Being an Engineer

Send us Fan MailToday on the Being An Engineer podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome John Rogers and Sean Maciag as they share insights from their careers to help recent engineering graduates make a strong start. They discuss the transition from student to professional, overcoming imposter syndrome, accelerating career growth, and providing practical advice for aspiring engineers.Main Topics Covered:Deciding to become an engineer and early career inspirationWriting a book to share lessons learned in the transition to industryEffective resume writing and standing out as a job candidateGaps between academic preparation and real-world engineeringDealing with imposter syndrome and proving readiness for advancementStrategies for continuous learning and career developmentAbout the guests: John Rogers and Sean Maciag are the authors of the newly released book A Career Worth Engineering: Don’t Just Graduate—Navigate the Transition from Student to Professional. With extensive backgrounds in engineering project management and R&D, John and Sean bring a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to succeed in engineering right out of college. John, a project manager in engineering, has honed his expertise in new product development across the pro-audio, aerospace, and defense industries. His academic journey includes a Bachelor’s in Engineering Management and a Master’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering, with a current pursuit of an Aerospace Engineering Master’s as well. Sean is a design engineer deeply rooted in R&D, with significant experience in firearms, defense, and aerospace industries, built on a solid foundation from his Mechanical Engineering degree. Their book distills years of experience into actionable advice for recent graduates and early-career professionals navigating the often tricky leap from academia to industry.Join us as we dive into their insights on shaping a meaningful and dynamic engineering career.Links:John Rogers - LinkedInSean Maciag - LinkedIn  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 

