Jacob Evink is a mechanical engineering student at Western Michigan University with interests in mechanical design, robotics, manufacturing, and product development. Rather than waiting until graduation to begin practicing engineering, Jacob is actively developing projects that allow him to apply CAD, prototyping, electronics, and mechanical problem-solving to real-world challenges. 

His industry experience has already exposed him to several sides of the product-development process. During an engineering design internship, Jacob created and modified CAD models, prepared manufacturing drawings, supported prototype development and testing, participated in design reviews, and collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams. He now works in a high-volume injection-molding environment, where he operates production machinery, performs quality inspections, and troubleshoots problems that can affect production. 

Outside of work and school, Jacob is building an online engineering community by sharing his projects and lessons publicly. His content includes not only successful results, but also the mistakes, failed ideas, and repeated iterations that are often responsible for the greatest amount of learning. 

Jacob also serves in a leadership role as a founding member of a fraternity chapter at Western Michigan University. As he continues through his engineering education, he is developing a perspective that combines technical curiosity, hands-on manufacturing experience, leadership, and a willingness to learn in public. 

LINKS: 

Jacob Evink LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-evink-b67b12353/ 

Jacob Evink Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gruff.makes?utm_source=qr 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Robert States is Vice President of Technical Services at Cormica Medical Device & Pharmaceutical Testing, where he supports clients across medical device, pharmaceutical, and combination product testing. His work spans development strategy, risk management, testing strategy, process development, supply chain optimization, and regulatory-minded technical problem solving. Cormica’s announcement of his appointment highlighted his role in strengthening global technical services across UK, US, and EU laboratories.  

Before joining Cormica, Rob spent more than 20 years at Stress Engineering Services, where he held leadership roles across medical device and pharma, consumer products, strategic client engagement, and consulting. Stress Engineering’s medical and pharmaceutical practice focuses on product design, analysis, testing, failure analysis, material science, packaging, manufacturing support, reliability, and regulatory-grade engineering solutions—areas that align closely with Rob’s career-long focus on helping organizations solve difficult technical and business problems.  

Rob’s technical foundation is in plastics engineering, supported by an MBA from Ashland University and a BS in Plastics Engineering from Penn State. Over his career, he has worked across companies including Procter & Gamble, Newell Brands, Stress Engineering Services, Accelitek, and now Cormica. His experience gives him a rare perspective that bridges hands-on engineering, product development, failure remediation, consulting, business strategy, and executive-level technical leadership. 

A central theme of this conversation is how engineers can thrive in corporate R&D environments. Rob wants to explore the intersection of budgeting, project success, layoffs, and business performance—and how engineers can use that understanding to make better decisions, protect their careers, and create more value for their organizations. Rather than treating corporate realities as distractions from engineering, Rob sees them as forces engineers can learn to understand and navigate. 

LINKS: 

Robert States LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plasticpro/ 

Cormica Website: https://www.cormica.com/

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Michael Brooks is the founder and CEO of BayCath Medical, a Silicon Valley medical-device company specializing in the design, development, and contract manufacturing of catheter-based products. BayCath was created to give startups and fast-moving R&D teams a more collaborative manufacturing partner—one capable of supporting rapid prototyping, iterative development, pilot production, and smoother transfers into manufacturing. 

Michael launched BayCath after seeing catheter development lead times grow and watching delays interfere with customer timelines. His vision is to create an environment where engineers, physicians, and manufacturing specialists can work closely together, explore multiple solutions, and make informed design decisions without wasting valuable time or capital. 

Before becoming a founder, Michael held program management, engineering, and manufacturing roles throughout the medical-device industry. Across those positions, he gained experience in braided and coiled catheters, material selection, process development, design for manufacturing, validation, manufacturing transfers, fixture development, supplier management, and regulatory support. He also led high-priority customer programs, helped establish project-management processes, and coordinated complex work across technical, operational, and customer-facing teams. 

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Davis, along with a minor in technology management. His career has placed him at the intersection of hands-on engineering, customer communication, program leadership, and entrepreneurship—giving him a valuable perspective on what it takes to move medical-device ideas from early prototypes toward production and, ultimately, patient care. 

LINKS: 

Michael Brooks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micbrooks10/ 

BayCath Website: https://www.baycath.com/ 

Innovation Week: https://www.baycath.com/workshops 

MedTech Bay Area Networking LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medtech-bay-area/ 

 Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Tony Kelbert is a mechanical engineer, manufacturing strategist, and Chief Burrito Officer at AeroGrowth, an organization focused on helping precision manufacturers pursue and win the right aerospace and defense work. Drawing on experience from both the OEM and supplier sides of the industry, Tony helps manufacturers better understand positioning, quoting, customer relationships, and the realities of selling into complex aerospace supply chains. 

Tony began his engineering career at a defense vehicle manufacturer, where he designed lightweight, durable components for severe-duty military vehicles, managed mass properties for a weight-sensitive program, and led a team of designers. He later spent several years at a major aerospace company, designing medical oxygen systems for transport aircraft and lightweight structural components for VIP aircraft interiors while serving as a liaison between engineering and manufacturing. 

His career eventually expanded beyond traditional product design. Tony moved into manufacturing business development, worked as a senior mechanical engineer at a product development firm, and became a venture advisor focused on manufacturing. These experiences gave him a broader view of how technical capabilities, customer selection, pricing, sales, and company culture affect the long-term health of a manufacturing business. 

Tony is also the managing partner of goodthink labs, where he uses engineering analysis, experiments, storytelling, and occasional unnecessary inventions to make technical subjects more engaging. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and now brings together engineering experience, business strategy, curiosity, and humor to help manufacturers build businesses worth owning. 

LINKS: 

Tony Kelbert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonykelbert 

Tony Kelbert website: https://aerogrowthllc.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Sam Thomason’s career sits at the intersection of technical sales, manufacturing automation, Japanese business culture, and advanced machining. With more than 14 years of experience in CNC machinery, factory automation, and industrial robotics, Sam has worked across the U.S., Japan, and Australia helping manufacturers evaluate and adopt technologies that improve productivity, safety, and competitiveness. 

He is currently National Sales Manager for Shibaura Machine Company, America’s Nano Processing division, where he is responsible for U.S. sales strategy and customer development around the UVM Series ultra-precision machining platforms. His work involves helping engineering, R&D, tooling, and executive teams define applications, validate processes, and qualify advanced nano-machining capabilities for industries such as optics, photonics, medical devices, semiconductor-adjacent manufacturing, and high-precision moldmaking. Shibaura describes the UVM Series as high-precision machining centers built around high-speed, high-quality machining with high-precision aerostatic bearing spindles, with applications in precision molds, automotive lighting, lenses, smartphone frames, LED packaging molds, and precision parts machining.  

Before joining Shibaura Machine, Sam held roles in automation, robotics, machine tools, and business development with organizations including Workr Labs, Yuasa International, Konica Minolta Australia, SE4, and TAKAMAZ. His early career included working in Japan as an application engineer and technical sales/cutting engineer at TAKAMAZ, giving him a practical foundation in CNC programming, machining applications, and communicating technical details across cultures.  

Sam’s background also includes robotics and teleoperation, including work with SE4 in Tokyo, where he helped demonstrate latency-resilient robotic teleoperation software and even supported a live international demo operating a dual-arm robot in Tokyo from Abu Dhabi despite more than 30 seconds of video lag. That experience gives him a broad perspective on where automation is headed, from industrial robotics to ultra-precision machining. 

For this conversation, Sam wants to focus on non-traditional machining topics such as non-machining, diamond turning, and hard milling. His perspective should be especially valuable for engineers who want to understand where conventional manufacturing assumptions break down, when ultra-precision equipment changes the process equation, and how technologies like diamond turning and hard milling can open new possibilities in optics, tooling, molds, medical components, and advanced manufacturing. 

LINKS: 

Sam Thomason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-thomason/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Steven Szymeczek joins the podcast to share a career shaped by curiosity, hands-on learning, and a willingness to explore new opportunities. He traces his path from taking apart gadgets as a child to manufacturing crop-duster components early in his career, designing aircraft interiors, and eventually launching his own product development business. 

Steven and Aaron discuss the realities of moving from engineering into entrepreneurship, including learning how to communicate with customers, build a dependable network of manufacturing partners, price projects appropriately, and avoid overextending yourself to win the wrong work. Steven also shares the story of an early product-development client whose invention eventually appeared on Shark Tank, along with the lessons he learned about translating an entrepreneur’s vision into a manufacturable product. 

The conversation also explores the rapid evolution of additive manufacturing, from the unreliable desktop printers of the early days to today’s fast, accessible systems. Steven explains the differences between technologies such as Multi Jet Fusion and selective laser sintering, why polymer powder-bed fusion is becoming more accessible, and how rapid prototyping enables engineers to fail early, learn quickly, and improve designs faster. 

Finally, Steven describes his work at Boise State University, where he teaches additive manufacturing and leads a product development lab that gives students experience working on real client projects. From 3D-printed combat robots to medical devices and entrepreneurial product concepts, Steven is helping the next generation of engineers build practical skills, embrace experimentation, and enter their careers with meaningful hands-on experience. 

LINKS: 

Steven Szymeczek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-m-szymeczek-0a33608a/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Stanley C. Leong brings an unusual and highly relevant perspective to the world of engineering career development: he started as an engineer, then built a second career helping engineers manage the wealth and financial complexity that can come with technical success. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University before working in chip design roles at IBM and Agilent Technologies.  

That early engineering background still shapes how Stanley approaches financial planning today. As a private wealth advisor and founder of Wisdom Pointe Wealth Advisors, he focuses on working with engineers and executives at high-tech companies, using what his Ameriprise profile describes as an analytical and process-driven approach to financial planning. His expertise includes areas that are especially relevant to technical professionals, such as concentrated stock positions, workplace benefits, retirement income planning, tax-aware strategies, and behavioral finance.  

Stanley is also the author of Engineering Your Finances: The Tech Professional’s Roadmap to Financial Success, a guide written specifically for high-earning technology professionals. The book draws from his own experience in the tech industry, including the volatility he witnessed firsthand after being laid off shortly after buying his first home — a moment that helped shape his understanding of risk, planning, and financial resilience.  

For the Being An Engineer audience, Stanley’s story opens up a practical and often under-discussed conversation: how engineers can apply the same discipline they use in product development, systems thinking, risk analysis, and optimization to their own financial lives. His career is also a compelling example of how technical training can translate into a completely different profession while still remaining central to the way someone thinks, solves problems, and serves others. 

LINKS: 

Stanley C. Leong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleycleong/ 

Engineering Your Finances website: https://www.engineeringyourfinancesbook.com/ 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Steve Riley brings a unique perspective to Being An Engineer because he is not an engineer by title, but he has spent his career working directly in the environments where engineering, operations, manufacturing, and continuous improvement have to come together. His background spans plant leadership, program management, operations management, engineering management, injection molding, medical products, carbon fiber manufacturing, dental equipment, and Lean/5S implementation. 

Steve is currently Chief Organization Officer at Bespoke, a company that helps continuous improvement professionals achieve tool control through custom shadowboards and tool organization systems. Bespoke’s work is focused on making 5S and Lean practices easier to sustain in real production environments, where missing tools, unclear standards, and inconsistent follow-through can quietly erode productivity over time.  

Earlier in his career, Steve held leadership roles at Innovative Composite Engineering, Forest Dental Products, Freeport-McMoRan’s Kinetics Metal Injection Molding operation, GM Nameplate, Nypro, and Precision Laboratory Plastics. Across those roles, he has worked close to the factory floor in areas such as program launches, operations leadership, high-volume molding, medical device manufacturing support, and press-side automation. 

For this episode, Steve wants to focus on continuous improvement and ways to make projects deliver long-term ROI. That is a valuable angle for engineers because many technical projects succeed in the short term but fail to become part of the organization’s daily operating system. Steve’s perspective centers on leadership behavior, standards, team ownership, and practical systems that keep improvement alive after the excitement of the initial project has worn off. A recent Lean Solutions Podcast episode featuring Steve highlighted this exact theme: Lean breaks down when standards become optional, and leadership behavior often matters more than the tools themselves. 

LINKS: 

Steve Riley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevejriley/ 

Bespoke website: https://bespoketooltrays.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ. Attendee tickets are 50% off August 3-7 only. Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Heylands Lowry is a globally experienced continuous improvement and operational excellence leader with deep expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and organizational transformation. Over the course of his career, he has helped companies across medical devices, aerospace, and manufacturing build sustainable systems that improve efficiency while strengthening culture and employee engagement. Known for his ability to connect with people at every level of an organization, Heylands focuses not just on process improvement, but on creating lasting behavioral and cultural change.  

Most recently, Heylands served as Director of Continuous Improvement at Intuitive, where he developed and deployed company-wide Lean and Six Sigma training initiatives that reached hundreds of employees across multiple events and workshops. His work included embedding DMAIC methodologies and Lean principles into core business processes while mentoring cross-functional teams on strategic improvement initiatives. One notable achievement involved reducing a surgeon payment cycle from three months down to fewer than five business days.  

Prior to Intuitive, Heylands spent nearly fifteen years at Edwards Lifesciences, where he held leadership roles focused on business excellence and Lean deployment. During that time, he led numerous high-impact initiatives, including productivity improvements, throughput increases, inventory optimization, and multimillion-dollar Six Sigma projects. His contributions earned him repeated recognition as Top Talent within the organization, a distinction reserved for fewer than ten percent of employees.  

Earlier in his career, Heylands led process improvement initiatives at Panasonic Avionics Corporation and served as a Six Sigma Champion at ITT Industries, where he was selected as one of only 48 employees out of 9,000 for advanced Six Sigma leadership training. Across these roles, he helped organizations streamline operations, prioritize high-value projects, and create scalable infrastructures for continuous improvement.  

In this conversation, we explore what it really takes to sustain continuous improvement efforts inside large organizations, why cultural buy-in matters more than most leaders realize, and how engineers and technical professionals can become more effective problem solvers, mentors, and change agents inside their teams. 

LINKS: 

Heylands Lowry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heylands-lowry-64211a99/ 

Heylands Lowry website: https://www.intuitive.com/en-us 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Justin Rittenhouse is a mechanical engineer, educator, and industry leader whose career sits at the intersection of advanced engineering analysis, manufacturing innovation, and mentorship. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Justin has built a strong technical foundation in structural mechanics, computational methods, and advanced simulation tools such as FEA and DEM. His academic journey is complemented by hands-on expertise in programming, material testing, and product development. 

Professionally, Justin has spent more than 11 years in industry, including roles with Fortune 500 companies, where he has led projects from early concept through commercialization. His experience spans designing custom cable assemblies for defense and commercial applications, developing automated testing systems using embedded hardware like Arduino, and leading the creation of high-efficiency manufacturing lines that significantly improved throughput.  

In addition to his industry work, Justin has a strong passion for teaching and mentorship. He has served as both an assistant professor and instructor of mechanical engineering, where he taught CAD, FEA, manufacturability, and material testing, while also leading senior design programs and advising student engineering teams. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical, real-world understanding has made him a valuable guide for aspiring engineers navigating their early careers. 

