Being an Engineer

Send us Fan MailIn 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 Website 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 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 Way 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 MailJake 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  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 MailSign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/  Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailJoshua 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, 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 today’s episode, Paul will explore how he scales hardware teams, builds for manufacturability, navigates supply chain complexity, mentors engineers, and embraces community‑driven innovation. Get ready for insights on leadership, prototyping, and bringing hardware to life from idea to market.Main Topics:Proteus Motion's V1 and V2 machine developmentEngineering career progressionHardware product design and manufacturingConsulting and entrepreneurshipNew York Hardware Meetup community buildingAbout the guest: Paul Vizzio is a seasoned mechanical engineer and hardware leader with a diverse background spanning consumer electronics, cleantech, and defense. Starting as a product management intern at SolidWorks, he later managed undersea vehicle projects at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. As the first mechanical engineer at goTenna, he developed both consumer and military-spec products from concept to production in under a year.In 2017, he founded Vizeng, providing end-to-end mechanical and supply-chain consulting to NYC hardware startups. He also led product development for RoadPower’s regenerative road systems.Since 2019, Paul has led hardware efforts at Proteus Motion, overseeing team growth, R&D, and supply chain. His work includes redesigning the V1 system and launching the V2 within a year—contributing to Proteus’s adoption by 400+ pro sports teams and clinics. He also co-organizes the NY Hardware Meetup and founded the D2C pet brand RemieDog, reflecting his passion for innovation and community-building.Links:Paul Vizzio - LinkedInVizeng 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 MailSign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/  Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Send us Fan MailWebinar: What Every Engineer  Should Know About Contract ManufacturersRegister here: https://www.thewave.engineer/store/product/31-what-every-engineer-should-know-about-working-with-a-contract-manufacturer/Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Stephen Hinch is an accomplished high-tech executive and innovation consultant, with a rich background at companies like HP. He shares valuable insights on bridging engineering with marketing—a crucial skill for leaders in tech. Highlighting the importance of supportive leadership, he discusses the challenges of transforming ideas into successful products and fostering a culture of innovation. Hinch also delves into the evolving landscape of AI in engineering, emphasizing the need for engineers to blend technical skills with business acumen to thrive.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Being an Engineer podcast, host Aaron Moncur interviews Katie Karmelek, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Chamfr. Katie shares her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, discussing her passion for medical device innovation and how Chamfr is revolutionizing component sourcing for medical device engineers.Main Topics:Katie's engineering background and family influencesThe founding of Chamfr and its mission to accelerate medical device developmentChallenges of creating an online marketplace for medical componentsPersonal experiences that highlight the importance of medical device innovationAdvice for young engineers and entrepreneursAbout the guest: Katie Karmelek is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. She is the co-founder of Chamfr, an online marketplace that simplifies sourcing components and tools for medical device development by connecting engineers with qualified suppliers.Before launching Chamfr in 2017, Katie held roles in product development and business management at companies like Olympus, Vention Medical, and TDC Medical. She also founded Karmelek Engineering, Inc., applying her technical expertise to further innovation in the field.Katie holds both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. She is committed to mentoring young engineers and frequently shares insights on materials and design trends through the Chamfr blog.Links:Katie Karmelek LinkedInChamfr - Website  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