Being an Engineer

Aaron Moncur

The Being An Engineer podcast is a central repository in which we collect and share industry knowledge & best practices associated with the discipline of engineering. We hope that engineers throughout the world will benefit from this content as they connect with the companies, technologies, people, resources, and opportunities that are relevant to their engineering or engineering-adjacent roles. Contact us at info@teampipeline.us. Intro and Outro music by John Martell read less
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Episodes

S5E15 Derek Harper | The Benefits of Working At A Small Company, & How to Motivate Your Engineering Team
4d ago
S5E15 Derek Harper | The Benefits of Working At A Small Company, & How to Motivate Your Engineering Team
Derek Harper shares his experiences in engineering innovation in the medical field, including insights on career development and effective leadership strategies. Main Topics:Engineering career pathsMedical device developmentLeading engineering teamsLeadership stylesEmerging trends in biomedical engineering like biologics and brain chips.About the guest: Derek Harper is a seasoned professional in the biomedical engineering field with a rich history of innovation and leadership. Derek's career has spanned various roles and has been instrumental in developing and introducing groundbreaking medical devices and technologies. Engineers listening to this episode will gain invaluable insights from Derek's experiences, learning about the challenges and triumphs of engineering in the medical field, leadership, and the intersection of engineering innovation and market needs.Links:Derek Harper - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E13.5 PDX: Jason Addink
6d ago
S5E13.5 PDX: Jason Addink
PDX offers a dynamic bootcamp-style experience tailored exclusively for engineers engaged in the design and development of hard goods products. Unlike conventional conference presentations, our interactive event fosters direct engagement between the industry’s highest-performing subject matter experts and ambitious engineers, facilitating the transfer of practical skills and knowledge across the PDX community.Participants not only benefit from invaluable insights shared by seasoned professionals but also gain access to a vibrant community of like-minded peers committed to mutual support, advancement, and inspiration. Whether you specialize in designing consumer products, developing medical devices, or creating automated machinery, the expertise and camaraderie cultivated at PDX yield tangible, real-world solutions that drive both personal career growth and substantial company success. Learn more at https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/pdx2024info/.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
S5E14 Ian McEachern | Artificial Hearts, Times Square LED Displays, & Engineering Freelancing
Apr 5 2024
S5E14 Ian McEachern | Artificial Hearts, Times Square LED Displays, & Engineering Freelancing
Ian McEachern returns to discuss his career in R&D engineering, focusing on challenges in medical device development and the importance of persistence. He shares stories about developing artificial heart pumps and mentoring young engineers.Main Topics:Challenges in sourcing components and standards interpretation for medical devicesDefining the role of R&D engineers; streamlining manufacturing processesFailure and iteration in product developmentIan's grandfather's journey from WWII to NASABuilding an encouraging engineering culture.About the guest: For over 15 years Ian McEachern has been helping cutting edge companies design highly complex products including artificial hearts, blood pumps, and class III medical devices. Products Ian has designed are in Times Square, the Disney Parks, the Smithsonian, and implanted in people around the world. Ian, I’m super excited to talk with you today, thank you for joining me on the show.Links:Ian McEachern - LinkedInIan’s Website 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
S5E13 Paul Lee | Cities of the Future & Renewable Energy
Mar 29 2024
S5E13 Paul Lee | Cities of the Future & Renewable Energy
Aaron Moncur interviews Paul Lee about his career in renewable energy engineering and his role in the documentary "Cities of the Future." They discuss emerging sustainable energy technologies and the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to renewable sourcesMain Topics:Space-based solar powerVertical air taxisWind and solar farm technologyHydrogen fuel cellsSmart buildingsBattery storageRooftop solar costsEngineering collaborationCities of the future filmAbout the guest: Paul Lee is a renewable energy engineer in Los Angeles who is always searching for new ways to harness energy from sustainable sources. His current work involves planning resources for a 100% clean energy city as an Energy Policy Analyst with the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability of the City of Los Angeles.  He has also worked on developing projects such as utility scale wind, solar, geothermal, biomass resources as well as energy storage such as batteries, pumped hydro, and other emerging technologies. Links:Paul Lee - LinkedInAmerican Society of Civil EngineersAbout 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
S5E12 Dylann Ceriani | Prototype Injection Molding
Mar 22 2024
S5E12 Dylann Ceriani | Prototype Injection Molding
Aaron Moncur interviews Dylann Ceriani about her career in mechanical engineering and medical devices. They discuss prototype injection molding, material selection, 3D printing applications, and advice for young engineers.Main Topics:Career journey from biomechanics to founding ProtoShopDifferences between production and prototype molding  Cost considerations and timelines for prototype toolingAdvances in medical device development and regulationsTips for minimizing molding costs and selecting materialsAdvice for advocating for yourself and learning from all experiencesAbout the guest: Dylann Ceriani is a distinguished figure in the field of mechanical engineering and the co-founder and principal mechanical engineer at Protoshop Inc. With a rich background in biomechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, Dylann has carved a niche in the medical device industry, showcasing her expertise in product development, particularly in in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) and orthopedics. Her career spans over 25 years, marked by a deep commitment to innovation, quality, and efficiency in engineering design. At Protoshop, Dylann leads the charge in revolutionizing prototype tooling, emphasizing the replication of production mold quality in prototypes. Her hands-on approach and strength-based leadership have not only advanced medical device product development but also inspired a generation of engineers. Links:Dylann Cerian - LinkedIn ProtoShop Inc WebsiteAbout 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
S5E11 Roger Labrecque | Accelerating R&D Work, 21 CFR, & How To Collaborate Effectively
Mar 15 2024
S5E11 Roger Labrecque | Accelerating R&D Work, 21 CFR, & How To Collaborate Effectively
Aaron Moncur interviews Roger LaBrecque about his career journey in medical device innovation, focusing on accelerating R&D processes while ensuring compliance. They discuss strategies for effective collaboration, problem-solving, and networking.Main Topics:Strategies for accelerating R&D while following regulations Techniques for collaboration and problem-solving across functions Approaches to innovation and patenting, and advice for networking as an engineer.About the guest: Roger Labrecque, a distinguished figure in the field of medical device innovation. Roger boasts an impressive career marked by his deep passion for addressing unmet needs in healthcare. With a rich portfolio of over 20 patents, he is recognized for his innovative thinking and expertise in product development, from ideation through commercialization. Roger's leadership extends beyond technical skills, as he is known for fostering robust collaboration across cross-functional teams and incorporating critical insights through the Voice of the Customer process.Links:Roger Labrecque - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E10 Derek Pietz | Industrial Automation, Losing A Million Dollars, & Successful Startups
Mar 8 2024
S5E10 Derek Pietz | Industrial Automation, Losing A Million Dollars, & Successful Startups
Derek Pietz shares his journey from engineering student to co-founding a successful automation startup and his current role leading engineering teams at Intuitive. He discusses the challenges of starting a company, lessons learned, and trends in the automation industry.Main Topics:Engineering career pathFounding and growing a startupChallenges and pivotsPrioritizing work/life balanceDesigning robotic surgery equipmentImproving team moraleCommunication best practicesFuture of AI and vision systems in automationAbout the guest: Our guest today is Derek Pietz, the Director of Automation Equipment and Test Engineering at Intuitive, a trailblazing company at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery. Prior to his role at Intuitive, Derek has been a part of four start-up ventures including one as a co-founder. He has built and led engineering and operations teams, designed machines, run a P/L, pitched investors, obsessed over supply chain, developed sales strategies, taught robots to make pizza and fixed customer problems.Links:Derek Pietz - LinkedInIntuitive website 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
S5E9 Jon Montcrief | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 8
Mar 1 2024
S5E9 Jon Montcrief | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 8
Jon Montcrief shares his career path in chemical engineering and process development roles in the medical device industry. He discusses challenges in manufacturing, supply chains, and the regulated medical device industry. Main Topics:Engineering career pathsChemical engineering backgroundManufacturing trendsSupply chain challengesTechnical and soft skills for engineersChallenges facing medical device companiesThe future of medical technology.About the guest: Jon Montcrief, holds a bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering and is currently the director of process development and sustaining engineering at Becton Dickinson, where he applies his process engineering and polymer background to develop products in the medical device space. John, thank you so much for joining us today.Links:Jon Montcrief - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E8 Aaron Call | How to Find Money for MedTech Startups
Feb 23 2024
S5E8 Aaron Call | How to Find Money for MedTech Startups
The episode explores Aaron Call's journey from engineer to entrepreneur, and his insights on innovation, market intelligence and the future of Medtech.Main Topics:Medical device development and market fitMarket research methods for disruptive innovationMarket analysis and decision-making in the medical industryEngineering background and its impact on business decisionsMedical device industry trends, AI, and fundraising.About the guest: Aaron Call is the innovative founding principal of Jaunt, a company specializing in market intelligence and strategic decision-making for the medical device industry. With a rich background in biomedical engineering and product management, Aaron has been instrumental in guiding both startups and established enterprises through the complex landscape of medical technology. His expertise extends to Class I and Class II medical devices, digital health technologies, and he holds patents in the medical device field. Aaron's leadership at Jaunt is marked by a commitment to empowering companies with the insights and strategies needed to succeed in the dynamic world of medical technology. Join us as we explore Aaron's journey from engineer to entrepreneur and delve into his insights on innovation, market intelligence, and the future of MedTech.Links:Aaron Call - LinkedInJaunt WebsiteAbout 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
S5E7 Matt Zachek | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 7
Feb 16 2024
S5E7 Matt Zachek | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 7
Matt discusses his career path in medical device engineering and leadership insights. He shares how he developed a passion for understanding how things work from a young age and pursued biomedical engineering. Matt discusses developing grit and perseverance, managing stress and ambiguity in leadership roles, and balancing sustaining vs. new products.Main Topics:Engineering career pathLeadership skillsManaging stress and anxietyMedical device challengesInnovation strategiesBalancing existing vs. new productsIntegrating manufacturing earlier in design.About the guest: Matt Zachek holds a Bachelor’s degree and PhD in biomedical engineering and is currently the Sr Director of R&D at Werfen, leaders in specialized diagnostics in the areas of Hemostasis, Acute Care Diagnostics, Transfusion, Autoimmunity, and Transplant. Skilled in product roadmapping, stakeholder management, and product delivery in the medical device, pharmaceutical and diagnostic device spaces, Matt is a strategic thinker with a passion for bringing new ideas to life and a talent for fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity.Links:Matt Zachek - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E6 Alex Anderson & Lilly Macaruso | Rivian & The Rebelle Rally
Feb 9 2024
S5E6 Alex Anderson & Lilly Macaruso | Rivian & The Rebelle Rally
Alex and Lilly are engineers at Rivian who recently competed in and won the 2022 Rebelle Rally, the longest off-road navigation rally in the US. They discussed their experience in the rally, engineering behind Rivian vehicles, and women in STEM.Main Topics:Details of the Rebelle Rally competition and challengesEngineering aspects that helped/hindered using an EV in the rallyTraining process and balancing work/life as engineersRelationship with their Rivian vehicle over the 8-day rallyFavorite things about Rivian vehicles and the brandAbout the guests: Alex Anderson and Lilly Macaruso are both engineers at Rivian, an innovative automotive company specializing in electric vehicles, and known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology in the EV market. They recently competed in the Rebelle Rally, which is the longest off-road rally in the United States, an eight-day, 1,600-mile test not of speed but of endurance, technical driving and precision navigation using only a map and compass.Links:Alex Anderson - LinkedInRivian websiteAbout 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
S5E5 Tom Kress | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 6
Feb 2 2024
S5E5 Tom Kress | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 6
Tom Kress discusses his career path in medical device engineering and leadership. He shares insights on developing successful engineers and teams, challenges in the industry, and a vision for the future of medical devices with AI.Main Topics:Career paths and skills for engineersLeadership challenges and politics in the workplaceTrends in medical device manufacturing and the future of AITechnical skills and habits of top engineersAbout the guest: Tom Kress has been in the product design & development space for over 15 years. A creative and results-oriented Engineering leader, Tom’s contributions include problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills and a strong ability to lead cross-functional teams in medical and technical industries from concept to feasibility.Links:Tom Kress - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E4 Mark Ross | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 5
Jan 26 2024
S5E4 Mark Ross | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 5
We discuss Mark's career journey and lessons learned from over two decades in leadership roles. He shares insights on problem-solving, industry trends, keys to success, and advice for career progression.Main TopicsProblem-solving skills and tools like DMAICTrends like outsourcing challenges and regulatory burdensKeys to success, such as collaboration and extra responsibilitiesCareer advice focusing on strong job fitsAbout the guest: Mark Ross has been leading operations and manufacturing teams for 20 years. His recent roles include manufacturing manager at Medtronic and director of manufacturing at Endologix, where he led, coached, problem-solved, and performed continuous improvement activities in hi-tech medical devices.Links:Mark Ross - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E3 Grace Park | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 4
Jan 19 2024
S5E3 Grace Park | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 4
Grace Park discusses her career journey in medical device engineering, managing challenges as an engineering leader, and her outlook on the future of the industry.Main Topics:Engineering problem-solving mindsetOvercoming imposter syndromeTrends in manufacturing and skills for engineersStrategies for self-care, and industry challengesAbout the guest: Grace Park holds a bachelor’s degree in materials science & engineering and a PhD in biomedical engineering. She is a passionate R&D leader and people developer with 17 years of medical device product development and lifecycle management expertise and has led global Research and Development teams and program management responsible for developing innovative and safe solutions for medication delivery.Link:Grace Park - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E2 Tony Dedeo | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 3
Jan 12 2024
S5E2 Tony Dedeo | Medical Device Engineering Leaders 3
Tony shares his career journey from plant engineer to leadership roles and offers advice on developing soft skills, gaining diverse experience, and keeping highly skilled engineers motivated.Main Topics:Developing soft skills and emotional intelligenceGaining multi-disciplinary experience through various opportunitiesTrends in the medical device industry, like single-use devices and diagnosticsMacroeconomic challenges facing the industryTips for engineering leadership, like providing new challengesAbout the guest: Tony Dedeo is a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience in operational strategic planning, manufacturing, quality management, supply chain, and team leadership. Tony has held positions throughout his career, from consultant to director to VP as he has helped organizations drive improvement.Link:Tony Dedeo - LinkedInAbout 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
S5E1 Dora Boussias | Data Architecture, Situational Awareness, & Growth
Jan 5 2024
S5E1 Dora Boussias | Data Architecture, Situational Awareness, & Growth
Aaron Moncur interviews Dora Boussias about her career journey and leadership approach, with a focus on how she leads with empathy, transparency, and inclusiveness.Main Topics:Data architecture roles and responsibilitiesCareer progression and leadership skillsEffective communication for engineersOvercoming imposter syndromePeople management challengesStaying competitive through continuous learning.About the guest: Dora Boussias, is a business data and technology leader with deep domain expertise in data, analytics, enterprise architecture, and digital transformation. She has been known throughout her career as a strategic thought leader with exceptional people skills, and this will be the primary focus of our conversation today as we learn how Dora leads with empathy, transparency, and inclusiveness.Link:Dora Boussias - LinkedInAbout 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