Kordel France, an AI architect at Toyota specializing in olfactory AI, dives into the complexities of digitizing scents. He discusses the need for standard data formats in olfactory technology and highlights its potential applications in automotive HVAC systems and aerospace for leak detection. Kordel explores the challenges of training AI to understand smells amidst chaotic air samples, and predicts the advent of reliable consumer olfactory AI in about a decade. He emphasizes collaboration in engineering as crucial for innovation in this groundbreaking field.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring journey into engineering, overcoming challenges through relentless persistence, and developing daily habits to drive personal and professional growth. He discusses the importance of finding your purpose, the power of rapid prototyping, and strategies for accelerating engineering progress.Main Topics Covered:Ryan's background and how he discovered his passion for engineeringThe role of hard work, persistence, and a growth mindset in achieving successDeveloping daily routines and habits to support personal and professional developmentNavigating complex engineering projects and building confidence through problem-solvingAdvice for young engineers on finding their niche and accelerating their careersBooks discussed during the episode:Think and Grow RichRich Dad, Poor DadHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleCrucial ConversationsFailing ForwardAbout the guest: Ryian Williams is an energetic and ambitious engineer who has built an impressive career in product design and development, particularly in the medical device space. With over six years of experience at Alcon, a global leader in eye care, Ryian currently serves as a Senior Engineer in Technology Transfer. His role involves bridging the gap between design and manufacturing, ensuring that innovative medical products are successfully brought to market. Ryian’s passion for engineering is matched by his dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement, which has also led him to become a TEDx speaker, author, and content creator. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and has been involved in a wide range of engineering roles, from CAD draftsman to product design and R&D engineering.Links:Ryian Williams - LinkedIn 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, Aaron Moncur interviews Carrie Hurlbut about her career journey and her role in leading environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives at ASM, a global semiconductor equipment manufacturer. Carrie shares insights into the EHS field, the challenges of balancing practicality and creativity, and the importance of mentorship in her career development.Main Topics Covered:Carrie's background and transition from biological sciences to engineeringUnderstanding the role of EHS and its day-to-day activitiesOverview of ASM and the semiconductor industryMitigating environmental and health risks in the manufacturing processLeveraging data analytics for better EHS outcomesThe future of EHS and sustainability in the semiconductor industryCarrie's career path and the influence of mentorsBalancing practicality and creativity in EHS projectsAdvice for engineers considering a career in EHSAbout the guest: Carrie Hurlbut, the Director of Global Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Corporate Responsibility at ASM. With over 15 years in EHS roles, Carrie has led initiatives that bridge engineering with sustainability and workplace safety on a global scale. Her journey from studying biological sciences and environmental engineering to driving strategic EHS programs uniquely positions her to share valuable insights on aligning corporate responsibility with innovation, fostering inclusive leadership, and navigating the complexities of the semiconductor industry.Links:Carrie Hurlbut - LinkedInASM 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 MailThis episode is the chicken soup for the soul of engineering. Without a doubt, the most inspirational episode we’ve recorded to date as Andy shares with us how he and his company have helped elevate those in poverty and given their lives purpose and success. Along the way, he shares some very practical info about manufacturing tolerances and growing a manufacturing business, as well. Main Topics Covered:Andy Wells' early life and introduction to engineeringDeveloping creativity and early inventionsTransition to formal education and early careerFounding Wells Technology and early challengesBuilding customer relationships and marketing strategiesManufacturing challenges and design for manufacturability (DFM)Social engineering project and giving backBalancing quality, price, and deliveryPersonal reflections and final thoughtsAbout the guest: Andy Wells is the founder and CEO of Wells Technology, a manufacturing company in Minnesota. Andy has degrees in physics and technology as well as decades of practical experience in design, materials, processes, and entrepreneurship. Over the years Wells Tech has grown from serving the aerospace industry to automotive, medical, defense, and food processing, and developed services in distribution, and training for manufacturing technologists.Links:Andy Wells - LinkedInWells Technology 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 of the Being An Engineer Podcast, Geoff Gaw discusses his journey into engineering, the unique processes and challenges involved in metal manufacturing, and strategies for leading teams in highly regulated environments. Geoff also delves into the alignment of product development with process development, staying up to date with emerging technologies, the future of the medical device industry, and ways to accelerate the speed of engineering.Main Topics:Geoff's path to becoming an engineer and the inspiration behind his career choiceUnique processes and challenges in metal manufacturing, particularly with nitinolStrategies for managing teams in highly regulated environments like the medical device industryAligning product development with process development and the transition from R&D to mass productionApproaches to staying informed about emerging technologies and trends in the industryPredictions for the future of the medical device industry, including the integration of AITechniques for accelerating the speed of engineering projectsAbout the guest: Geoff Gaw is an experienced mechanical engineer specializing in the medical device industry. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Materials Science and Energy Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona, he has held leadership roles at Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and Applied Medical. His expertise spans project management, product and process development, and manufacturing support. He has overseen the development of complex medical devices, scaling teams, and driving operational excellence from early development stages to mass production. Currently, he serves as a Sr. Principal Engineer at Edwards Lifesciences.Links:Geoff Gaw -  LinkedIn 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 the seventh episode of How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, host Aaron Moncur welcomes David Malouf. David shares insights on overcoming common engineering challenges, employing effective tools and techniques, fostering psychological safety, and experimenting with new technologies and unconventional approaches to streamline workflows.Main Topics Covered:Introduction to RF engineering and David Malouf's backgroundChallenges in defining objectives and managing stakeholder expectationsTools for failing fast and inexpensively, including the use of checklists and project management systemsThe importance of clear communication and technical writing skillsFostering psychological safety and encouraging participation from younger engineersExperiences with introducing new project management tools to improve efficiencyLessons learned from project backfires and the importance of following established processesUnconventional approaches to expedite engineering, such as rapid prototyping and 3D printingAbout the guest: David Malouf is a highly skilled Senior RF Design Engineer with over 13 years of experience, currently at Corning Incorporated. He has an extensive background in project planning, mechanical and RF design, and process optimization. With multiple patents to his name, David is adept at translating complex technical concepts into accessible ideas for non-experts. His previous roles include engineering positions at Benchmark Automation and Atlas Material Testing Technology, where he led product innovations and testing for advanced industrial systems. David holds a BS in Electromechanical Engineering from Vermont Technical College.Links:David Malouf - LinkedIn 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 MailThis is a continuation in our ongoing series about How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering. The discussion covers topics such as the importance of planning and execution, balancing problem-solving and asking for help, the role of checklists, the impact of leadership and team culture, effective communication and collaboration, risk management and building relationships, and lessons learned from past challenges.Main Topics:The balance between speeding up projects and avoiding unforced errorsThe use of tools like Notion and Loom to improve productivity and efficiencyThe role of leadership in building a strong team cultureApproaches to risk management and the value of building relationshipsLessons learned from implementing new processes and toolsAbout the guest: Brad Hirayama is an experienced engineer and program manager specializing in medical devices, with a focus on new product development (NPD), biomedical devices, and process validation. Currently a Staff Engineer, he drives innovation in electrophysiology (EP) products. Brad's background includes roles at Abbott and NuVera Medical, where he contributed to the development of catheters and other vascular technologies. He has expertise in design thinking, FDA compliance, and leadership, all while embodying a passion for connecting people and technologies in impactful ways.Links:Brad Hirayama - LinkedIn 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 the fifth episode of How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, host Aaron Moncur interviews Jim Gabriel. Jim shares his insights on overcoming common bottlenecks, effective decision-making, fostering psychological safety, cross-functional collaboration, data-driven performance improvement, and lessons learned from attempts to expedite engineering processes.Main Topics:Identifying and addressing bottlenecks in engineering projectsEmpowering teams to make effective decisionsBalancing autonomy and guidance for engineersFailing fast and failing cheap to drive innovationThe role of leadership in creating a culture of accelerationStrategies for enhancing cross-functional collaborationLeveraging data and metrics to improve team performanceIntroducing new technologies and tools to streamline engineeringUnconventional approaches to expedite engineeringEnhancing communication and meeting effectivenessLessons learned from attempts to accelerate engineeringAbout the guest: Jim Gabriel is a seasoned engineering leader whose most recent expertise lies in the medical device industry. As the Associate Director of Engineering at Abiomed, he played a crucial role in leading teams focused on the development of cutting-edge heart pump technologies that save lives. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University.Links:Jim Gabriel - LinkedInArchangel Operations 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 

Tony Dietz, President of Paxauris and former NASA Senior Research Scientist, shares his extensive engineering experience. He discusses the critical role of communication in projects, illustrating how simplicity fosters creativity. Dietz also explores innovative solutions like sous vide cooking for efficient engineering practices. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety in teams and quirky productivity methods, such as tea time, to enhance collaboration. He wraps up by detailing the rapid development of an innovative inflatable earplug set to revolutionize hearing protection.