Justin is also the author of Secret Keys to a STEM Degree, where he shares actionable strategies for succeeding in demanding technical programs—focusing not just on studying harder, but on thinking differently, avoiding common pitfalls, and building the habits that lead to long-term success. Drawing from his own experiences, including overcoming personal challenges such as being born with a cleft lip and palate, Justin brings a deeply human perspective to engineering—one rooted in resilience, growth, and continuous improvement. 

Today, Justin is driven by a mission to help engineers better understand what the profession truly looks like, how to transition effectively from school to industry, and how to build confidence in the face of uncertainty. His work bridges theory and practice, offering practical insights that engineers can apply immediately to their careers. 

LINKS: 

Justin Rittenhouse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-rittenhouse-phd/ 

Justin Rittenhouse website: https://justinrittenhousephd.com/ 

Buy Justin’s book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/04FtX62u  

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Daniel Kurnianto has built his career at the intersection of mechatronics, lab automation, product management, and hands-on mechanical design. With more than 19 years at Formulatrix, he has led and contributed to the development of high-precision life science instruments, including crystallography and liquid-handling platforms used in research and pharmaceutical environments. His experience spans full product lifecycle work: concept development, detailed engineering, injection-molded consumables, motion control, fluidics, manufacturing, assembly, field support, and global customer deployment.  

At Formulatrix, Daniel’s work has included products like the NT8 Drop Setter and the F.A.S.T. Liquid Handling Platform, where he has combined deep technical fluency with product and team leadership. His background includes micro-scale injection molding, positive displacement liquid handling, fluidic manifolds, precision mechanisms, embedded systems, and DFMEA/GD&T-driven design reviews. That combination gives him a rare perspective: he is not only thinking about whether a design works in CAD, but whether it can be manufactured, assembled, maintained, supported, demonstrated, and improved over time. 

Outside of Formulatrix, Daniel is the inventor and founder of BOSeTAMPER, a handheld automatic electronic espresso tamper designed and engineered in Boston. The product is described as compact, battery powered, portable, and designed to deliver consistent, repeatable tamping pressure without requiring baristas or home users to apply that force manually. BOSeTAMPER won a Red Dot Product Design Award in 2024, and the public BOSeTAMPER site now highlights the availability of the new 3rd Generation 58mm PRO model with wireless charging and a travel case.  

For this episode, Daniel will take us inside the engineering journey behind the new 3rd Generation BOSeTAMPER. Rather than just talking about the finished product, the conversation will explore what changed from earlier versions, why some designs that look impressive on paper may not be the right designs for production, and how Daniel thinks about simplifying a product so it becomes faster, cheaper, and easier to machine, assemble, ship, and support. 

Daniel also brings a provocative engineering point of view from his work in high-end lab automation: in some systems, he cares more about precision than accuracy. That idea opens the door to a deeper discussion about real-world instrumentation, repeatability, customer expectations, cost, manufacturing reality, and how experienced engineers decide what matters most when a product has to survive outside the lab, outside the CAD screen, and in the hands of real users. 

LINKS: 

Daniel Kurnianto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkurnianto/ 

BOSeTAMPER website: https://bosetamper.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Paul Vizzio is a seasoned hardware engineering leader with deep expertise in building complex electromechanical systems and scaling them from early prototypes to full production. Currently serving as Director of Hardware Engineering at Proteus Motion, Paul led the end-to-end development of a patented 3D resistance training system that has been deployed in more than 400 locations across the U.S. and Canada. His leadership spanned the full product lifecycle—from system architecture and CAD design to manufacturing, supply chain development, and field deployment—culminating in a dramatic cost reduction to approximately 20% of the original prototype while improving assembly efficiency and scalability.  

Paul’s career reflects a strong ability to operate at both the startup and production scale levels. He has built and led cross-functional teams, driven design-for-manufacturing initiatives, and delivered production-ready systems on aggressive timelines, including bringing initial production units to market in under a year. His work consistently focuses on simplifying complexity—whether through system architecture decisions, supplier strategy, or thoughtful engineering tradeoffs. 

In addition to his work at Proteus, Paul is the founder of RemieDog, a direct-to-consumer hardware brand, and Vizeng, a consultancy that helps startups accelerate product development from concept to production. Through these ventures, he has worked hands-on across prototyping, injection molding, supplier sourcing, and go-to-market strategy—giving him a well-rounded perspective on both engineering and business execution. 

Paul is also deeply committed to the broader engineering community. He co-organizes a New York–based hardware meetup with over 14,000 members, serves as a visiting lecturer at Cornell Tech, and has been recognized as one of ASME’s Top 25 Early Career Engineers. Across all his work, Paul brings a practical, execution-focused mindset to hardware development—bridging the gap between ambitious ideas and real-world, manufacturable products. 

LINKS: 

Paul Vizzio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-vizzio/ 

RemieDog website: https://remiedog.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Yesenia Avellaneda is an engineering leader whose career sits at the intersection of innovation, operations, and impact. Currently a Senior Project Engineer within Global Operations at Abbott, she has built a reputation for turning complex ideas into scalable, high-performing manufacturing systems. From leading New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts to executing international production transfers and launching entirely new facilities, Yesenia thrives where strategy meets execution. 

Her work has had measurable impact. She has led capital projects exceeding $5 million, driven production efficiency improvements, and implemented Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance quality and throughput. In one role, she helped boost line productivity by 200%, all while overseeing teams of 60+ personnel and ensuring compliance with rigorous FDA and regulatory standards . Her ability to align cross-functional teams—from product development to operations—has made her a key driver of successful product launches and operational excellence. 

Yesenia’s academic foundation reflects her human-centered approach to engineering. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon and later completed a master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Portland. This unique combination allows her to bridge the gap between clinical needs and engineering solutions—an essential skill in the medical device industry. 

Beyond her technical and leadership accomplishments, Yesenia is deeply committed to giving back. As Regional Vice President for SHPE Region 6 and a longtime advocate for underrepresented communities in STEM, she actively works to create inclusive pathways for future engineers. She’s also an experienced speaker, sharing insights on leadership, career growth, and navigating STEM as a first-generation professional. 

In this conversation, Yesenia brings a rare perspective—one that combines hands-on engineering, large-scale operational leadership, and a mission-driven approach to making a broader impact in both industry and community. 

Yesenia’s microphone had a slight delay during recording, so you may notice some minor timing lags throughout the conversation. We apologize for the delays and appreciate your patience. 

LINKS: 

Yesenia Avellaneda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesenia-avellaneda/ 

https://shpe.org/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

For more than 40 years, Larry Copponi has been working at the intersection of engineering talent and product innovation. Today, he serves as Vice President of Staffing Solutions at Spanner Product Development, where he helps companies across industries assemble the engineering teams they need to bring complex products to life. 

Larry’s work spans sectors including consumer electronics, robotics, renewable energy, life sciences, and medical devices. His team specializes in placing highly skilled professionals—mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, product designers, industrial designers, and quality engineers—into organizations that are racing to transform ideas into real-world products. By deeply understanding both the technical landscape and the people who power it, Larry plays a critical role in helping companies scale their engineering capabilities. 

Before joining Spanner, Larry spent more than 14 years as Division Manager at Pro Source Inc., supporting companies with contract engineering talent and CAD professionals to keep product development projects on schedule. Earlier in his career, he helped build recruiting and sales teams at TriMech Solutions, where he launched new recruiting initiatives focused on engineering and technical sales professionals. 

Across decades in the recruiting and staffing industry, Larry has built a reputation for understanding the real needs of engineering organizations—matching the right talent to the right challenges and helping companies deliver products to market faster. His career offers a rare vantage point on how engineering teams evolve, how companies compete for talent, and what separates organizations that build strong technical cultures from those that struggle to grow. 

In this conversation, Larry shares lessons from decades of working alongside engineering leaders, insights into the hiring challenges facing technical organizations today, and practical advice for both companies looking to build great teams and engineers navigating their careers. 

LINKS: 

Larry Copponi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-copponivpstaffingsolutionsspannerpd/ 

Spanner Website: https://www.spannerpd.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Jordan Kapitanoff is a mechanical engineer by training and a transformation leader by practice. A graduate of Kettering University with a BSME and an MBA from Aurora University, Jordan built his career at the intersection of engineering, operations, and culture change. Over the years, he has consistently stepped into roles where systems, teams, and processes needed elevation — and delivered measurable results. 

At Bison Gear & Engineering, Jordan moved from Application Engineer to Innovator, and later to Supervisor of Quality Innovation and Sustainability Engineering Manager. There, he led initiatives grounded in A3 problem solving, DMAIC, and lean thinking — not just to fix problems, but to transform how teams approached quality and continuous improvement. He also launched a new innovation and product development consulting division inside the organization, demonstrating an entrepreneurial drive even within established companies. 

His leadership continued to evolve at G&W Electric and later at tmax Group, where he served in operations excellence and operations management roles. Across these organizations, Jordan focused on production management, lean process improvement, and aligning communication across departments — recognizing that operational excellence is just as much about people as it is about process. 

Today, Jordan is channeling that experience into entrepreneurship. As Co-Founder of CoForge Technologies LLC and Head Coach at Thinking Kap Personal and Career Coaching, he works at the convergence of operational performance and personal leadership development. With a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University and service as a board member of The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), Jordan continues to advocate for systems thinking, continuous improvement, and empowering professionals to take ownership of their growth. 

LINKS: 

Jordan Kapitanoff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-kapitanoff-5b821817/ 

CoForge Website: https://www.coforge.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Amelia Howe is a biomedical engineer and R&D project manager whose career spans startups, research labs, and established medical device companies. She currently leads cross-functional development programs at COLTENE, where she coordinates teams across engineering, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing to bring new medical devices from concept to international launch.

Amelia’s journey into engineering began with a pivotal shift early in her academic career. While studying at The University of Akron, she transitioned from nursing to biomedical engineering after discovering the field through biomechanics research. Working in Dr. Brian Davis’s lab, she contributed to innovative research on shear forces and biomechanics, helping analyze how human movement affects pressure and stress on the body.

After graduating summa cum laude, Amelia joined Neuronoff, Inc. as its first employee. In the fast-moving startup environment, she wore nearly every hat imaginable—conducting research, developing prototypes, establishing quality systems, and contributing to core patents. She played a key role in the early development of the Injectrode neuromodulation technology while helping build the company’s quality management system toward ISO 13485 compliance.

Over time, Amelia gravitated toward project leadership, recognizing that even highly talented engineers need structured coordination to ensure complex products make it through development. She moved into project management roles, overseeing multiple technical programs simultaneously and aligning engineering, regulatory, and business teams around clear timelines and milestones.

Today, in addition to her role at COLTENE, Amelia is launching Chrysalis Business Consulting, where she provides project management and business development support to medical device startups. With both an engineering background and an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, she brings a rare perspective that blends technical depth with strategic business insight.

LINKS:

Amelia Howe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliaehowe/

Company website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chrysalis-business-consulting-llc/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Rod Scholl is the Founder and Principal Analyst at Epsilon FEA, an engineering services company he launched in 2008 to specialize in advanced numerical analysis and simulation-driven problem solving. With nearly two decades at the helm, Rod has built Epsilon FEA into a trusted partner for companies tackling challenging structural, thermal, and dynamic performance problems across a wide range of industries.

Before founding Epsilon FEA, Rod spent over a decade at PADT, Inc. as a Specialist Engineer in Analysis. There, he led and executed FEA projects using the ANSYS toolset, supporting everything from early-stage R&D concept exploration to highly regulated FAA and DOT-certified analyses. Rod not only delivered simulations — he helped organizations implement FEA strategically, advising on licensing, training, internal resource development, and competitive advantage through simulation.

Earlier in his career, Rod worked at Honeywell Aerospace, where he analyzed and redesigned turbine engine components using closed-form calculations, ANSYS FEA, and life prediction tools. His work resulted in improved component life, material cost savings, and enhanced manufacturability — grounding his simulation expertise in real-world hardware performance.

Rod holds a BSME in Engineering Mechanics from Arizona State University and has built his career around one central belief: simulation is most powerful when it’s applied with engineering judgment. Through Epsilon FEA, he continues to help engineering teams reduce risk, improve product performance, and make confident, data-backed decisions.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsilonfea/

Guest website: https://epsilonfea.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Dr. Mahantesh Hiremath has built a rare engineering career at the intersection of deep technical rigor, systems thinking, leadership, and service. Across more than three decades, he has worked in space, energy, transportation, and infrastructure, and is recognized as one of the few engineers to have designed and analyzed complex systems in four very different environments: deep underground, offshore, on-ground, and in space. His academic background includes M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from The Ohio State University, along with a certificate in systems engineering from Stanford University. 

Much of Mahantesh’s industry career has centered on high-consequence engineering, especially in aerospace and structural systems. He held senior roles at organizations including Space Systems Loral and SC Solutions, where his work spanned structural dynamics, verification and validation, mechanical testing, systems engineering, mission assurance, and cross-functional program leadership. Along the way, he developed a reputation for handling technically complex projects where reliability, safety, and execution discipline are non-negotiable. 

He is also widely known for his leadership in the engineering profession. Mahantesh served as the 140th President of ASME for the 2021–2022 term, following earlier service on the Board of Governors and years of volunteer leadership. ASME has noted that he was the first person of Indian and Asian descent nominated for that role, a milestone in the society’s history. During his presidency, he helped shape priorities around strategy, global engagement, and emerging technology areas including space and robotics. 

Beyond industry and professional leadership, Mahantesh has also invested heavily in teaching and mentoring. He serves on the faculty at Santa Clara University, where he teaches topics including dynamics, mechanical vibrations, and systems engineering. His stated focus on helping students not just succeed academically but also find internships and full-time roles speaks to the kind of engineer he is: technically accomplished, yes, but equally committed to building the next generation. 

This conversation is especially relevant for engineers who care about the bigger picture: how deep technical expertise translates into leadership, how systems thinking scales across industries, how policy and engineering influence one another, and how experienced engineers can use their careers to open doors for others. Mahantesh brings a perspective shaped not only by spacecraft, testing, and structural analysis, but also by boardrooms, classrooms, and even Capitol Hill. 

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahantesh-s-hiremath/

Guest website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Ryan Schoonmaker has spent roughly two decades in medical device product development, building a career around solving hard engineering problems in high-stakes environments. Today he is the founder of Tight Line Solutions, where he works with growth-stage product development teams to reduce chaos, improve execution, and build the kind of systems that make technical organizations more efficient and predictable. His messaging consistently emphasizes that innovation is not just about ideas, but about disciplined execution, sound principles, and the ability to lead teams through complexity. 

Before launching Tight Line Solutions in late 2025, Ryan served as Director of Mechanical Engineering at Beta Bionics. Prior to that, he held senior R&D leadership positions at BD and spent more than seven years at Dexcom, progressing from Staff Mechanical Engineer to Director of Mechanical R&D. His background also includes product development work at Safety Syringes and Helbling Precision Engineering, where he worked on drug delivery systems, insulin-related devices, infusion sets, and other life science technologies. That combination of consulting, hands-on engineering, and executive leadership gives him a rare view across the full arc of product development.

One of the most compelling parts of Ryan’s story is that his work has touched products with enormous real-world impact. In his own words, helping bring the Dexcom G6 and G7 to market reinforced the lesson that meaningful innovation requires structure, rigor, and strong execution. Public patent records also show his name on multiple Dexcom-related design patents, reflecting direct involvement in device development. He pairs that technical depth with a strong focus on team culture, communication, and breaking large problems into manageable pieces—exactly the kind of perspective that resonates with engineers trying to grow into stronger technical leaders. 

Ryan also brings a strong academic foundation in mechanical engineering, with a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.S. from Tufts University, where his thesis focused on vibrotactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery. That blend of technical depth, medical device experience, and leadership philosophy should make for a rich conversation on product development, risk mitigation, engineering culture, and what it takes to build products that truly matter.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-schoonmaker-59048411/

Guest website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tight-line-solutions/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this special role-reversal episode of the Being An Engineer podcast, longtime host Aaron Moncur steps into the guest seat while previous guest Mike Romance takes over as interviewer.

Aaron shares the story behind his journey from a laid-back childhood growing up in Hawaii to becoming the founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering in Phoenix, Arizona. After being laid off during the 2009 recession, Aaron faced a moment of uncertainty that ultimately pushed him to start his own engineering business—learning sales, marketing, and leadership along the way. What began as a one-person consulting effort grew into a thriving engineering services company focused on automation, custom machines, fixtures, and product development. 

During the conversation, Aaron reflects on the early challenges of entrepreneurship—cold-calling for his first customers, figuring out how to quote complex engineering projects, and learning to build a team and culture from the ground up. He also shares one of his favorite Pipeline stories: rallying his team to design and deliver two complex automated test systems in just ten weeks—an effort that required nights, weekends, and a fully committed team. 

The discussion also explores Aaron’s broader mission: accelerating the speed of engineering by sharing knowledge across the industry. That vision led to the creation of the Being An Engineer podcast, the online engineering community The Wave, the PDX – Product Development Expo, and Pipeline’s CAD Club for middle and high school students. Together, these initiatives aim to highlight the often-unsung role engineers play in shaping the modern world. 

Along the way, Aaron and Mike dive into topics like engineering education versus real-world learning, the challenges of running an engineering services business, the importance of culture and leadership, and why engineers deserve more recognition for the impact they have on society.

If you’ve ever wondered how Being An Engineer started—or what drives the person behind the microphone—this episode offers a candid look at the story, philosophy, and vision behind the show.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipelinedesign/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeromance/

Guest website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Joe Couitt is the founder of JMC Swiss Solutions, a Phoenix-based consulting firm dedicated to CNC Swiss applications and machining optimization. With more than a decade of hands-on experience in high-precision manufacturing, Joe has built a career grounded in programming, setup, prototyping, and department-level leadership.

Joe began his machining career at Aerospace Contacts LLC, where he developed a strong foundation in precision manufacturing. From there, he advanced into CNC programming and screw machining roles, eventually becoming the head of the Screw Machine Department at Korral Kool. In that role, he led operations for multiple Citizen L20 Swiss machines — writing programs, performing setups, managing tooling and maintenance, scheduling jobs, and working closely with engineering teams to refine part designs and manufacturing strategies.

His time as an Application Engineer at Adams Machinery expanded his perspective beyond a single shop environment. Supporting customers across different industries gave him insight into best practices, machine capabilities, and the common pitfalls shops encounter when adopting Swiss-type technology.

Today, through JMC Swiss Solutions, Joe helps manufacturers unlock the full potential of their Swiss machines — whether that means optimizing cycle times, improving tool life, dialing in processes for tight-tolerance parts, or helping shops bridge the gap between design intent and manufacturability. His journey from machinist to consultant gives him credibility on the shop floor and in the conference room alike — and that combination is rare.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-couitt-ba189195/

Guest website: https://jmcswisssolutions.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Chad Walters is an experienced product design leader with more than two decades of experience developing complex products across healthcare, life sciences, aerospace, defense, and commercial markets. As the first industrial designer at a major engineering-focused design center in the Raleigh-Durham area, Chad helped establish and grow a strong user-centered design presence within an organization traditionally driven by engineering and manufacturing excellence.

Throughout his career, Chad has led multidisciplinary teams in the development of products ranging from large-scale interactive vending systems like the Coca-Cola Freestyle to advanced surgical robotics platforms and handheld CPR coaching devices. His work goes far beyond surface-level aesthetics — focusing on defining product behavior, reducing usability risk, and ensuring that form, function, and brand identity work together to support both user needs and business outcomes.

A passionate mentor, Chad has also served as a long-time Product Development Advisor to biomedical engineering and entrepreneurship students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. In this role, he guides multidisciplinary student teams through the realities of product development — helping them structure teams, build compelling business cases, refine investor pitches, and understand the importance of being the best storytellers in the room.

Earlier in his career, Chad led design teams developing aftermarket performance components for Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche vehicles at APR, LLC, where he combined engineering rigor with brand storytelling and public-facing product launches. He began his professional journey designing avionics control systems at Archangel Systems, Inc. and contributed to professional-grade kitchen equipment development at Viking Range, LLC — experiences that shaped his ability to bridge mechanical engineering, user interface design, and human-centered product strategy.

Chad holds a degree in Industrial Design from Auburn University and an associate’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Wallace Community College. His career reflects a rare blend of technical fluency, design leadership, and deep empathy for end users — all aimed at creating products that perform at the highest level while genuinely improving the human experience.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwaltersid/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Mustafa Poonawala is a globally recognized leader in medical device and diagnostics innovation, known for his ability to translate strategy into execution across R&D, clinical operations, and portfolio management. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has built and led world-class engineering and program teams, guided products from early development through regulatory approval, and driven large-scale organizational transformation in highly regulated environments.

Currently, Mustafa is the CEO of DynaMill Research, a specialized Clinical Research Organization focused on helping diagnostics companies dramatically reduce cycle times and improve cost predictability. DynaMill’s approach blends agile program management, end-to-end digital clinical workflows, predictive enrollment strategies, and deep partnerships with multi-site clinical networks. The goal is simple but ambitious: help diagnostic innovations reach patients faster without sacrificing rigor or quality.

In parallel, Mustafa is Managing Partner at Steps Program Management, where he has spent nearly a decade advising organizations on agile transformation, PMO maturity, and portfolio optimization—particularly within medical device R&D. His work emphasizes lean, value-driven processes, difficult prioritization, and delivery predictability, all grounded in real-world execution rather than theory.

Previously, Mustafa held senior leadership roles at BD, Hospira, OBS Medical, and Boston Scientific. His experience spans implantable and disposable devices, complex electromechanical systems, software and cybersecurity for safety-critical systems, and large-scale diagnostics portfolios exceeding billions of dollars in revenue. With a PhD in Software Engineering focused on safety-critical systems, Mustafa brings a rare blend of deep technical rigor, business acumen, and servant leadership to every challenge he tackles.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafap

Guest website: https://dynamillcro.com

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Watch the webinar here!

Great engineering alone does not guarantee product success.

Achieving product-market fit—ensuring that a product truly meets user needs and expectations—requires integrating market insights, usability considerations, and business goals into the development process.

But how can engineers quantify something that often seems subjective?

In this PDX Webinar, Arne Lang-Ree, Chief Design Officer and Cofounder at Spanner, will demonstrate how product-market fit can be transformed into a practical engineering objective.

Drawing on real-world tools and frameworks developed at Spanner, this session will show how teams can systematically evaluate user needs, prioritize design trade-offs, and make decisions that improve the likelihood of market success.

Topics covered include:

• Why Product-Market Fit is an Engineering Challenge
• Turning Market & User Needs into Engineering Constraints
• Tools & Frameworks for Measuring Product Success
• Interactive Q&A and Application to Your Projects

This session is designed for engineers, product developers, and technical leaders involved in bringing new products to market.

Watch the webinar here!

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this final episode of the three-part series on accelerating the speed of engineering, Aaron Moncur and Brad Hirayama zoom out to focus on the organizational and cultural levers that compound over time.

While earlier episodes explored how individuals and teams can move faster, this conversation tackles the bigger picture—how companies structure their environments, decision-making, and culture to consistently deliver results.

They break down practical strategies like vertically integrating key capabilities to reduce dependency on vendors, staying close to the production floor to improve decision-making, and building psychological safety so teams surface problems early instead of hiding them. The discussion also highlights the power of informal communication, mentorship in onboarding, and creating reusable systems that prevent engineers from solving the same problem twice.

One of the most impactful themes centers around defining ROI early—and having the discipline to pivot or stop projects when the “juice isn’t worth the squeeze.” Through real-world examples, Aaron and Brad show how even well-intentioned engineering efforts can go off track without clear constraints and alignment.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway? The fastest engineering teams aren’t just technically strong—they excel at communication, trust, and culture.

If you’re looking to build a team that moves faster, makes better decisions, and delivers meaningful results, this episode brings together 21 actionable lessons from across the entire series into one powerful conclusion.

 Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In part two of this three-part series on accelerating the speed of engineering, Aaron Moncur and Brad Hirayama shift the focus from individual habits to team workflows. Drawing from patterns that have surfaced across 300+ Being An Engineer interviews, they explore how better systems can help teams move faster from idea to hardware to validation. 

Brad and Aaron dig into practical ways to reduce wasted time and avoid preventable mistakes: defining requirements clearly, validating what actually matters, prototyping early, running strong design reviews, using checklists, testing options in parallel, involving manufacturing sooner, and centralizing project data so engineers can spend less time searching and more time building. Along the way, they share real stories from quoting automated equipment, catching costly design flaws, improving drawing quality, and avoiding production headaches. 

This episode is packed with actionable insight for engineers, engineering leaders, and product teams who want to streamline development without sacrificing quality. If you care about building better products faster, this conversation offers a clear playbook for improving the workflow behind the work. 

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Watch this flash training here: https://youtu.be/QCy9i4TB2b4

When engineers design parts in isolation, it’s easy to unintentionally introduce dozens of slightly different fastener lengths into an assembly. That might not seem like a big deal during CAD, but it becomes a real problem on the shop floor.

In this short engineering pro tip, Pipeline automation engineer Mark Blakey explains a simple strategy he uses in SOLIDWORKS to standardize screw lengths across an assembly. By adjusting counterbore features and editing the Hole Wizard sketch dimensions, engineers can design parts so the same bolt length works across multiple locations.

The result: fewer fastener types, simpler purchasing, faster assembly, and fewer mistakes during build.

Mark also explains why this matters in critical applications where proper thread engagement, torque requirements, and thermal cycling all depend on using the correct bolt length.

If you’ve ever assembled a machine and had to hunt through bins for slightly different screws, this tip is for you.

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this special kickoff to a three-part miniseries, Aaron Moncur and Brad Hirayama explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills in engineering: how to accelerate the speed of engineering work without sacrificing quality. Drawing insights from more than 300 episodes of the Being An Engineer podcast, Aaron has distilled recurring lessons from experienced engineers into 21 practical best practices. In this first episode, Aaron and Brad break down the first seven strategies that help engineers move faster, solve problems more effectively, and create more value for their teams and companies.  

The conversation focuses largely on what individual engineers can do today to work more efficiently—from choosing the right communication method and asking for help sooner, to troubleshooting systems more intelligently and leveraging off-the-shelf solutions instead of reinventing the wheel. Along the way, Aaron and Brad share real stories from engineering projects, lessons from early-career mistakes, and insights into how small improvements compound over time. 

They also discuss the broader impact of engineering speed: why moving faster doesn’t just benefit businesses—it helps bring better technologies and solutions to the world sooner. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why picking up the phone can accelerate projects faster than email 
• How asking for help early prevents costly rabbit holes 
• A simple method for troubleshooting complex systems 
• Why basic experiments and data beat gut feelings in engineering decisions 
• When it’s smarter to buy components instead of designing them 
• How off-the-shelf products can dramatically speed up prototyping 
• Why intentional extra effort and continuous improvement compound over time 

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series on accelerating engineering speed. In the next episode, Aaron and Brad continue the conversation with seven more best practices to help engineers and teams move faster and deliver results more effectively. 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Pipeline Design & Engineering

About Pipeline
Pipeline solves difficult manufacturing problems through automation, custom equipment, fixtures, and product development. We also build community through PDX, the Being An Engineer podcast, CAD Club, meetups, webinars, and The Wave.

The Role
We’re hiring a relationship-first Business Development leader. This is not a transactional sales role. We’re looking for someone who can build trust with engineering leaders and manufacturing teams, spot opportunity, and turn relationships into partnerships.

What Makes It Different
You won’t sell from a script. You’ll tell a real story about a team doing meaningful work, backed by tools most BD professionals don’t have: a respected brand, a podcast, an engineering expo, and a growing community.

Who You Are
You’re energized by people, comfortable talking with engineers, and motivated by long-term relationships more than short-term wins.

Travel
Frequent travel within the Phoenix metro area and occasional out-of-state travel. Phoenix-based preferred, but we’ll consider the right fit elsewhere.

How to Reach Us
If this role resonates, don’t just send a résumé. Start a conversation. Use a connection, send a thoughtful note, or engage with something in our world—PDX, the podcast, The Wave, CAD Club, or a meetup.

Show us how you’d do the job. If you’re right for this role, you’ll know how to get our attention.

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4374086463

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Daniel Gledhill is a seasoned manufacturing and engineering leader whose career bridges high-risk industrial operations and precision-driven medical device manufacturing. Daniel leads engineering teams responsible for multiple production areas supporting transcatheter heart valve delivery systems—products where quality, reliability, and patient safety are absolutely critical.

Daniel’s journey to medical devices began in heavy industry, where he worked as a process, chemical, and metallurgical engineer at Rio Tinto, including leadership roles at copper smelters overseeing sulfuric acid plants, powerhouses, and byproduct operations. These early roles shaped his systems-level thinking, comfort with complex processes, and respect for disciplined operations—skills that would later translate powerfully into regulated medical manufacturing environments.

Over nearly ten years at Edwards Lifesciences, Daniel has progressed from manufacturing management into senior engineering leadership, guiding teams through scale-up, process improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational change. His work sits at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, quality, and leadership—where decisions directly impact both operational performance and patient outcomes.

Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah, along with an MBA from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. This combination of technical and business education informs his balanced approach to leadership—one that values data, people, and long-term system health over short-term wins.

In this conversation, we explore what it really means to lead engineering teams in medical device manufacturing, how leadership expectations evolve as engineers move into management, and what lessons from heavy industry can sharpen execution in highly regulated, patient-critical environments.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gledhill-a6155237/

Guest website: https://www.edwards.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

After more than 300 episodes of conversations with engineers, founders, and technical leaders, certain patterns start to emerge. 

In this special retrospective episode of Being An Engineer, Aaron Moncur and Brad Hirayama flip the mic around to distill the biggest lessons learned from six years of interviews. Instead of focusing on any single quote or guest, they zoom out and identify the recurring themes that consistently show up in the careers of high-performing engineers. 

Surprisingly, none of the top takeaways are about mastering CAD tools or memorizing GD&T standards. 

They explore why understanding the business—not just the engineering—can dramatically accelerate your career. They unpack why soft skills and communication are non-negotiable if you want to move beyond being “just” a technical contributor. They discuss the transformational impact of mentors and coaches, and how simple habits like lunch conversations and honest feedback can change your trajectory. 

Aaron and Brad also dive into what it really means to “do more than you’re paid for”—not by working longer hours, but by focusing on high-impact contributions that move the business forward. And they explain why establishing repeatable processes, checklists, and systems is one of the most overlooked drivers of engineering success. 

Finally, they introduce a new three-part mini-series on accelerating the speed of engineering, previewing practical tactics like hacking prototypes from off-the-shelf products and building psychological safety so teams surface problems early. 

If you want to grow faster, lead better, and think beyond the technical, this episode delivers a clear blueprint drawn from hundreds of real-world engineering stories. 

LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipelinedesign/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradhirayama/

https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/

https://teampipeline.us/

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, we join Matt Ketterer, a seasoned engineer, at Pipeline Media Studio's inaugural session. Matt shares his career journey, from his initial foray into mechanical engineering to his pivotal shift towards controls and software engineering. He discusses his early days at a medical device company, his methodical approach to learning and applying new skills, and the importance of reading technical manuals, which aided his transition into controls engineering.

 Matt also offers insights into balancing mechanics and software, fostering curiosity, and the holistic thinking required for successful engineering projects. Ideal for engineers considering a shift in disciplines or those interested in comprehensive system design, Matt's story is both inspirational and instructive.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewketterer/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Mike Romance has spent nearly two decades operating at the intersection of manufacturing engineering, automation, validation, and operations leadership within the life-sciences ecosystem. His career spans startups and established organizations alike, with hands-on experience taking products from early development through GMP-ready, high-volume production. Across roles in process development, automation, quality systems, and manufacturing strategy, Mike has built a reputation for combining technical rigor with pragmatic execution.

Most recently at Quantum-Si, Mike played a central role in scaling operations to support the commercialization of the Platinum protein sequencing platform while laying the groundwork for next-generation technologies like the Proteus platform. Working within a lean and highly agile leadership team, he helped establish scalable manufacturing foundations spanning CM-managed instrument supply, internal reagent kit production, and advanced silicon-based consumables—while navigating the realities of fast-moving product roadmaps and constrained resources.

Earlier in his career, Mike held engineering and leadership roles at organizations including Illumina, Dexcom, GenMark Diagnostics, Truvian, and Encodia. Along the way, he’s led pilot-line development, automation strategy, equipment qualification, validation programs, and process controls—often in environments where the path forward wasn’t clearly defined.

What sets Mike apart is not just his command of acronyms—GAMP, CQV, QbD, DFSS, FMEA—but his philosophy that systems only work when people do. He actively practices emotionally intelligent leadership, prioritizing trust, clarity, and psychological safety while still holding teams to high technical and operational standards. As Mike explores his next chapter, this conversation focuses on the lessons he’s learned building resilient manufacturing systems—and the kind of organizations where he believes he can make the biggest impact next.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeromance/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Bob Hankins brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in the medical-device industry, spanning engineering leadership, product development, process improvement and strategic technical oversight. As Director of Engineering at TE Connectivity, he leads a global team of engineers and scientists focused on designing, developing and delivering innovative customer-centric medical device solutions—particularly complex machined, extruded and laser-cut components. In this role he ensures design for manufacturing and quality within ISO 13485-compliant systems, marrying deep technical understanding with regulatory-driven manufacturing discipline.

Before his current role Bob led Research & Product Development Engineering at Nordson Medical and has held key leadership positions at several medical-device companies, including overseeing product development platforms, multi-site engineering operations, manufacturing automation and system launches. Throughout his career he has honed core competencies in manufacturing process improvement, continuous improvement (including Six Sigma/Lean methodologies), design for manufacturing/assembly, regulatory compliance (ISO 13485, ISO 14971, FDA), and product R&D for the health-care market.

Bob’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and an Executive MBA from the Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University. This combination of technical and business education supports his ability to lead engineering organizations in bridging innovation with operational execution, customer development and quality.

In this episode we’ll dive into how Bob thinks about leading engineering teams in the regulated medical-device space, how he drives design and process improvements globally, how he balances innovation with manufacturing rigor, and what advice he has for engineers growing into leadership roles in healthcare technology. We’ll also explore his views on what the next wave of medical-device manufacturing and design looks like—and how engineering leaders can foster a culture of excellence, empowerment and impact.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rthankins/

Guest website: https://www.te.com/en/home.html

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Scott Roberts is the North American Regional Sales Manager for Bodycote’s S³P technologies, where he oversees the sales team and rep network responsible for bringing one of the most unique surface hardening processes to manufacturers across the country. The S³P family of treatments—including Kolsterising—uses low-temperature carbon diffusion to create exceptionally hard, wear-resistant surfaces while preserving the corrosion resistance that stainless steels and cobalt-chromium alloys are valued for.

Scott didn’t begin his career in materials science or engineering, yet he has built deep expertise in helping engineers and manufacturers solve hard problems related to wear, galling, friction, and component longevity. Through roles ranging from business development to market management, he has spent nearly 10 years guiding customers through when and why processes like Kolsterising offer a major performance advantage—and how they differ from more traditional hardening methods that can cause distortion, cracking, or loss of corrosion resistance.

Before joining Bodycote, Scott worked in metals sales for aerospace customers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and GKN, giving him early insight into how demanding applications push material limits. He has since combined that application-level understanding with extensive real-world customer consulting, helping companies in medical devices, industrial equipment, energy, and beyond adopt surface-engineering solutions that extend component life and reduce failure rates.

Today Scott is a key voice in the growing conversation around advanced diffusion-based hardening technologies. His passion is teaching engineers what these processes can (and cannot) do, clarifying common misconceptions, and helping teams make smarter decisions about material selection and treatment—especially when performance requirements are mission-critical.

LINKS: 

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-roberts-574aa94/

Guest website: https://www.bodycote.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Scott Heimendinger is an engineer and inventor whose career spans business intelligence at Microsoft and IBM, to cutting-edge food-tech innovation. Early in his career he served as a program manager at Microsoft, then pivoted into culinary science, co-founding the pioneering sous-vide company Sansaire, which raised over $823 K via Kickstarter to make sous-vide accessible to home cooks.

He then moved into roles of increasing technical depth: at Modernist Cuisine he developed robotics, motion-control systems, microscopy, visual engineering and more; at Anova he led the development of the Anova Precision Oven — a home-focused combi-oven blending steam, air-flow and sensors. Today, with Seattle Ultrasonics, he’s tackling the humble chef’s knife: by embedding ultrasonic vibrations (over 40,000 Hz) and rigorous testing (including a robot-arm slicing experiment producing 100,000 data points) he’s redefining what it means to “cut better” in the kitchen.

For this episode we’ll dive into Scott’s journey bridging engineering and food, the technical story behind the ultrasonic knife (including prototyping, testing, failures and design iterations), and how a leader like him shepherds innovation from concept through to product launch. For engineers interested in product development, instrumentation, design-for-manufacturing and the crossover into consumer goods — this is one you won’t want to miss.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottheimendinger/

Guest website: https://seattleultrasonics.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this short trailer, Pipeline Design & Engineering announces a new service we quietly piloted in 2025—and are officially opening up in 2026. 

Pipeline is a team of engineers who design and build custom machines, fixtures, and automation systems for manufacturers working on complex, real-world problems. Like most engineering teams, we rely heavily on custom machined parts—and over the years, we’ve developed a trusted overseas manufacturing supply chain to support our own work. 

This episode tells the story of how a single difficult-to-manufacture part led us to test that supply chain for select customers, how carefully we validated quality and lead times, and why we’re now confident offering this capability more broadly. 

What’s being announced: 

• Turnkey procurement of custom machined parts at pricing that significantly outperforms typical domestic shops 
• Strong quality, including tight-tolerance and difficult parts 
• Typical ~2-week lead times, with expedited options available case-by-case 
• Engineering-led DFM review, quality checks, and a single domestic point of contact 

If you’re sourcing custom machined parts and feeling pressure from pricing, lead times, or supplier reliability, this episode explains why Pipeline built this service—and who it’s best suited for. 

To learn more or see if your parts are a fit, reach out to Pipeline directly at teampipeline.us  

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Aaron Eden brings more than three decades of building, testing, and shipping practical innovation. At Intuit, he focuses on AI-driven process automation; partnering with product, operations, and analyst communities to eliminate manual toil and design customer-centric solutions at scale. His posts highlight ongoing hiring and growth around intelligent automation and a practitioner’s mindset toward measurable impact.

Before Intuit, Aaron co-founded Moves the Needle, where he helped Fortune-scale organizations adopt lean startup and design thinking behaviors. Through executive mentoring and enterprise programs, he guided leaders to shorten time-to-market and increase employee engagement while staying grounded in customer outcomes. He’s also held multiple roles inside Intuit’s broader innovation ecosystem, including Design for Delight leadership and talent initiatives aimed at spreading experimentation across the company. 

Outside of the enterprise, Aaron’s entrepreneurial streak shows up in community and advisory work. He co-leads the Artificial Intelligence Trailblazers meetup—an open community designed to make modern AI approachable—and frequently speaks on translating buzz into business results. He also mentors founders through Startup Tucson and participates in local panels like the University of Arizona’s “Technology for Good,” where he advocates for responsible, accessible AI.

If you’re an engineer or technical leader, you’ll appreciate Aaron’s bias toward running small, smart experiments, measuring what matters, and shipping value fast—principles he’s applied from customer care analytics to RPA/AI platforms. Expect a conversation rich with playbooks for automating high-variance processes, empowering analysts, and building an innovation culture that sticks.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaroneden/

Guest website: https://www.brainbridge.app/

Guest NPO: https://www.aitrailblazers.io/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Presented by Mike Landis, Director of Engineering at Pipeline Design & Engineering 

In this PDX Webinar, Mike Landis shares the practical project management framework Pipeline uses to manage engineering development projects, balancing budget, schedule, scope, and risk. 

The session includes a walkthrough of Pipeline’s engineering project budget and schedule tracking spreadsheet, refined over 20 years of real-world use. 

View the webinar and download the traveler here (must be registered on The Wave to view): https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/pdx-webinars/practical-project-management-for-engineering-teams-with-mike-landis-r9/

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This episode is a recording of a webinar with guest Chris Denney.

Watch the recording for free on The Wave.

Think your manufacturer keeps screwing up your circuit boards? The truth might be that the design itself is setting them up to fail.

In this webinar, we uncover the most common PCB design mistakes that frustrate manufacturers — and how engineers can prevent them.

This session is geared toward mechanical engineers who want to better understand how board layout and design choices impact manufacturability, communication, and cost. You’ll walk away knowing how to collaborate more effectively with your electrical counterparts and PCB manufacturers to avoid painful (and expensive) surprises down the line.

Electrical engineers will also benefit from real-world DFM insights and practical takeaways they can apply immediately.

Learn how to:

• Identify design choices that make PCB assembly harder than it needs to be
• Communicate more effectively with PCB vendors and electrical teammates
• Design in a way that reduces rework, waste, and frustration for everyone

Watch the recording for free on The Wave.

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This episode is a rerun.

Andrew and Lisa are Menlonians (team members at Menlo Innovations). They do things different there. And even though they develop software products, the processes they use are supremely applicable to developing hard goods products, as well. Join us as we discuss “the Menlo way” and paired work, kindergarten skills, storycards, and other methods of producing the right product, on budget, and on schedule.

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This episode is a rerun.

Rob Donley has a deep understanding of how engineering works. Kicking off his engineering career from a young age building RC cars and model rockets, he has provided design and leadership capabilities for many companies over the years, and brings to the table not just the ability to design something, but to understand the many facets that accompany development of a new product such as manufacturing, supply chain, financial strategy, and project management. 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join us on-site at Stryker as we explore the world of packaging engineering with Eric Richins, a packaging engineer with 10 years of experience in the industry. In this insightful interview, Eric discusses the various aspects of packaging from primary to tertiary, highlighting the importance of packaging in maintaining product sterility and efficiency in production. He shares intriguing details about the automation of packaging processes, the regulatory challenges faced, and the critical role packaging plays in the medical device industry. Eric offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of packaging engineering and what it takes to ensure seamless operations. Tune in to learn about the nuances of this often-overlooked field and the unique skills required to excel in it.

Aaron Moncur, host

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this special format-breaking episode of the Being An Engineer podcast, Aaron and Brad sit down together—no guest, no script—to talk through an issue almost every engineer has bumped into at some point: the slow erosion of professional communication.

The conversation starts with a LinkedIn post Brad wrote after experiencing repeated ghosting during his job search—even after multi-hour onsite interviews and commitments from hiring managers. That sparks a broader discussion about the shifting expectations around communication in today’s workforce, how different generations approach feedback and follow-through, and what’s driving the breakdown of mutual respect between candidates, companies, vendors, and customers.

Aaron shares stories from his 16 years running Pipeline Design & Engineering, including how silence from prospective clients affects small engineering firms and why reciprocity is essential for trust in any business relationship. The two also talk openly about dealing with ambiguity, stress, and the pressure for instant answers in a world where patience is becoming rare.

This episode explores:

·         Why ghosting is becoming normalized—and why it shouldn’t be

·         How feedback and clarity can drastically change hiring experiences

·         The role of generational differences in communication styles

·         How ambiguity affects engineers and leaders at every level

·         Practical frameworks for reducing stress and strengthening trust

·         Why “say what you’re going to do, then do it” still matters

·         A challenge to listeners to help rebuild professional respect, one small action at a time

Aaron and Brad wrap up with a call to action: if you’re ever in a position to choose—whether selecting candidates, vendors, or partners—take the minute to close the loop. Be the change you want to see in the industry.

Let us know what you think of this new conversational format, what topics you’d like us to tackle next, or whether we should stick to the classic interview style. Drop us a note on LinkedIn, on The Wave, or at info@teampipeline.us.

LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pipeline-media-lab/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipelinedesign/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradhirayama/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this special episode, Aaron and Brad introduce Pipeline Media Lab (PML) — a new initiative built for engineers, by engineers.

We talk about why we’re creating PML: engineers don’t need more ads, they need education, practical insights, and real stories from people solving hard problems. PML brings all of that into one ecosystem—podcasts, events, webinars, community, and more—to help engineers learn, grow, and stay connected to what’s happening across the engineering world.

We share the vision behind PML, what it means for the Being An Engineer podcast, and how it supports the broader engineering community. You’ll hear how PML came from years of conversations with engineers, lessons from PDX, and the belief that engineering knowledge should be accessible, useful, and presented without hype.

The episode covers:

• Why engineers ignore ads but engage deeply with good education
• How PML will spotlight real engineering work—projects, processes, people
• What new content, events, and experiences are coming for the community
• How this launch strengthens the podcast you already listen to
• Behind-the-scenes thinking on building something meaningful for engineers

If you’re an engineer who likes learning from other engineers, seeing cool projects, or getting better at your craft, you’re going to like where PML is heading.

LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradhirayama/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipelinedesign/ 

https://pml.engineer

https://thewave.engineer

Subscribe to the PML newsletter: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/ 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Few people enter the MedTech world because of a personal experience with the technology itself—but for Brent Lavin, that’s exactly where it began. At just 23 years old, a CT scan that revealed an urgent medical issue also sparked a lifelong passion for medical technology and its power to save lives. That moment became the foundation of a career devoted to driving innovation in healthcare.

Brent’s early engineering work revealed an exceptional talent for connecting technical possibility with human need. Over the next two decades, he would lead cross-functional teams through more than 20 successful product launches, three mergers and acquisitions, and hundreds of millions of dollars in portfolio growth. His leadership—marked by curiosity, clarity, and conviction—has earned him accolades such as BD’s Director of the Year and the CEO Excellence Award.

Today, as Director of Strategic Growth at BD, Brent is responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities for both organic development and targeted acquisitions. Previously, he served as Director of Marketing and Product Management, where he led global teams across multiple disease states to record-breaking revenue growth, even in the face of pandemic-era supply chain challenges.

Before joining BD, Brent spent years at GE Healthcare, where he honed his product management and global commercialization expertise, launching next-generation ultrasound systems that achieved over 200% year-over-year growth. His career reflects a rare blend of technical grounding, marketing strategy, and human-centered leadership—built on a mission to deliver meaningful innovation to clinicians and patients worldwide.

Beyond the numbers, Brent is known for building high-performing teams and mentoring leaders who thrive in complex environments. Whether he’s shaping go-to-market strategies, integrating newly acquired companies, or guiding engineers toward greater clarity and impact, his approach is grounded in purpose: to help people and teams reach their full potential while bringing life-changing technologies to market.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-lavin/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Brogan Miller, PE is a startup veteran, product engineer, and the founder of Doula Studios, a consultancy dedicated to helping early-stage hardware companies bring their ideas into reality. Calling himself a “doula for startups,” Brogan supports entrepreneurs as they navigate the often-chaotic birth of new products, offering hard-won wisdom, technical expertise, and a get-it-done mindset.

Brogan’s career path has been anything but ordinary. He’s held pivotal roles as one of the earliest employees at several startups, including Sensel, AliveCor, Trove Foods, and Typhur, where he designed and launched everything from ultra-thin pressure sensors to a 200-pound electromechanical cooking system. As Head of Engineering at GaeaStar, he guided the company through critical product validation stages, building engineering infrastructure and supply chain resilience. His work has spanned continents, including a year living in Asia to shepherd product development on the ground.

But Brogan’s story is more than just shipping products. He’s also deeply committed to education and community. As an adjunct lecturer at Stanford University, he has guided students in product design and engineering, while his earlier work in the Graduate School of Education led to the creation of seven open-sourced educational tools—one of which was acquired by Google. Beyond academia, he volunteers with organizations such as First Robotics and Youths of Africa Career Development, where he introduces Ugandan youth to engineering pathways and mentors the next generation of innovators.

With a reputation as a jack of all trades and a master of one—getting things done—Brogan brings a unique lens on what it takes to turn bold ideas into successful products.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brogan-miller/

Guest website: https://www.doulastudios.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Rick James is the Chief Executive Officer at SimuTech Group, North America’s largest ANSYS Elite Channel Partner. With a 25+ year career at the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering, he has spearheaded multi-million dollar projects, FEA analyses, drop testing, and reliability-driven design efforts in industries from semiconductors to medical devices.

Holding a Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management and both BSME and MSME degrees from Southern Methodist University, Rick blends deep technical expertise with strategic insight. He began his career at Texas Instruments, tackling IC packaging and structural analysis, progressing through leadership roles at Sulzer, and later heading consulting services at SimuTech.

At SimuTech, Rick leads a multidisciplinary team offering simulation and physical testing services across a vast range of disciplines—including structural, thermal, fluids, RF/electromagnetics, optics, VR/AR, and probabilistic design—to “solve the unsolvable.” He is passionate about simulation-driven innovation, the rise of digital twins, and elevating engineering through mentoring and workflow optimization.

His thought leadership extends to speaking engagements on fracture mechanics, predictive maintenance, and digital twin methodologies. Rick also serves on Southern Methodist University’s Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, shaping the future of engineering education.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjames/

Guest website: https://simutechgroup.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Our guest today is Jeremy Jarrett, an attorney at Sacks Tierney in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he focuses on corporate, securities, and finance law. Jeremy brings more than 10 years of experience advising businesses on complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, recapitalizations, commercial lending, and equity and debt financings. His clients have ranged from early-stage startups to large public companies, spanning industries such as technology, oilfield services, agriculture, defense contracting, automotive, and manufacturing.

In addition to representing venture capital-backed companies in financing transactions, Jeremy has played a key role in supporting Phoenix-area entrepreneurs and growth-minded businesses. His unique path to corporate law began in the sports industry, where he worked with NCAA and NBA organizations, sports agents, and management firms before transitioning to private practice.

Jeremy holds a JD from Tulane University Law School, where he specialized in sports law, and a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. With his diverse background, Jeremy offers engineers and technical leaders a unique perspective on how smart legal strategies can safeguard innovation, attract capital, and unlock growth opportunities.

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Ryan Stevenson is a versatile mechanical engineer whose career spans high-profile tech companies, outdoor gear innovators, and entrepreneurial ventures. After earning his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, Ryan launched into product development roles that combined advanced CAD, manufacturing engineering, and user-focused design.

He contributed to Apple’s Vision Products Group, where he helped shape the Vision Pro by developing complex surfaces and leading the design of components in the Light Seal system. Earlier, at Cascade Designs, Ryan worked on next-generation Thermarest products, applying his technical expertise to foam development and manufacturing challenges. At Werner Paddles, he engineered advanced composite paddles and tooling, bringing efficiency improvements to production while driving performance in outdoor equipment.

Ryan’s entrepreneurial side came alive with Realtime Adventure Data, where he co-founded the company and led development of the Lyte Probe, a device designed to help backcountry skiers better assess avalanche risk. He thrives at the intersection of rapid prototyping, design for manufacturability, and customer-driven problem solving.

Most recently, Ryan founded the Boise Hardware Meetup, building community for engineers, designers, and makers in Idaho. As a freelance engineer through Syzygy Design, he now partners with companies ranging from startups to established manufacturers, offering expertise in CAD modeling, mechanical architecture, DFM/DFA, and full product development cycles. His career reflects not only technical depth but also a passion for leadership, collaboration, and bridging the gap between industrial design and scalable manufacturing.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: Ryan Stevenson - Boise Hardware Meetup | LinkedIn

Guest website: https://ryanstevenson.xyz/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This episode is a rerun.

In this fascinating episode of Being an Engineer, our host Aaron Moncur sits down with Greg Mark, a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized 3D printing with Markforged and is now transforming design workflows with his AI company, Backflip. Greg shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, technological innovations, and the power of persistence.

Main Topics:

• The origin story of Markforged and carbon fiber 3D printing
• Innovative design principles in manufacturing
• Backflip's AI-driven approach to converting 3D scans to CAD models
• Entrepreneurship, product development, and market strategy
• The importance of reliability and focusing on core product features

About the guest: Greg Mark is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship, renowned for pioneering innovations that push the boundaries of technology. Currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Backflip, Greg is transforming how we create beautiful, functional objects using AI in a world that is inherently 3D. His latest venture follows a series of impactful contributions to engineering and manufacturing, most notably as the founder of Markforged. There, he invented carbon fiber and mixed metal 3D printing, a technology now deployed globally, including on the International Space Station and by major players like BMW and Tesla.

An MIT-trained engineer with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, Greg’s journey started with bold ventures such as Aeromotions, a company that brought high-performance aerodynamics to the fastest cars on the track. His leadership at Genasun redefined off-grid solar power with advanced electronics, and as an advisor to startups like Genesis Therapeutics and Rotor Technologies, Greg continues to mentor innovators tackling the toughest challenges in industries from drug discovery to remote flight.

Links:

Greg Mark - LInkedIn

Markforged Website

Backflip.ai Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Ramzi Marjaba is a seasoned Solution Engineer and consultant currently with Veeam Software, working remotely from Ottawa since March 2025. Prior to this, he spent nearly four years as a Senior Solution Specialist at Keysight Technologies, managing Eastern Canada accounts and mentoring both SEs and account executives. Earlier in his career, he held technical roles at Spirent Communications, Alcatel‑Lucent, and Nortel, starting as an embedded software tester and evolving into a network design engineer and systems engineer.

In 2018, Ramzi founded We the Sales Engineers, a coaching platform and podcast designed to help sales engineers grow through thoughtful conversation, expert mentorship, and practice‑based learning. With hundreds of episodes and written content to his name, he’s built a global community for pre‑sales professionals seeking to sharpen their craft.

Ramzi emphasizes the difference between treating symptoms versus diagnosing root business needs—with a heavy focus on discovery, customer context, and vision building. He often compares SEs to business athletes: they don’t get to practice outside the field, and must deliver under pressure with clarity and impact. He also explores the evolution of presales roles in a shifting job market, noting the increasing competitiveness and need for strategic, value‑centered hiring.

Outside of client work, Ramzi mentors aspiring SEs, runs podcast and written series, and leads workshops—from quick discovery techniques to advanced whiteboarding and objection management. 

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramzimarjaba/?originalSubdomain=ca

Guest website: https://wethesalesengineers.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This is your final call to join us at PDX 2025 – The Product Development Expo, happening October 21–22 in Phoenix, Arizona.
 PDX is not your typical conference—it’s a hands-on training experience built specifically for engineers who design and develop physical products.

Learn directly from industry experts in areas like GD&T, DFM, automation, additive manufacturing, motion control, project management, and more. With 50+ sessions and 35+ exhibitors offering real-time consulting, you’ll walk away with practical tools, insights, and connections to accelerate your career.

🔗 Links & Registration

🎟️ Register now: PDexpo.engineer
📧 Questions? Email: PDX@teampipeline.us

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

James Davis, widely recognized as FluxBench, has built a following by making electronics approachable, fun, and practical. With a mission to “keep the magic smoke inside the components where it belongs,” James is passionate about teaching engineers, makers, and hobbyists how to move beyond simple projects and start creating production-ready designs.

On his YouTube channel, FluxBench, James shares tutorials and experiments ranging from ESP32-driven LED displays to embedded development strategies and Proxmox-based Flux Node setups. His videos blend clear explanations with hands-on demonstrations, making them accessible to beginners while still offering technical depth for experienced engineers. Whether it’s wiring up microcontrollers, troubleshooting circuits, or scaling a one-off build into something robust, James shows how to translate curiosity into capability.

With a background in embedded systems and a gift for teaching, James Davis represents the spirit of engineering as both an art and a craft. His work encourages others not just to build projects but to create real products that solve problems, delight users, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with accessible electronics.

Guest website:  Flux Bench

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Matt Puchalski is a roboticist and entrepreneur shaping the future of automation in manufacturing. As the founder and CEO of Bucket Robotics—part of Y Combinator’s Summer 2024 batch—Matt is building next-generation 3D vision systems designed to supercharge flexible manufacturing environments. His company combines high-quality monocular cameras with edge computing to enable real-time 3D perception, simplify integration, and generate meaningful metrics across production workflows.

Before founding Bucket Robotics, Matt spent over half a decade developing and deploying Level 4 autonomous vehicles at Argo AI, which was acquired by Ford to form Latitude AI. His journey in autonomy continued at Latitude and then Stack AV, where he served as a foundational engineer during the company’s stealth phase. From leading test track operations to engineering vehicle reliability processes, Matt played key roles in launching multiple AV platforms on public roads.

He’s also an inventor, credited with patents ranging from indoor localization to dynamic data mining for autonomous systems. Alongside his startup leadership, Matt is a venture partner at Pioneer Fund, helping other early-stage founders navigate the startup ecosystem.

Matt holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Georgia Tech and brings a unique blend of hardware expertise, startup grit, and large-scale system thinking. Whether deploying AVs in Munich or building user-friendly tools for manufacturers, Matt is passionate about making robotics practical, accessible, and powerful.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-puchalski/

Guest website: https://www.bucket.bot/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Sam Holland is a mechanical and product design engineer whose journey threads through influential design labs and breakthrough products—from MakerBot’s pioneering 3D printers to livestream hardware at Vimeo, and now forging his own path through Informal.cc. At MakerBot, he served as Technical Lead on the Method 3D printer and spearheaded subsystems for the Replicator Z18, work that included patent‑winning innovations in gantry mechanics and extruder design. His move to Livestream and Vimeo saw him shaping products like Mevo Plus and Studio One, integrating sleek form and functionality for the live‑streaming era.

In late 2018, Sam co‑founded Informal.cc in Brooklyn—a freelance collective dedicated to helping startups design, manufacture, and market hardware effectively. There, he blends expertise in CAD (OnShape, SolidWorks), design for manufacturing and assembly, vendor sourcing, and team staffing. Under his leadership, Informal has also launched the Informal Hardware Handbook, a community‑driven guide that chronicles best practices across ideation, manufacturing, and go‑to‑market strategy—rooted in real‑world experience navigating constraints like chip shortages and shifting product timelines.

Beyond the drafting table, Sam brings products to life—some have reached audiences through QVC, CVS, Best Buy, and even Shark Tank. He couples doing with teaching, from presenting hands‑on hardware workshops at schools like Rock Point in Vermont to authoring product teardowns and insights on Informal’s blog—most recently a teardown of a SimpliSafe Keypad and a love letter to OnShape as his “ride‑or‑die” CAD tool. Outside of engineering, he balances his design drive with drumming, cooking, and Vermont explorations.

Here’s a conversation with Sam Holland, where we’ll dive into accelerating hardware careers, cracking the design‑to‑manufacturing code, and even that hilarious “Donut Hole‑Der” open letter to Dunkin’—because sometimes even frameworks for product engineering aren’t spared a sense of humor.

LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samholland-engineering/

https://deardunkin.com/

https://www.informal.cc/

https://www.hardwaremeetup.com/ 

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Jason “Wally” Waldron is the founder and CEO of Exitology, a company dedicated to helping custom manufacturers, industrial services, and supply chain firms scale their businesses rapidly and exit with maximum value—on their own terms. With nearly two decades of experience advising business owners and engineering-driven teams, Wally specializes in accelerating company growth—up to 33% per year—and unlocking $10M+ in trapped business value in as little as three years.

He’s not just talking theory. Wally’s background in marketing strategy, business development, and organizational systems spans work as a fractional CMO, partner in marketing and equity firms, and years of hands-on growth consulting. His methodology blends actionable frameworks with a deep understanding of the unique needs of technical founders and engineering-driven companies.

In his book, Exitology: Unlock Your Profits, Unlock Your Potential, Wally outlines how business owners can break free from the day-to-day grind, regain their time, and create companies that grow without them. Whether owners are looking to sell, hand down the business as a legacy, or simply step away with confidence, Exitology provides the playbook.

Wally’s mission is to help founders create both financial freedom and personal fulfillment—without compromising their engineering integrity. He currently works with $10M to $200M privately owned firms in sectors like custom manufacturing, commercial construction, and industrial services, and has built a reputation for helping leaders transition from “success” to “significance.”

Connect with Wally on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallywaldron/

Visit the Exitology website: https://exitology.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Duann Scott is a globally recognized leader in computational design, additive manufacturing, and the emerging intersection of software and fabrication. With a background in industrial design and a PhD research foundation from the University of South Australia, Duann launched BITS to ATOMS in 2009 to explore how digital tools would revolutionize product design and manufacturing. What started as an academic pursuit quickly transformed into a dynamic industry journey through some of the most innovative companies in the space.

At Shapeways, he helped build one of the first online 3D printing communities. At Autodesk, he shaped the strategy for the $100M Spark investment fund and led the acquisition of Netfabb, now integral to Autodesk's digital manufacturing suite. At nTopology, Duann served in multiple executive roles, driving growth and expanding the company’s software integrations for advanced manufacturing applications.

In 2021, he relaunched BITS to ATOMS as a consultancy and launched CDFAM, the Computational Design Symposium Series. CDFAM now brings together cutting-edge thinkers across engineering, software, and architecture at events in NYC, Berlin, and Brooklyn. Whether supporting MIT xPRO students, contributing to the Wohlers Report, or guiding the 3MF Consortium as Executive Director, Duann is committed to building better tools, workflows, and communities around computational manufacturing.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Duann brings a creative edge from his past life as a musician and designer, continually pushing the boundary between art and engineering. His mission? To create a better digital thread from bits to atoms.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duann/

Guest website: https://cdfam.com/

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Tessa Axsom blends deep mechanical engineering know‑how with the craft of product marketing. Today she serves as Product Marketing Manager – CNC at Fictiv, the on‑demand manufacturing partner known for its robust CNC resources and design guides. In this role, she translates shop‑floor realities into crisp messages, actionable guidance, and programs that help engineers build better parts faster. Before moving into marketing, Tessa wrote extensively for Fictiv’s Resource Center, authoring practical articles on topics like drawing best practices, corrosion vs. oxidation, and developing people skills as an engineer.

Her path began at Purdue University in mechanical engineering and wound through metallurgy and aerospace, including design of aluminum plate‑and‑fin heat exchangers and quality leadership in chemical analysis labs. That blend of materials, design, and operations experience anchors her marketing perspective in real constraints: tolerances, surface finish, manufacturability, and supplier capability—especially in CNC machining.

Beyond the written word, Tessa shows up as an educator and voice in the community. Fictiv has featured her in webinars and industry conversations, from manufacturing complex designs to commentary on timely topics. She also runs Precision Pen & Quality, where she applies engineering rigor to technical communication and consulting.

Across all of it, Tessa advocates for a simple idea: engineers who can communicate—who can frame tradeoffs, tell a crisp story, and align stakeholders—ship better products. That’s why her work on people skills for engineers resonates so strongly with our audience of builders and problem‑solvers. 

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-axsom/

Guest website: https://www.fictiv.com/

Email: tessa.axsom@fictiv.com

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Spencer Jones began his healthcare career as a registered nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he witnessed firsthand the clinical need that sparked his first device: SafeBreak® Vascular, a patented solution to prevent IV line dislodgement. As a nursing alumnus of the University of Arkansas, Spencer led SafeBreak from idea to FDA approval in 2022, drawing on early mentorship from Innovate Arkansas and a successful accelerator experience with ZeroTo510.

In 2015 he founded Lineus Medical as co‑founder and CTO, securing multiple U.S. and international patents while raising seed and Series A funding. In 2020 he began consulting with Lapovations, the University of Arkansas‑spawned medtech startup behind AbGrab®, a suction‑based tool enabling safer and more consistent abdominal entry in laparoscopy.

Since officially joining Lapovations in October 2022, Spencer has served as CTO, VP of Sales and now CEO, leading efforts like a national sales rollout, Series A financing, SBIR IIB grant, and the Class I FDA launch of AbGrab across 18 states. Beyond product development, he’s an active mentor and ecosystem builder through XO Medtech, ComboSpine, and educational partnerships.

Spencer is passionate about democratizing clinical innovation—especially for nurses, physicians, and students—and now leverages AI tools to accelerate medtech startup growth. Recognized by Nurse.org as “Nurse Innovator of the Year,” he is a powerhouse blending clinical insight, technical execution, fundraising prowess, and ecosystem leadership.

LINKS:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-jones-5a008672/

Guest website: https://xomedtech.com/

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join us for an in-depth conversation with John Lembke, a manufacturing engineering manager with over a decade of experience in factory digitization, lean manufacturing, and ERP integrations. John shares his proven strategies for hiring high-performing engineering teams, scaling production rapidly, and building effective manufacturing processes. From his early days around ice-making machinery to leading 60% capacity increases, John offers practical insights that engineering managers and job seekers alike will find invaluable.

Main Topics:

• Hiring Best Practices: Use skill histograms to identify team gaps and write focused, targeted job descriptions.
• Interview Strategies: Ask questions that evaluate both technical skills and cultural fit.
• Common Hiring Mistakes: Avoid hiring people just like yourself and using vague or generic job descriptions.
• Candidate Advice: Use the STAR method to structure responses and present your experience clearly.
• ERP & MES Systems: Understand the role of enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution systems in operations.
• Production Scaling: Apply practical strategies to rapidly increase production capacity.
• Manufacturing KPIs: Track key performance indicators to monitor quality and efficiency.
• Leadership Philosophy: Leverage lessons from endurance sports to build mental resilience and lead with intensity.

About the guest: John Lembke is a manufacturing and operations leader with a track record of scaling production and driving process excellence. At Scythe Robotics, he boosted production capacity by 60% in 16 months and led ERP implementation to streamline operations. Previously, as Director of Manufacturing and Scaling at Phantom Auto, he built prototype production systems and integrated advanced hardware into partner vehicles. His earlier experience at Seagate, Ensign-Bickford, and GE honed his expertise in process engineering, KPI development, and cross-functional leadership. With degrees from CU Boulder and RPI, John is committed to continuous learning, mentoring, and applying innovative approaches—balanced by a passion for backpacking and endurance sports.

Links:

John Lembke LinkedIn

Scythe Robotics Website

Aaron Moncur, host 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Bryant Foster, a human factors expert who's worked with industry giants like Google to make complex products simpler and safer. With a background in cognitive psychology, Bryant shares insights on designing user-friendly products, from surgical systems to smart thermostats, all while keeping the end user at the center of the design process.

Main Topics:

• What drew Bryant into human factors and user experience design
• How to define and achieve simplicity in product design
• Advanced usability testing tools: eye tracking, pupilometry, and facial emotion analysis
• Why users don't always give honest feedback and how to work around it
• Providing critical design feedback without demoralizing teams
• Cost-effective approaches to human factors testing
• Safety considerations in medical device design
• Use-related risk analysis and task analysis methodologies
• Lessons learned from working at Google X
• Building successful human factors consulting teams

About the guest: Bryant Foster is the Vice President of Human Factors and User Experience at Research Collective, a user-centered research consultancy serving clients from startups to major companies like GE Healthcare, Microsoft, and Medtronic. With over a decade of experience in applied psychology and usability research, he specializes in ensuring products are safe, intuitive, and user-focused.

He holds a Master’s in Applied Psychology (Human Factors) from Arizona State University and began his career at the Cognitive Engineering Research Institute, later working at Google X as a UX researcher. At Research Collective in Tempe, Arizona, he leads a team that uses methods like ethnography, eye tracking, and biometric analysis.

In addition to his consulting work, Bryant mentors students and supports local entrepreneurs through programs like LEAP, blending scientific rigor with empathy in fields from medical devices to consumer tech.

Links:

Bryant Foster LinkedIn

Research Collective Website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this engaging episode of Being An Engineer, Josh Zarecky shares his unique journey of running an engineering business while traveling across the United States in an RV. He discusses his background in mechanical engineering, the challenges and joys of remote work, and his innovative approach to developing industrial automation solutions.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from traditional engineering roles to entrepreneurship
• Traveling and working remotely with a family
• Developing the Flexrail: A modular industrial automation platform
• Challenges of managing a remote engineering team
• Strategies for finding a niche in engineering services

About the guest: Josh Zarecky is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in scientific instrumentation and lab automation. After earning his degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, he worked at Beckman Coulter and Prosolia, leading hardware design and system automation projects. In 2019, he founded ZEDion, a company in Indiana specializing in hybrid instrumentation that integrates mechanical, electrical, and software systems for life sciences and diagnostics. Josh is also a remote work advocate, managing his company while traveling the U.S. with his family for over a year. Now based in Southern California, he continues to innovate, most recently developing the ZEDion Rail, a modular embedded control board for lab automation.

Links:

Josh Zarecky LinkedIn

ZEDion Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Camden Shuman discusses his experiences as a co-op student at Siemens Healthineers, where he has gained valuable hands-on experience in mechanical design work. He also shares insights about his entrepreneurial venture, "The Engineering Way" newsletter, which aims to help engineering students and professionals develop their soft skills and network.

Main Topics:

• Engineering education and the challenges of transitioning from high school to college
• The difference between internships and co-ops, and the benefits of gaining real-world experience
• Camden's work at Siemens Healthineers, including his projects in mechanical design and use of CAD software
• The creation and growth of "The Engineering Way" newsletter, including marketing strategies and the importance of providing value to the community
• Time management techniques, such as using calendars, lists, and the concept of "building a second brain"
• Advice for engineering students interested in entrepreneurship and building their professional network

About the guest: Camden Shuman is a senior in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Camden has gained real world engineering experience through his co-op at Siemens Healthineers, working on pioneering molecular imaging technologies. He is also the founder of “The Engineering Way,” a newsletter dedicated to providing valuable tips and advice to engineering students and professionals. Camden's achievements include winning third place in the Vol Court pitch competition and contributing to innovative projects in medical technology and drone applications.

Links:

Camden Shuman - LinkedIn
The Engineering Way

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Jake shares his engineering journey, insights into technical interviews, and strategies for young engineers to succeed in the hardware industry. He discusses his experiences at companies like Tesla and Relativity Space and how he created Hardware is Hard to help mechanical engineers land top-tier jobs.

Main Topics:

• Importance of internships in engineering career development
• Technical interview preparation strategies
• Emerging trends in hardware engineering (AR/VR, robotics, US manufacturing)
• Balancing productivity and personal growth
• Building engineering resources for students and early-career professionals

About the guest: Jake Whinnery is a mechanical engineer and hardware leader at Apple, driving innovation and empowering fellow engineers. A UC Berkeley graduate (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, minor in EECS, 2023), he has contributed to cutting-edge hardware at Tesla, Meta, Relativity Space, and NASA Ames. In 2022, he co-founded Hardware Is Hard with Wilder Buchanan, a platform supporting 13,000+ engineers with tools like interview guides and technical resources. At Apple since August 2023, Jake works on camera hardware, integrating optics, design, and manufacturing. His blend of technical excellence and community leadership makes him a rising force in hardware engineering.

LINKS:

Jake Whinnery LinkedIn

Jackson Wilder Buchanan LinkedIn

Hardware Is Hard Website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Joshua Tarbutton shares his journey from military service to engineering entrepreneurship, discussing how military discipline and leadership principles can transform engineering culture and workplace dynamics.

Main Topics:

• Military influence on engineering leadership
• Restoring dignity in engineering workplaces
• Creating psychological safety for engineers
• Scaling a design and fabrication company
• Navigating business challenges during COVID-19

About the guest: Joshua Tarbutton, a former U.S. Army Reserve Platoon Sergeant, transitioned from military leadership to academia, earning a PhD from Clemson and teaching engineering for nine years before founding Bravo Team in 2018. His goal: to combine technical expertise with strategic leadership and restore dignity to the engineering profession.

Bravo Team is a full-service product development firm that supports clients from idea to production, partnering with top-tier companies such as Siemens and Stanley Black & Decker. Known for rapid iteration and a maker-friendly culture, the company has grown quickly, ranking #2 on Charlotte’s Fast 50 and #489 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list with 904% growth.

Still veteran-owned and transitioning toward employee ownership, Bravo Team is recognized for innovations such as the Bravo Walk dog collar and its production of medical shields during the COVID-19 era. Joshua promotes community and team growth through events, EOS, and mentoring. He’s a licensed professional engineer and certified ScrumMaster.

Links:

Joshua Tarbutton LinkedIn

Bravo Team Website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ 

Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/  

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In today’s episode, Paul will explore how he scales hardware teams, builds for manufacturability, navigates supply chain complexity, mentors engineers, and embraces community‑driven innovation. Get ready for insights on leadership, prototyping, and bringing hardware to life from idea to market.

Main Topics:

• Proteus Motion's V1 and V2 machine development
• Engineering career progression
• Hardware product design and manufacturing
• Consulting and entrepreneurship
• New York Hardware Meetup community building

About the guest: Paul Vizzio is a seasoned mechanical engineer and hardware leader with a diverse background spanning consumer electronics, cleantech, and defense. Starting as a product management intern at SolidWorks, he later managed undersea vehicle projects at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. As the first mechanical engineer at goTenna, he developed both consumer and military-spec products from concept to production in under a year.

In 2017, he founded Vizeng, providing end-to-end mechanical and supply-chain consulting to NYC hardware startups. He also led product development for RoadPower’s regenerative road systems.

Since 2019, Paul has led hardware efforts at Proteus Motion, overseeing team growth, R&D, and supply chain. His work includes redesigning the V1 system and launching the V2 within a year—contributing to Proteus’s adoption by 400+ pro sports teams and clinics. He also co-organizes the NY Hardware Meetup and founded the D2C pet brand RemieDog, reflecting his passion for innovation and community-building.

Links:

Paul Vizzio - LinkedIn

Vizeng Website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ 

Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/  

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Webinar: What Every Engineer  Should Know About Contract Manufacturers

Register here: https://www.thewave.engineer/store/product/31-what-every-engineer-should-know-about-working-with-a-contract-manufacturer/

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join Aaron Moncur as he interviews Stephen Hinch about his remarkable career in innovation, discussing how companies can foster breakthrough technologies, overcome corporate innovation barriers, and create a culture that supports creative thinking.

Main Topics:

• From Engineering to Leadership: Steve's Career Journey
• Turning Innovative Ideas into Profitable Realities
• Creating a Culture of Innovation
• Challenges of Corporate Innovation
• The Role of Persistence in Technological Breakthroughs
• AI's Current Potential in Engineering

About the guest: Stephen W. Hinch is a seasoned innovation and high-tech management expert with a career spanning R&D, marketing, and executive leadership at companies like Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, and TeamLogic IT. An engineer with degrees from Harvey Mudd College and Claremont Graduate University, Steve played a key role in advancing surface mount and fiber optic technologies, earning honors like the IPC President’s Award.

He is also a prolific author, with his 2025 book Winning Through Innovation offering practical, team-focused strategies for driving innovation based on real-world leadership experience. Known for blending theory with hands-on practice, Steve now works as a consultant, guiding senior leaders through the challenges of innovation in today’s digital landscape.

Links:

Stephen Hinch - LinkedIn

Website

Aaron Moncur, host

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode of the Being an Engineer podcast, host Aaron Moncur interviews Katie Karmelek, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Chamfr. Katie shares her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, discussing her passion for medical device innovation and how Chamfr is revolutionizing component sourcing for medical device engineers.

Main Topics:

• Katie's engineering background and family influences
• The founding of Chamfr and its mission to accelerate medical device development
• Challenges of creating an online marketplace for medical components
• Personal experiences that highlight the importance of medical device innovation
• Advice for young engineers and entrepreneurs

About the guest: Katie Karmelek is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. She is the co-founder of Chamfr, an online marketplace that simplifies sourcing components and tools for medical device development by connecting engineers with qualified suppliers.

Before launching Chamfr in 2017, Katie held roles in product development and business management at companies like Olympus, Vention Medical, and TDC Medical. She also founded Karmelek Engineering, Inc., applying her technical expertise to further innovation in the field.

Katie holds both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. She is committed to mentoring young engineers and frequently shares insights on materials and design trends through the Chamfr blog.

Links:

Katie Karmelek LinkedIn

Chamfr - Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ 

Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/  

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Andy Thompson discussed his journey from machinist to expert in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing). He highlighted the importance of understanding GD&T for effective design, manufacturing, and quality control. Thompson shared examples of how GD&T improved manufacturing processes, such as aerospace parts and defense contracts. He emphasized the need for early identification of manufacturing processes and the benefits of collaborative design. Thompson also discussed the value of networking and continuous learning in the engineering field, advocating for more engagement and communication within the engineering community.

Main Topics:

• Transition from machinist to engineering professional
• Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Practical applications of GD&T in manufacturing
• Collaborative design processes
• Importance of communication in engineering

About the guest: Andy Thompson, P.E., is a seasoned mechanical and manufacturing engineer with over 20 years of experience, beginning as a CNC operator and advancing to manager of structural engineering at Northrop Grumman. He is an expert in GD&T, holding ASME Y14.5 Senior Level certification, and emphasizes design for manufacturability, assembly, and inspection. Andy is also an active mentor and contributor to the engineering community, combining hands-on expertise with strategic leadership to drive innovation and quality across the field.

Links:

Andy Thompson LinkedIn

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Dr. James Bryant shares his transformative approach to helping engineers achieve professional excellence without sacrificing personal fulfillment. He discusses his unique methodology for balancing work and home life, developing leadership skills, and creating meaningful success.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from engineering to coaching
• The "Engineer Your Success" methodology
• Developing emotional intelligence
• Strategic time management
• Leadership skills for technical professionals
• Identifying and living core personal values

About the guest: Dr. James Bryant, Ph.D., P.E., is a seasoned civil engineer and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience managing major transportation projects and contributing to national technical committees. Formerly with the Transportation Research Board, he provided executive oversight for more than 22 volunteer committees. 

Now the founder of Engineer Your Success LLC, James helps engineers and business owners align professional goals with personal well-being. A certified John Maxwell speaker and Master Certified Professional Coach, he emphasizes achieving success without sacrificing fulfillment. His free resource, "The Engineer’s Blueprint for a Balanced Life," offers practical guidance for work-life harmony. 

James also hosts the Engineer Your Success podcast, where he shares leadership insights and interviews industry experts. His coaching and speaking engagements are known for their engaging, value-driven approach to achieving sustainable success in both career and life. 

LINKS:

Dr. James Bryant - LinkedIn

Engineer Your Success LLC Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Mihir Shah, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who shares insights from his diverse career spanning Tesla, Inspect AR, and now Tomai Engineering. Mihir discusses his journey through engineering, startup growth, investment strategies, and the importance of first principles thinking.

Main Topics:

• Engineering career path
• First principles thinking in business
• Design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Startup and acquisition experiences
• Hardware FYI newsletter
• Investment strategies with Shaw Ventures

About the guest: Mihir Shah is an engineer and entrepreneur with a diverse background in hardware design, startup leadership, and industrial investment. He holds electrical engineering degrees from Santa Clara University and the University of Pennsylvania. His early work included roles at Tesla and Axon. In 2018, he co-founded inspectAR, an AR tool for PCB debugging, acquired by Cadence in 2020.

He currently serves as President of TOMI Engineering, a CNC machining and assembly company serving the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, where he drives growth through investments in talent and technology. Mihir is also a Principal at Shah Capital Ventures, a family investment firm with holdings in industrial businesses like Summit Interconnect and Royal Circuits.

Additionally, he co-founded Hardware FYI, a growing platform with over 12,000 subscribers that supports hardware engineers through resources like newsletters, job boards, and interview guides. His broad expertise makes him well-suited to speak on engineering leadership, startups, and the future of hardware.

Links:

Mihir Shah - LinkedIn

TOMI Engineering Website

Hardware FYI Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Aaron Moncur sits down with Dean Odell, a distinguished mechanical engineering instructor and YouTube educator, to explore the fascinating world of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). Dean shares his journey from a welder to an engineering instructor, discusses the importance of GD&T in manufacturing, and reveals insights from his popular YouTube channel, dedicated to technical education.

Main Topics:

• Origins and evolution of GD&T
• Common misconceptions about geometric tolerancing
• Practical applications in engineering and manufacturing
• Dean's approach to teaching technical concepts
• The importance of understanding design intent
• Inspection techniques and measurement tools

About the guest: R. Dean Odell is a distinguished mechanical engineering educator and consultant, specializing in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) technologies. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute and an A.A.S. from Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), where he currently teaches courses in GD&T, CAD, CMM, metallurgy, and robotics as an assistant professor.

Dean is also a prominent online educator with over 32,000 YouTube subscribers, offering tutorials on GD&T, CMM operation, print reading, and metallurgy. Beyond academia, he conducts in-person training across the United States, particularly in GD&T and Zeiss CMM, known for his clear and hands-on teaching style. His work reflects a strong dedication to advancing precision manufacturing and engineering education.

Links:

Dean Odell - LinkedIn

Website

YouTube

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Ron Higgs shares insights on transforming engineers into effective executive leaders, drawing from his extensive experience in military aviation, aerospace, and consulting. He discusses the critical skills engineers need to advance into leadership roles, emphasizing people skills, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.

Main Topics:

• Journey from Naval Flight Officer to Executive Coach
• Developing People Skills in Technical Professions
• Systems Thinking in Leadership
• Overcoming Communication and Leadership Challenges
• Strategies for Engineers Transitioning to Leadership Roles

About the guest: Ron Higgs is an experienced executive coach and operational strategist with a strong background in both military and corporate leadership. A U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate, he began his career as a Naval Flight Officer, developing key leadership skills in adaptability and mission execution. With over 20 years in engineering and operations roles at companies like Boeing and L3 Technologies, Ron has successfully led initiatives that enhanced performance and increased company valuations.

He now leads Wolf Management Solutions and serves as a Scale Architect using the Predictable Success model, helping technical leaders grow into visionary executives. Ron also acts as a Fractional COO and board member, emphasizing emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and sustainable team development. His human-centered approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that great leaders are made and that engineers have the potential to become exceptional leaders.

Links:

Ron Higgs LinkedIn

Wolf Management Solutions Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join Aaron Moncur as he sits down with John Martell, a mechanical engineer with over 14 years of experience in aerospace, medical devices, automation, and geospatial drone services. Discover John's engineering journey, his innovative approach to mechanism design, and how he transitioned from mechanical engineering to data management.

Main Topics:

• Mechanical Engineering Career Path
• Mechanism Design Techniques
• Drone Geospatial Services
• Engineering Leadership
• Automation and Productivity Tools
• The Intersection of Music and Engineering Creativity

About the guest: John Martell is a versatile mechanical engineer with over 14 years of experience across aerospace, product development, and geospatial drone services. He's currently the Director of Data Management at Aero Velocity, he applies tools like QGIS, Python, and LP360 to lead large-scale geospatial projects. His previous roles include Lead Mechanical Engineer at Workhorse Aero and key engineering positions at Pipeline Design & Engineering, where he gained recognition for innovation in automation and medical device testing.

John is known not only for his technical skill and leadership but also for his creative problem-solving and passion for continuous learning. He enhances engineering processes through custom tools and explores artistic pursuits under the name “Olivund,” including composing music for the Being an Engineer podcast. His blend of engineering expertise and creativity defines him as a modern, multifaceted professional.

Links:

John Martell LinkedIn

https://507movements.com/

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join host Aaron Moncur as he sits down with Dr. Stuart Grant, a seasoned med tech innovator with over 25 years of experience at industry giants like Johnson & Johnson and DePuy. Dr. Grant shares his journey from design engineering to founding his own consultancy, offering invaluable insights into medical device development, regulatory challenges, and the future of medical technology.

Main Topics:

• Career progression in medical device engineering
• Challenges of starting a medical tech consultancy
• Regulatory differences across global markets
• Innovation strategies in medical technology
• Advice for young engineers
• Future trends in surgical robotics and AI

About the guest: Dr. Stuart Grant is a seasoned expert in the MedTech industry with over 20 years of experience at major companies like Johnson & Johnson and DePuy Synthes. In 2023, he founded Archetype MedTech, a consultancy that helps medical device companies achieve market approval through innovation strategy, technical evaluations, and team training. He holds advanced innovation and project management degrees and is a Chartered Engineer with several medical device patents. In addition to his technical work, Stuart lectures on innovation history and is a visual artist. His international experience and multidisciplinary expertise make him a key advisor for MedTech startups and scale-ups.

Links:

Dr. Stuart Grant - LinkedIn 

Archetype MedTech Website 

The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation

Exactly How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Nikolaj Kloch shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to becoming a leading videographer specializing in content creation for public speakers. He discusses how engineering skills translate into entrepreneurship, content creation, and business development.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from aerospace engineering to videography
• Building a business by leading with value
• Public speaking tips for engineers
• Leveraging engineering skills in content creation
• Social media and networking strategies
• Career change advice for professionals

About the guest: Nikolaj Kloch is a former aerospace engineer turned videographer who specializes in creating content for public speakers. With over four years of experience, he helps speakers boost their visibility, book more engagements, and increase their income—serving clients who’ve spoken for top companies like AWS, Jaguar, and Airbus. Previously, he worked at Boeing as a Propulsion Design Engineer and was part of the MSTEP Steering Committee. He holds engineering degrees from Georgia Tech and the Technical University of Denmark. Outside work, he’s an ultramarathon runner and Eagle Scout, known for his dedication, versatility, and inspiring career journey.

Links:

Nikolaj Kloch - LinkedIn

Thrivr Design Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join Aaron Moncur as he interviews Scott Putnam, an expert in guiding inventors through the complex journey of bringing products to market. Scott shares insights from his 15+ years of experience coaching over 500 inventors, discussing strategies for product development, licensing, and successful commercialization.

Main Topics:

• Challenges Engineers Face in Marketing Products
• Licensing vs. Venturing Product Strategies
• Intellectual Property Considerations
• Market Research Techniques
• Effective Product Pitch Strategies

About the guest: Scott Putnam is a leading product development and licensing expert, known for helping inventors bring their ideas to market. As founder and CEO of Inventor's Edge, he provides coaching, courses, and community support tailored to inventors. With degrees in education and business and experience as a coach and instructor, Scott blends academic insight with practical guidance. He’s the inventor of the Swat-N-Scoop and a contributor to Entrepreneur.com, sharing advice on licensing and innovation. He also hosts the Inventor’s Edge Podcast, where he interviews industry professionals and offers insights for aspiring inventors. Based in Dubuque, Iowa, he advocates for wellness and balanced living while continuing to mentor inventors worldwide.

Links:

Scott Putnam LinkedIn

Inventor's Edge - Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Jake Kennington shares his transformative journey from structural engineering to personal development coaching, discussing how engineers can build meaningful lives without sacrificing their careers. He explores the importance of personal growth, embracing change, and developing a strong personal foundation.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from Structural Engineering to Personal Coaching
• The "Strong Column, Weak Beam" Life Philosophy
• Importance of Personal Development for Engineers
• Overcoming Creative Voids in Engineering Careers
• Practical Strategies for Personal Growth
• Embracing Change and Finding Purpose

About the guest: Jake Kennington is a structural engineer, author, speaker, and transformational coach who helps engineering leaders and business owners build fulfilling careers without burnout. With over a decade of experience, he founded Human Engineer Coach to guide professionals in aligning their work with personal well-being. His message: success doesn’t have to come at the cost of health, relationships, or purpose—you can have both money and meaning.

In his SEAU talk, “Engineer Yourself First,” Jake uses the structural principle of strong columns and weak beams to emphasize that personal growth must come before career growth to avoid collapse. He especially supports engineers in their first 7–10 years, a time often marked by self-sacrifice. Beyond coaching, Jake also champions creativity and continual self-expression, exemplified by his self-published children’s book in 2023. His work blends technical insight with a human-centered approach to leadership and life.

Links:

Jake Kennington - LinkedIn

Human Engineer Coach Website

Engineering Challenge

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Join Aaron Moncur as he interviews Toby Schnaars, a CAD expert who has revolutionized learning 3D modeling through gamification. With nearly three decades of experience in tech support and training, Toby shares insights on CAD best practices, speed modeling, and his innovative platform that makes learning CAD fun and engaging.

Main Topics:

• CAD Best Practices
• Gamification of CAD Learning
• CAD vs. CAD Tournaments
• Community Building in Engineering Education
• Speed Modeling Techniques

About the guest: Toby Schnaars, known as Too Tall Toby, is a leading figure in the 3D CAD world. Starting his journey in 1996 with CADKEY 7, he built his expertise through thousands of SOLIDWORKS support cases and over 200 training classes while working at top resellers. In 2018, he joined Dassault Systèmes, where he led global training initiatives and helped launch major programs like the 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Partners Webinar Series and SOLIDWORKS Live Design.

In 2022, Toby founded TooTallToby, a platform that brings gamification to CAD education through tournaments and challenges. His innovative, community-driven approach makes learning CAD engaging and accessible for engineers of all levels. Toby’s mission is to make engineering education exciting, inclusive, and fun.

Links:

Toby Schnaars - LinkedIn 

TooTallToby Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This episode is a re-run from season 1

Russ Aldridge shares his entrepreneurial journey of founding Sisu, a mechanical engineering company that designs innovative robotic solutions. From creating a revolutionary knife-sharpening robot to developing a game-changing cinematography robot arm and rapidly producing ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic, Russ demonstrates the power of creative problem-solving and team collaboration.

Main Topics:

• Origin of Sisu and its unique name
• Innovative robotic solutions for industrial and creative industries
• Developing a robot arm for cinematography
• Rapid ventilator production during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Building a collaborative and flat organizational culture

About the guest: Russ Aldridge and cofounder Marc Christenson started Sisu in 2010 as an integrator for their former employer NI (National Instruments). They have expanded the company far beyond just NI and now serve a wide variety of industries, developing highly sophisticated robotic & automated applications. Their team’s skill and ingenuity are matched by their incredible dedication to serving the customer—case in point: team Sisu went from concept to 100 fully functioning ventilators in just 2 weeks to meet the massive need brought on by COVID. 

Links:

Russ Aldridge - LinkedIn

Marc Christenson - LinkedIn

SISU Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Geoffrey Huber shares his journey from art school to industrial design, discussing his expertise in creating custom access and safety equipment for industries like aerospace, aviation, and manufacturing. He reveals insights into building a successful custom manufacturing business and the importance of hands-on experience in engineering.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from art to industrial design
• Building a custom equipment manufacturing department
• Developing innovative safety and access solutions
• Challenges of scaling a small business
• Importance of hands-on manufacturing experience

About the guest: Geoffrey Huber is an experienced industrial designer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of expertise in safety and access solutions. As Co-Owner and Manager of SAFE-T-FAB, he leads the design and production of innovative, code-compliant fall protection systems, ensuring rapid delivery and market leadership. He also operates GAH Enterprises LLC, a consulting firm focused on product design, prototyping, and engineering solutions. Previously, he held leadership roles at Ortho-tag, Inc. and Tri-Arc Manufacturing, Inc. Geoffrey holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from The Art Institutes and is recognized for his commitment to efficiency, innovation, and excellence in the industry.

Links:

Geoffrey Huber - LinkedIn

Industrial Products  Website

SAFE-T-FAB  Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this fascinating episode of Being an Engineer, our host Aaron Moncur sits down with Greg Mark, a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized 3D printing with Markforged and is now transforming design workflows with his AI company, Backflip. Greg shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, technological innovations, and the power of persistence.

Main Topics:

• The origin story of Markforged and carbon fiber 3D printing
• Innovative design principles in manufacturing
• Backflip's AI-driven approach to converting 3D scans to CAD models
• Entrepreneurship, product development, and market strategy
• The importance of reliability and focusing on core product features

About the guest: Greg Mark is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship, renowned for pioneering innovations that push the boundaries of technology. Currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Backflip, Greg is transforming how we create beautiful, functional objects using AI in a world that is inherently 3D. His latest venture follows a series of impactful contributions to engineering and manufacturing, most notably as the founder of Markforged. There, he invented carbon fiber and mixed metal 3D printing, a technology now deployed globally, including on the International Space Station and by major players like BMW and Tesla.

An MIT-trained engineer with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, Greg’s journey started with bold ventures such as Aeromotions, a company that brought high-performance aerodynamics to the fastest cars on the track. His leadership at Genasun redefined off-grid solar power with advanced electronics, and as an advisor to startups like Genesis Therapeutics and Rotor Technologies, Greg continues to mentor innovators tackling the toughest challenges in industries from drug discovery to remote flight.

Links:

Greg Mark - LInkedIn

Markforged Website

Backflip.ai Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this engaging podcast episode, Jon Lowy shares his remarkable engineering journey, discussing everything from medical robotics to teaching, entrepreneurship, and his unique perspectives on design, communication, and innovation.

Main Topics:

• Engineering Career Evolution
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Challenges in Additive Manufacturing
• Entrepreneurial Experiences
• Communication and Teaching Strategies
• Personal Growth and Adaptability

About the guest: Jonathan Lowy is a seasoned product engineer with over 40 years of experience in product design and manufacturing. Specializing in Design for Manufacturing (DFM), he emphasizes collaboration between design and production teams to create high-quality, efficient products. Jon has also served as a STEM teacher, mentoring future engineers and sharing his expertise. Currently, he partners with Jiga to enhance custom manufacturing supply chains and help engineers build smarter solutions. His wealth of experience makes him a valuable resource in the field of product development and manufacturing.

Links:

Jon Lowy - LinkedIn

Jiga Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this insightful episode, Clint Biggs shares his extensive experience in test engineering sales, discussing the critical intersection of technical expertise and customer relationships. With over 30 years in the industry, Clint provides valuable insights into sales engineering, team collaboration, and career development for engineers.

Main Topics:

• Test Engineering Across Industries
• Sales and Engineering Collaboration
• Building Professional Relationships
• Sales Engineer Compensation and Incentives
• Effective Communication Strategies
• Value-Based Service Delivery

Clint Biggs is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Testeract, a company specializing in automated test systems. Since March 2023, he has driven revenue and market growth, notably overseeing the merger of SOLUbit into Testeract.

Previously, as President of SOLUbit, Inc. (October 2015 – May 2024), Clint led significant growth, expanding the team and tripling revenue. The company served industry leaders like Agilent Technologies and Intel, providing solutions across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines.

At National Instruments, Clint held leadership roles over a 23-year tenure, including Principal of Key Accounts & Sales Excellence and Department Manager for Americas Services & Support, where he led over 250 engineering professionals.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Park University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Clint is recognized for his leadership development, strategic growth, and aligning engineering with market needs.

Links:

Clint Biggs - LinkedIn

Testeract Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Aaron Moncur sits down with Noah Burke, a certified SolidWorks professional and mechanical engineer, to explore the nuances of product design, engineering creativity, and the importance of asking the right questions. Noah shares insights from his journey at Pipeline and Colson Group, offering valuable advice for aspiring engineers.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from hands-on assembly to product design
• The art of asking effective engineering questions
• Importance of SolidWorks certification
• Troubleshooting design challenges
• Emerging trends in 3D printing and product development
• Personal motivation and engineering passion

About the guest: Noah Burk is an experienced engineer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Manufacturing, along with a Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) credential. He began his career at AccuBilt Automated Systems, where he contributed to drawing packages, design projects, and machine assembly. In 2022, he joined Pipeline Design & Engineering, developing advanced manufacturing processes, custom fixtures, and automated machines. Now, as a Product Design Engineer at Colson Group USA, Noah designs mobility solutions, ensuring performance, quality, and aesthetic standards. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and adaptability.

Links:
Noah Burk - LinkedIn

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Stephen shares his career journey, from early influences that led him to engineering to his experiences in the Marine Corps and various engineering roles. He discusses the technical challenges he faced, such as working on the Patriot 2 missile at Raytheon and the innovative solutions he implemented. Stephen also talks about his passion for personal engineering projects, including an automated sprinkler system and a home security system, and the inspiration behind these projects. He provides advice for aspiring leaders and discusses the importance of personal projects in maintaining engineering skills.

Main Topics:

• Stephen's early influences and decision to pursue engineering
• Experiences in the Marine Corps and technical challenges in the industry
• Transition to Surecon Corporation and personal engineering projects
• Development of the automated sprinkler system and home security system
• Advice for aspiring leaders and the value of personal projects

About the guest: Stephen Johnson's engineering journey began with his service in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1992. During this time, he worked on F/A-18 airframes with VMFA-333 "Fighting Shamrocks" and served in the Marine Corps Security Forces aboard the USS Wisconsin and USS Kitty Hawk during the Gulf War. These experiences instilled in him a strong foundation in discipline and technical precision.

After his military service, Stephen pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, graduating in 1996. He was actively involved in Epsilon Tau Sigma, serving as Treasurer for two years. His early career included a role as a Design Engineer at Raytheon Electronic Systems, where he worked on the Patriot II Missile Systems and the Milstar Satellite Program, focusing on automatic test equipment for power systems and satellite communications.

Transitioning to the embedded systems industry, Stephen joined Heurikon Corporation as a Support Engineer. The company, which later became Artesyn Technologies and was eventually acquired by Emerson Electric, provided him with opportunities to work on embedded computer boards and systems, including cPCI, cPSB, ATCA, and VME designs. He also developed Board Support Packages (BSPs) for VxWorks and supported Linux for embedded systems.

In 2008, Stephen joined TDS Telecommunications LLC, where he initially focused on implementing and maintaining IPTV elements, from content providers to set-top boxes. Over the years, he advanced to the role of Network Consultant, working on the Server & Applications team for VoIP infrastructure and the Cable TV Platform. His expertise includes Python programming, systems design, and electrical engineering. Recently, he has been working with the core network and developing tools to automate various processes, reflecting his passion for automating tasks that humans should not be doing.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Stephen has applied his engineering skills to personal projects, such as developing a fully automated sprinkler system and enhancing home security systems. These projects showcase his commitment to leveraging technology to improve everyday life.

Stephen's extensive experience in embedded systems, computer architecture, and automation, combined with his dedication to continuous learning and improvement, make him a valuable resource for insights into the engineering field.

Links:

Stephen B. Johnson - LinkedIn

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

*This episode is a re-run

In this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Michael Hadley, who has a diverse background including involvement in the human development movement and serving as a business manager for Tony Robbins. Michael shares his journey back into engineering 20 years after graduating, the successes and failures he's experienced, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation covers Michael's decision to pursue mechanical engineering, his unique experiences, and advice for aspiring engineers.

Main Topics:

• Michael Hadley's background and early career
• Involvement in the human development movement and work with Tony Robbins
• Transition back to engineering after 20 years
• Successes and failures in engineering projects
• Lessons learned about persistence, market fit, and continuous learning
• Advice for aspiring engineers to develop a broad skillset

Links:

Michael Hadley LinkedIn

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Aaron Moncur speaks with John Boezi about his journey as a product development expert, the importance of documentation in engineering, universal design principles, client relationship challenges, prototyping techniques, and building strong engineering teams. John shares insights from his experience across industries like medical devices, outdoor sports, and consumer goods.

We’re excited to explore his perspectives on engineering leadership, designing for niche and broad markets, and navigating the intersection of technical innovation and business strategy. 

Main Topics:

• John's background and path to becoming an engineer
• The role of documentation in engineering
• Universal principles in the design process
• Defining problems and managing client expectations
• Prototyping tools and techniques
• Ingredients for successful engineering teams
• John's experience as a fractional Director of Engineering
• Balancing resources and creativity in engineering
• Strategies for staying inspired and motivated

About the guest: John Boezi, is a highly accomplished product development leader, mechanical engineer, and entrepreneur specializing in solving tough engineering challenges and turning ideas into impactful products. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, John has dedicated his career to creating innovative solutions across industries such as medical devices, consumer goods, and outdoor sports equipment.

Through his company, Itri PD, LLC, John works as a Fractional Director of Engineering & Product Development, helping businesses of all sizes—from startups to established firms—achieve their goals by providing expertise in mechanical design, prototyping, and product strategy. His portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, from high-tech surgical devices to outdoor gear and hunting products, all driven by his passion for designing solutions that truly meet user needs.

John is also a champion of strong team cultures, believing that collaboration and creative problem-solving are the cornerstones of successful engineering. With over 15 years of experience, he combines technical know-how with entrepreneurial thinking to lead teams, refine processes, and bring complex products to market.

 Links:

John Boezi LinkedIn

John Boezi - Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Keegan Schoch shares his journey into engineering, the importance of soft skills, the origins and philosophy of Poindexter by Design, the tools and technologies they use, strategies for building client relationships, trends in engineering like AI integration, advice for aspiring engineering consultants, and highlights of successful projects.

Main Topics:

• Keegan's path to becoming an engineer and the importance of soft skills
• The story behind Poindexter by Design and its unique approach to engineering services
• The tools and technologies used by Poindexter by Design, including onshape and AI integration
• Strategies for building meaningful client relationships and growing the business
• Trends in engineering, such as the shift to remote work and the rise of AI
• Advice for aspiring engineering consultants on starting their own business
• Keegan's experiences with successful projects at Poindexter by Design

About the guest: Keegan Schoch is a dynamic mechanical engineer, leader, and entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Poindexter by Design, a cutting-edge engineering services company delivering on-demand mechanical engineering expertise to support innovative industries. With a career spanning nearly a decade at Aerotech, where he progressed from Mechanical Design Engineer to Mechanical Component Assembly Supervisor, Keegan honed his technical and leadership skills before launching his own venture.

At Poindexter by Design, Keegan combines technical ingenuity, creativity, team building, and business acumen to help clients tackle mechanical engineering challenges with a holistic, web-based approach. His company focuses on developing meaningful partnerships and championing innovation in industries ranging from robotics to manufacturing.

Keegan’s educational foundation is equally impressive, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering from Penn State University. With a vision for bridging technical problem-solving with bigger-picture thinking, Keegan is an inspiring example of how engineers can impact not only products but also teams, systems, and industries.

Links:
Keegan Schoch LinkedIn
Poindexter by Design - Website

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Steve Maxson shares his insights on the world of medical extrusion technology, including trends, innovations, and the importance of regulatory compliance. He discusses his career journey, the MEDEX podcast, the Medical Processing Panel (MPP) events, and collaborations that are driving advancements in the industry.

Main Topics:

• Steve Maxson's background and transition to medical extrusion technology
• Business development and technical challenges in the industry
• Trends in medical extrusion, including thin-walled tubing and material science
• The use of heat shrink tubing in medical devices
• Collaborations and innovations, such as the Chamfr platform
• The Medical Processing Panel (MPP) events and their impact
• Balancing innovation and regulatory compliance
• Advice for young engineers entering the medical device industry

About the guest: Steve Maxson is a distinguished figure in the medical device industry with over two decades of experience in extrusion technology and medical device manufacturing. As the owner of Maxson InSight Services, Steve offers technical solutions and consulting services, specializing in medical extruders and turnkey systems. In his role at US Extruders, he leads innovation and business development, focusing on crafting robust, customized extruders for diverse applications. Additionally, Steve is the host of the Med-Ex Podcast, where he interviews global experts in medical device contract manufacturing, sharing valuable insights into extrusion technologies, materials, processes, and broader industry trends. He also plays a pivotal role in organizing the Medical Processing Panel events, bringing together thought leaders in MedTech to discuss advancements in catheter manufacturing, silicone processing, thermoplastic processing, and more.

Links:
Steve Maxson - LinkedIn
Maxson InSight Services Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

In this episode, Hector Amador shares his expertise in the semiconductor industry, covering topics such as IC packaging, microchip assembly, cost optimization, emerging trends, and leadership in engineering. He provides insights into the technical skills and mindset required for success in the semiconductor field.

Main Topics:

• Understanding IC packaging and the complexity of microchip assembly
• Hector's journey into the semiconductor industry and his impactful projects
• Crucial technical skills for semiconductor engineers that are often overlooked
• Strategies for staying ahead of emerging trends in the semiconductor industry
• Hector's approach to cost optimization and process improvement
• Challenges and future directions in semiconductors, including quantum computing
• The importance of leadership skills and management techniques for engineers

About the guest: Hector Amador is a seasoned semiconductor R&D professional with over 13 years of experience at Intel Corporation. He has made groundbreaking contributions to IC and packaging design, reliability, manufacturing, and supply chain optimization. Notably, Hector holds a U.S. patent for innovations in high-capacity memory packages, and he has a track record of delivering cost-saving solutions and advancing "industry-first" capabilities in IC packaging and system integration. His expertise spans IC design, design rule ownership, and high-performance packaging engineering, making him a thought leader in the semiconductor space. Hector’s insights into the intersection of academia and industry are invaluable for aspiring engineers aiming to bridge the gap between education and real-world engineering challenges.

Links:
Hector Amador - LinkedIn 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

This episode is a re-run.

Derek Pietz shares his journey into engineering, his experiences founding and leading a startup called Lab to Fab, and the challenges and successes he's faced in the automation industry. He discusses the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in engineering. Derek also provides insights into the trends and future of automation, as well as advice for aspiring engineers.

Main Topics:

• Derek's path to becoming an engineer and his early entrepreneurial ventures
• The founding and growth of Lab to Fab, including a dramatic week of highs and lows
• Balancing career and personal life during the startup phase
• Insights on engineering processes, teamwork, and overcoming challenges
• Derek's current role at Intuitive and the world of robotic-assisted surgery
• Trends and future of automation, including the impact of AI-powered vision-guided robots
• Sharing success stories and lessons learned from failures in engineering

About the guest: Derek Pietz is the Director of Automation Equipment and Test Engineering at Intuitive, a trailblazing company at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery. Prior to his role at Intuitive, Derek has been a part of four start-up ventures including one as a co-founder. He has built and led engineering and operations teams, designed machines, run a P/L, pitched investors, obsessed over supply chain, developed sales strategies, taught robots to make pizza and fixed customer problems.

Links:
Derek Pietz LinkedIn
Intuitive - Website 

PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ.  Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ 

Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus