Podcasts about engineering podcast

Send us Fan MailJordan 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  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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailAmelia 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 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailRod 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 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailDr. 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 websiteAaron 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

MessyTalks is back with our second episode of season 4! In this episode, we sit down with Anay Roberts, a prolific TA among most of Engineering's first year subjects. From hunting for jobs, to navigating through job interviews, Anay talks us through how to valuably spend your time while your at Uni and what life is like following your final graduation ceremony and your first job offer... Whether you're just starting at uni or searching for jobs to prep for graduation, don't miss out on this invaluable insight into life after your degree!   Find the episode on spotify and apple podcasts now!!   We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Anay for being our first guest of season 4 and for their amazing advice throughout this episode!

Send us Fan MailRyan 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  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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 websiteAaron 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailJoe 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 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailChad 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 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

MessyTalks is officially back for Season 4! In this first episode of 20246 we are delighted to welcome our four pervious MESS First Year Representatives from 2025 to share all their tips and tricks to help you thrive. From balancing uni work, part-time jobs and a social life, to dealing with the challenges of self-motivation and study times, we discuss the highlights, difficulties and unmissable events that make first year unforgettable. Do not miss out on this invaluable advice! We would like to extend a massive thank you to Winnie, Manasvi, Freddie and Tomoki for taking the time to share their experiences with us. And thank you to our hosts, Alex and Sinead and to our editor Thu, who worked tirelessly to put this episode together. Want to know more about MESS? Check out our website at https://www.mess.org.au/ and follow us at @insta.mess. Slide into our DMs with any questions about the topics discussed, suggestions for future interviews or if you have any other questions about uni. Thank you for listening and remember to stay MESSy!

Send us Fan MailMustafa 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/mustafapGuest website: https://dynamillcro.comAaron 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailJoin us April 23, 2026 at 9AM Pacific 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 ProjectsThis session is designed for engineers, product developers, and technical leaders involved in bringing new products to market.Sign up hereSubscribe 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailIn 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  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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send a textWatch this flash training here: https://youtu.be/QCy9i4TB2b4When 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.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send a textIn 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.  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

(00:00) Introduction to Matt Bell and Mouser Electronics (03:14) Understanding Mouser's Operations and Scale (06:12) The Role of Automation in Order Fulfillment (09:15) Philosophy on Automation and Workforce Integration (12:12) Growth and Expansion of Mouser's Operations (15:15) Identifying Automation Opportunities (18:09) Balancing Existing Technologies with New Innovations (20:58) Strategic Investment in Automation (22:04) Emerging Technologies in Logistics (22:46) Navigating Technology Choices (23:18) Flexibility in Automation (24:54) In-House Development vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions (26:41) Collaboration Across Teams (28:37) The Importance of Team Dynamics (30:21) Lessons Learned Over Two Decades (31:55) Advice for New Professionals (33:48) Listening for Improvement (36:37) The Scale of Operations (38:23) Final Thoughts and Advice This episode was brought to you by Mouser, our go-to source for electronics parts for any hobby or prototype. Click HERE to check out the many resources shared by Mouser across a range of topics from AI to Healthcare.  Want to hear more from Matt? Give him a follow on LinkedIn Become a founding reader of our newsletter: http://read.thenextbyte.com/ As always, you can find these and other interesting & impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.

Send a textDaniel 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, hostDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixture 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus

Send a textAfter 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/Download the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixture 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus

Send a textMike 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 The Wave is  a place for engineers to actively learn, share ideas, and engage with people doing similar work. Learn more at thewave.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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus

Send us a textBob 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, hostThe Wave is  a place for engineers to actively learn, share ideas, and engage with people doing similar work. Learn more at thewave.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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus

Send us a textScott 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 Download the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixture 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus

Send us a textScott 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, hostAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textIn 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  About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textAaron 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, hostDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textPresented 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. Register for the webinar here: https://www.thewave.engineer/store/product/35-practical-project-management-for-engineering-teams-webinar-with-mike-landis/ About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

(05:55) Biggest Potential: 227. She Sells Seashells… and Reinvents Recycling(08:14) The Teaser: 220. How Popcorn Popped an Idea for Sustainable Manufacturing(10:38) Intersection: 233. Reading a Fish's Mind to Build Smarter Robots(12:58) The Pleaser: 224. Geothermal Could Save the Grid(16:08) Novel: 219. Edible Robots Bring Tech to the Dessert Table(19:10) The Rocker: 210. Origami-Inspired Concrete Construction(22:15) Farb's Favorite: 226. Stop & Go No More: AI Cuts Intersection Emissions(27:38) The Showstopper: 237. Vibe Manufacturing: MIT's AI Text-to-Manufacturing System(31:18) Honorable Mention: 212. One Cure For All Snake Venoms Via AI--As always, you can find these and other interesting & impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.To learn more about this show, please visit our shows page. By following the page, you will get automatic updates by email when a new show is published. Be sure to give us a follow and review on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and most of your favorite podcast platforms! Become a founding reader of our newsletter: http://read.thenextbyte.com/ As always, you can find these and other interesting & impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.

Send us a textIn 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 timeAaron 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, hostDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textIn 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 educationHow PML will spotlight real engineering work—projects, processes, peopleWhat new content, events, and experiences are coming for the communityHow this launch strengthens the podcast you already listen toBehind-the-scenes thinking on building something meaningful for engineersIf 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.engineerhttps://thewave.engineerSubscribe to the PML newsletter: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/ Download the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textFew 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, hostDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textBrogan 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, hostAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textRick 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, hostAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textOur 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.About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textRyan 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 | LinkedInGuest website: https://ryanstevenson.xyz/ Aaron Moncur, hostAbout Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. 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 such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Send us a textThis 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 printingInnovative design principles in manufacturingBackflip's AI-driven approach to converting 3D scans to CAD modelsEntrepreneurship, product development, and market strategyThe importance of reliability and focusing on core product featuresAbout 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 - LInkedInMarkforged WebsiteBackflip.ai Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textRamzi 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=caGuest website: https://wethesalesengineers.com/ Aaron Moncur, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textJames 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 BenchAaron Moncur, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textMatt Puchalski is a roboticist and entrepreneur shaping the future of automation in manufacturing. As the founder and CEO of Bucket Roboticshttps://www.bucket.bot/—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, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textJason “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, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

What if the way we think about problems is holding us back from solving them? Tom Wujec — designer, technologist, and multiple-time TED speaker — joins Problem Solved to explore how visual problem solving can help industrial and systems engineers tackle challenges of every size, from simple process fixes to wicked problems like climate change and AI disruption.In this episode, we discuss:Why traditional problem-solving methods often failThe four types of problems — simple, complicated, complex, and wicked — and why they need different approachesThe power of “plays” — structured, visual activities that align teams and unlock solutionsHow visualization frees up mental bandwidth, builds shared understanding, and drives better decisionsFive key shifts engineers can make to become better collaborative problem-solversWhether you work in manufacturing, healthcare, tech, or supply chain, Tom's approach will expand your toolkit and transform the way you lead teams through today's most complex challenges.Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tom's method's in action!tomwujec.comTed TalksBuild a Tower, Build a TeamGot a Wicked Problem? First, Tell me how you make ToastMaking Ideas Visible3 Ways the brain creates meaning"Art Before Breakfast" by Danny GregorySponsor: This episode is sponsored by IISE's Performance Excellence Webinars. Learn from global thought leaders on operational excellence, data analytics, leadership, and more.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

Send us a textDuann 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/Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textTessa 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.comAaron Moncur, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textSpencer 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, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textJoin 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 enduClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textJoin 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 designHow to define and achieve simplicity in product designAdvanced usability testing tools: eye tracking, pupilometry, and facial emotion analysisWhy users don't always give honest feedback and how to work around itProviding critical design feedback without demoralizing teamsCost-effective approaches to human factors testingSafety considerations in medical device designUse-related risk analysis and task analysis methodologiesLessons learned from working at Google XBuilding successful human factors consulting teamsAbout 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 LinkedInResearch Collective WebsiteClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

In this episode of Elixir Wizards, host Sundi Myint chats with SmartLogic engineers and fellow Wizards Dan Ivovich and Charles Suggs about the practical tooling that surrounds Elixir in a consultancy setting. We dig into how standardized dev environments, sensible scaffolding, and clear observability help teams ship quickly across many client projects without turning every app into a snowflake. Join us for a grounded tour of what's working for us today (and what we've retired), plus how we evaluate new tech (including AI) through a pragmatic, Elixir-first lens. Key topics discussed in this episode: Standardizing across projects: why consistent environments matter in consultancy work Nix (and flakes) for reproducible dev setups and faster onboarding Igniter to scaffold common patterns (auth, config, workflows) without boilerplate drift Deployment approaches: OTP releases, runtime config, and Ansible playbooks Frontend pipeline evolution: from Brunch/Webpack to esbuild + Tailwind Observability in practice: Prometheus metrics and Grafana dashboards Handling time-series and sensor data When Explorer can be the database Picking the right tool: Elixir where it shines, integrations where it counts Using AI with intention: code exploration, prototypes, and guardrails for IP/security Keeping quality high across multiple codebases: tests, telemetry, and sensible conventions Reducing context-switching costs with shared patterns and playbooks Links mentioned: http://smartlogic.io https://nix.dev/ https://github.com/ash-project/igniter Elixir Wizards S13E01 Igniter with Zach Daniel https://youtu.be/WM9iQlQSFg https://github.com/elixir-explorer/explorer Elixir Wizards S14E09 Explorer with Chris Grainger https://youtu.be/OqJDsCF0El0 Elixir Wizards S14E08 Nix with Norbert (Nobbz) Melzer https://youtu.be/yymUcgy4OAk https://jqlang.org/ https://github.com/BurntSushi/ripgrep https://github.com/resources/articles/devops/ci-cd https://prometheus.io/ https://capistranorb.com/ https://ansible.com/  https://hexdocs.pm/phoenix/releases.html https://brunch.io/ https://webpack.js.org/loaders/css-loader/ https://tailwindcss.com/ https://sass-lang.com/dart-sass/ https://grafana.com/ https://pragprog.com/titles/passweather/build-a-weather-station-with-elixir-and-nerves/ https://www.datadoghq.com/ https://sqlite.org/ Elixir Wizards S14E06 SDUI at Cars.com with Zack Kayser https://youtu.be/nloRcgngTk https://github.com/features/copilot https://openai.com/codex/ https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code YouTube Video: Vibe Coding TEDCO's RFP https://youtu.be/i1ncgXZJHZs Blog: https://smartlogic.io/blog/how-i-used-ai-to-vibe-code-a-website-called-for-in-tedco-rfp/ Blog: https://smartlogic.io/blog/from-vibe-to-viable-turning-ai-built-prototypes-into-market-ready-mvps/ https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/eragon-by-christopher-paolini/246801 https://tidewave.ai/ !! We Want to Hear Your Thoughts *!!* Have questions, comments, or topics you'd like us to discuss in our season recap episode? Share your thoughts with us here: https://forms.gle/Vm7mcYRFDgsqqpDC9

Send us a textIn 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 entrepreneurshipTraveling and working remotely with a familyDeveloping the Flexrail: A modular industrial automation platformChallenges of managing a remote engineering teamStrategies for finding a niche in engineering servicesAbout 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 LinkedInZEDion WebsiteClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textIn 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 collegeThe difference between internships and co-ops, and the benefits of gaining real-world experienceCamden's work at Siemens Healthineers, including his projects in mechanical design and use of CAD softwareThe creation and growth of "The Engineering Way" newsletter, including marketing strategies and the importance of providing value to the communityTime 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 networkAbout 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 - LinkedInThe Engineering WayClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textJake 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 developmentTechnical interview preparation strategiesEmerging trends in hardware engineering (AR/VR, robotics, US manufacturing)Balancing productivity and personal growthBuilding engineering resources for students and early-career professionalsAbout 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 LinkedInJackson Wilder Buchanan LinkedInHardware Is Hard Website Aaron Moncur, host Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Send us a textJoshua 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 leadershipRestoring dignity in engineering workplacesCreating psychological safety for engineersScaling a design and fabrication companyNavigating business challenges during COVID-19About 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 LinkedInBravo Team WebsiteAaron Moncur, hostClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.