing...
...thing I've coded lately is a generative AI model to aid in the ideation of new concepts for sportswear.
Work Experience
Lead AI Engineer
2023 - PRESENT
AI-Penguin
- Led a small team of experts working on generative AI, data science, and other deep learning projects.
- Developed state-of-the-art deep learning generative models in the context of fluid dynamics.
- Built natural language processing models to extract meaningful information from unconventional data.
- Explored practical applications of state-of-the-art large language models such as ChatGPT in different domains ranging from law to programming.
Technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Python, Data Science, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs)
Senior Data Scientist
2020 - 2022
infraPLAN, LLC
- Developed a module for ranking and predicting water main failures for a leading utility consultant firm in the US. The module uses a specialized deep-learning model that outperforms industry-standard classical statistics models.
- Developed other supporting machine learning models to improve data cleaning and other data-related operations.
- Integrated the module with an existing web platform based on Ruby on Rails with a React front end. Added additional functionality to the platform to support this integration.
Technologies: React, JavaScript, Ruby, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Flask, Jupyter, Seaborn, Pandas, Python
Tech Lead
2020 - 2021
Vexxit
- Conceptualized and developed an AI matching algorithm to suggest professionals, such as accountants and lawyers, to clients with specific needs.
- Created the matching algorithm using machine learning and natural language processing to understand and compare information from profiles and requests.
- Designed the system with continuous updates and extensibility in mind. It has since been improved and tweaked with minimal effort.
Technologies: Python, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Algorithms, Pandas, Natural Language Processing (NLP), APIs, REST, REST APIs
Invited Assistant Professor
2019 - 2020
University of Porto
- Co-lectured a course on Algorithm Analysis and Design for second-year undergrad students.
- Prepared exam exercises and questions and then graded the final exams.
- Supervised practical classes and graded practical projects.
Technologies: Algorithms
AI Researcher
2019 - 2020
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Laboratory – University of Porto
- Worked on a public interest project with the aim to modernize and optimize government agencies using AI and data science.
- Used NLP techniques to extract useful information from unstructured text.
- Explored a large and complex public service dataset.
- Worked on classification problems using machine learning techniques.
Technologies: Machine Learning, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), GPT, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Jupyter, Pandas, Python, Deep Learning
Senior Software Engineer
2018 - 2019
Undisclosed Fintech Company
- Implemented automated trading strategies for cryptocurrency markets.
- Designed the system architecture to ensure stability and fault tolerance.
- Implemented custom data visualization pieces to support complex trading data analyses.
Technologies: Highcharts, React, Node.js, JavaScript
Technical Screener for AI and Data Science
2018 - 2019
Toptal, LLC
- Interviewed potential AI and data science experts looking to join the Toptal network.
- Mentored and trained other AI and data science screeners.
- Contributed to the creation of the screening process and continuously refined it.
Technologies: Tools
Director of Engineering
2017 - 2018
Toptal, LLC
- Performed a key operational role within the company, as part of a team, by understanding client requirements and matching them with the best talent in the network.
- Helped shape and improve the operational processes of the company.
- Co-developed and tested new screening processes and development specializations to ensure the highest standards of talent quality in new areas.
- Managed several accounts for SMB and enterprise clients all over the world.
- Supported and advised talent working with clients.
Technologies: Tools
Lead Web Developer
2016 - 2017
ThinkProcess
- Implemented a web-based business process management system that allows management, visualization, and reporting of business processes and supporting documents.
- Developed the front end using ECMAScript (ES6) and Vue 2 focusing on component re-usability.
- Used Node.js and MongoDB to serve complex data models, including tree structures.
Technologies: MongoDB, Node.js, Vue, JavaScript
Technical Screener
2015 - 2017
Toptal, LLC
- Interviewed hundreds of applicants looking to join the Toptal network and ensured their technical skills, work ethic, and communication skills met Toptal's standards.
- Mentored and trained many other technical screeners.
- Contributed to the refinement and improvement of Toptal's industry-recognized screening process.
Technologies: Tools
Full-stack Developer | Data Scientist
2014 - 2017
Agri-Esprit, SA
- Developed multiple front-end pages using JavaScript with the Maria MVC framework.
- Implemented a framework for building complex agronomic models to evaluate crop status and recommend suitable actions.
- Evaluated a big data storage and data mining tool to work with massive collections of data in the domain of large-scale agriculture.
- Implemented a framework for web front-end testing using CasperJS, specific to the company's software product.
- Worked on data visualizations and a process management editor using the BPMN notation.
Technologies: Pandas, Python, jQuery, CasperJS, Node.js, JavaScript
Data Scientist | Data Visualization Expert
2014 - 2014
nuOctave
- Implemented data processing and visualization tools for advanced pattern finding in financial market data using Highcharts and JavaScript on a web app.
- Created several data visualizations for financial market data on a web app using Highcharts and JavaScript.
- Integrated a fully featured graphical widget to allow users to build a logical query by wiring a given list of base conditions and logical nodes, such as AND/OR, using basic SVG shapes and D3.js.
- Implemented interactions with several different APIs to build interactive front-end sections of the web app.
- Implemented a Python application to explore and analyze pattern data.
Technologies: Python, DC.js, Highcharts, D3.js, JavaScript
Researcher | PhD Candidate
2012 - 2014
INESC-ID
- Developed a state-of-the-art machine learning approach to sentiment analysis using Python and scikit-learn.
- Developed a web page for data visualization and dissemination using PHP, jQuery, and Highcharts.
- Created a state-of-the-art machine learning-based approach to infer demographic attributes of the author of a given text using Python and scikit-learn.
- Co-developed a web page to showcase different text-mining tools using Python, Bootstrap, jQuery, and D3.js.
- Co-developed rich data visualizations for interconnected political mandates using D3.js.
Technologies: D3.js, jQuery, PHP, Machine Learning, Python, MySQL
Undergraduate Researcher
2009 - 2012
IT Porto (via Carnegie Mellon University - Portugal Programme)
- Worked on a project designed to collect and analyze vehicular traffic data based on Bluetooth devices.
- Created data analysis tools for Bluetooth data using Python.
- Planned a city-wide deployment of Bluetooth traffic scanners.
- Created the collection application in Python/C and built the back end in PHP to receive and store remote Bluetooth logs.
- Developed web-based tools for geographic data visualization using Google Maps, PHP, and JavaScript.
Technologies: Google Maps, JavaScript, Bluetooth, PHP, Python, C
Experience
Generative AI Models for Computational Fluid Dynamics
Worked on generative AI models to complement existing computational fluid dynamics simulation approaches. Used mainly generative adversarial networks and similar models for pure generation but also super-resolution.
Music Categorization System
Developed a commercial AI pipeline to assign songs to specific playlists according to their meta-data and musical attributes. This was a complex problem given the number of potential playlists (in the hundreds) and the difficulty of categorizing music. Several clustering and data-enrichment techniques were necessary.
Complaint Ranking System
Developed a system based on machine learning to prioritize and categorize complaints for the Portuguese Authority for Food Safety. Given the number of complaints versus available officers, the system allowed considerable resource allocation optimization.
Skills
Languages
Python, JavaScript, ECMAScript (ES6), Clojure, PHP, C, Ruby, TypeScript
Frameworks
Express.js, ClojureScript, Bootstrap, Flask, Angular
Libraries/APIs
Vue, Pandas, Node.js, jQuery, Highcharts, REST APIs, DHTMLX, Scikit-learn, D3.js, jQuery UI, React, PyTorch, NumPy, SpaCy, Google Maps, DC.js, Matplotlib, Raphaël, PhantomJS, Leaflet, SciPy, TensorFlow
Tools
Jupyter, Mongoose, Git, Reagent, Jira, Atom, Sequelize, IPython, Seaborn, CasperJS, Apache Solr
Paradigms
Data Science, REST, BPMN
Platforms
Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Linux
Other
Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Bluetooth, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning, APIs, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), GPT, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), Computer Science, Programming, Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Algorithms, Clustering, Tools, Information Retrieval
Storage
MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL
Education
2005 - 2012
Master's Degree in Computer Science
University of Porto (Faculty of Sciences) - Porto, Portugal
Certifications
JANUARY 2024 - PRESENT
Generative AI with Large Language Models
DeepLearning.AI | AWS
JANUARY 2022 - PRESENT
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) Specialization
DeepLearning.AI
DECEMBER 2021 - PRESENT
Deep Learning Specialization
DeepLearning.AI
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring