Being an Engineer

Latest Episodes:

S6E5 Keegan Schoch | Pro Tips on Creating an Engineering Consultancy Jan 31, 2025

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In this episode, Keegan Schoch shares his journey into engineering, the importance of soft skills, the origins and philosophy of Poindexter by Design, the tools and technologies they use, strategies for building client relationships, trends in engineering like AI integration, advice for aspiring engineering consultants, and highlights of successful projects.

Main Topics:

Keegan's path to becoming an engineer and the importance of soft skills
The story behind Poindexter by Design and its unique approach to engineering services
The tools and technologies used by Poindexter by Design, including onshape and AI integration
Strategies for building meaningful client relationships and growing the business
Trends in engineering, such as the shift to remote work and the rise of AI
Advice for aspiring engineering consultants on starting their own business
Keegan's experiences with successful projects at Poindexter by Design

About the guest: Keegan Schoch is a dynamic mechanical engineer, leader, and entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Poindexter by Design, a cutting-edge engineering services company delivering on-demand mechanical engineering expertise to support innovative industries. With a career spanning nearly a decade at Aerotech, where he progressed from Mechanical Design Engineer to Mechanical Component Assembly Supervisor, Keegan honed his technical and leadership skills before launching his own venture.

At Poindexter by Design, Keegan combines technical ingenuity, creativity, team building, and business acumen to help clients tackle mechanical engineering challenges with a holistic, web-based approach. His company focuses on developing meaningful partnerships and championing innovation in industries ranging from robotics to manufacturing.

Keegan’s educational foundation is equally impressive, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering from Penn State University. With a vision for bridging technical problem-solving with bigger-picture thinking, Keegan is an inspiring example of how engineers can impact not only products but also teams, systems, and industries.

Links:
Keegan Schoch LinkedIn
Poindexter by Design - Website

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

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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

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S6E4 Steve Maxson | Catheters, Heat Shrink Tubing, & Medical Device Extrusion Technology Jan 24, 2025

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In this episode, Steve Maxson shares his insights on the world of medical extrusion technology, including trends, innovations, and the importance of regulatory compliance. He discusses his career journey, the MEDEX podcast, the Medical Processing Panel (MPP) events, and collaborations that are driving advancements in the industry.

Main Topics:

Steve Maxson's background and transition to medical extrusion technology
Business development and technical challenges in the industry
Trends in medical extrusion, including thin-walled tubing and material science
The use of heat shrink tubing in medical devices
Collaborations and innovations, such as the Chamfr platform
The Medical Processing Panel (MPP) events and their impact
Balancing innovation and regulatory compliance
Advice for young engineers entering the medical device industry

About the guest: Steve Maxson is a distinguished figure in the medical device industry with over two decades of experience in extrusion technology and medical device manufacturing. As the owner of Maxson InSight Services, Steve offers technical solutions and consulting services, specializing in medical extruders and turnkey systems. In his role at US Extruders, he leads innovation and business development, focusing on crafting robust, customized extruders for diverse applications. Additionally, Steve is the host of the Med-Ex Podcast, where he interviews global experts in medical device contract manufacturing, sharing valuable insights into extrusion technologies, materials, processes, and broader industry trends. He also plays a pivotal role in organizing the Medical Processing Panel events, bringing together thought leaders in MedTech to discuss advancements in catheter manufacturing, silicone processing, thermoplastic processing, and more.

Links:
Steve Maxson - LinkedIn
Maxson InSight Services Website

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

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

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

S6E3 Hector Amador | Semiconductors, Microprocessors, & Statistics Jan 17, 2025

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In this episode, Hector Amador shares his expertise in the semiconductor industry, covering topics such as IC packaging, microchip assembly, cost optimization, emerging trends, and leadership in engineering. He provides insights into the technical skills and mindset required for success in the semiconductor field.

Main Topics:

Understanding IC packaging and the complexity of microchip assembly
Hector's journey into the semiconductor industry and his impactful projects
Crucial technical skills for semiconductor engineers that are often overlooked
Strategies for staying ahead of emerging trends in the semiconductor industry
Hector's approach to cost optimization and process improvement
Challenges and future directions in semiconductors, including quantum computing
The importance of leadership skills and management techniques for engineers

About the guest: Hector Amador is a seasoned semiconductor R&D professional with over 13 years of experience at Intel Corporation. He has made groundbreaking contributions to IC and packaging design, reliability, manufacturing, and supply chain optimization. Notably, Hector holds a U.S. patent for innovations in high-capacity memory packages, and he has a track record of delivering cost-saving solutions and advancing "industry-first" capabilities in IC packaging and system integration. His expertise spans IC design, design rule ownership, and high-performance packaging engineering, making him a thought leader in the semiconductor space. Hector’s insights into the intersection of academia and industry are invaluable for aspiring engineers aiming to bridge the gap between education and real-world engineering challenges.

Links:
Hector Amador - LinkedIn

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

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

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

S6E2 Derek Pietz | Industrial Automation, Losing A Million Dollars, & Successful Startups Jan 10, 2025

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This episode is a re-run.

Derek Pietz shares his journey into engineering, his experiences founding and leading a startup called Lab to Fab, and the challenges and successes he's faced in the automation industry. He discusses the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in engineering. Derek also provides insights into the trends and future of automation, as well as advice for aspiring engineers.

Main Topics:

Derek's path to becoming an engineer and his early entrepreneurial ventures
The founding and growth of Lab to Fab, including a dramatic week of highs and lows
Balancing career and personal life during the startup phase
Insights on engineering processes, teamwork, and overcoming challenges
Derek's current role at Intuitive and the world of robotic-assisted surgery
Trends and future of automation, including the impact of AI-powered vision-guided robots
Sharing success stories and lessons learned from failures in engineering

About the guest: Derek Pietz is the Director of Automation Equipment and Test Engineering at Intuitive, a trailblazing company at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery. Prior to his role at Intuitive, Derek has been a part of four start-up ventures including one as a co-founder. He has built and led engineering and operations teams, designed machines, run a P/L, pitched investors, obsessed over supply chain, developed sales strategies, taught robots to make pizza and fixed customer problems.

Links:
Derek Pietz LinkedIn
Intuitive - Website

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

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

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

S6E1 Tony Simas | Affecting Change, SaaS, & Communicating in Different Cultures Jan 03, 2025

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In this episode, Tony Simas shares his journey from STEM to business leadership, the challenges he faced in implementing change and reducing data entry by 70%, and his insights on navigating different cultures as a consultant. He discusses strategies for transitioning to a SaaS model, integrating AI and IoT in manufacturing, and provides advice for younger engineers and leaders.

Main Topics:

Tony's path from chemistry to business leadership
Overcoming resistance to change and understanding employee motivations
Transitioning to a SaaS model and key considerations
Leveraging AI and IoT to increase operational efficiencies in manufacturing
Navigating cultural differences in global business environments
Advice for younger engineers and leaders in STEM

About the guest: Tony Simas is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformational growth across industries like manufacturing, life sciences, automotive, and technology. With a proven ability to harness technology and strategic marketing for sustainable business development, Tony has revitalized underperforming markets, introduced innovative solutions, and cultivated thriving teams globally. From spearheading a 10% growth turnaround for a $100M+ business unit to integrating cutting-edge SaaS and AI solutions, he exemplifies the fusion of technical expertise and leadership finesse.

Tony’s global perspective, shaped by living and working across five countries, and his passion for bridging people and technology, make him a sought-after speaker and consultant. As the Managing Partner of Client Growth Partners, Tony continues to empower organizations to achieve remarkable success through actionable strategies and innovative transformations.

Links:

Tony Simas LinkedIn
Client Growth Partners - Website

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

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

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

S5E52 Jon Hirschtick | Founding & Developing the Solidworks and Onshape CAD Systems Dec 27, 2024

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This episode is a re-run.

In this episode, we have the founder of Solidworks and, more recently, Onshape, Jon Hirschtick, a legend in the CAD industry. In our conversation, you’ll hear about how Solidworks was started, how it grew, and how it led to Jon’s decision to found Onshape. Listeners will also learn how Onshape makes CAD design faster and more collaborative through its suite of innovative features and native cloud platform.

Main Topics:

Jon Hirschtick's path to becoming an engineer
The founding and early days of SolidWorks
Technical challenges in developing SolidWorks
User feedback and the impact of SolidWorks
The inspiration and vision behind Onshape
Unique features and benefits of Onshape
Transitioning from SolidWorks to Onshape
Onshape's pricing and market position
Future developments and innovations in Onshape
Advice for engineer entrepreneurs

About the guest: Jon is Chief Evangelist at PTC, where he focuses on Onshape, the world's first and only cloud native CAD and PDM system which includes rendering, collaboration, workflow, analytics, and many other tools. Jon is also the former General Manager as well as the Co-founder and former CEO of Onshape.

Prior to Onshape, in 1993, Jon founded SolidWorks and served as CEO, Group Executive and Board Member until 2011 watching SolidWorks grow to 2 million users and over $500 million / year in revenue.

Links:
Jon Hirschtick - LinkedIn
PTC website

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

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

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

S5E51 Manish Kumar | Being CEO at SOLIDWORKS Dec 20, 2024

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Today, we are honored to speak with Manish Kumar whose journey from a curious engineer to the CEO of SolidWorks is both inspiring and insightful. In this conversation, Manish discusses the evolution of SolidWorks, the introduction of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the integration of cloud computing and AI, and the process of translating user feedback into product development. Manish also reflects on the challenges of being a CEO, the importance of embracing change, and lessons learned from failures.

Main Topics Covered:

Manish's background and early influences that led him to engineering
Transition from mechanical engineering to software and joining SolidWorks
The evolution of SolidWorks and its user experience focus
Introduction to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and its capabilities
Cloud computing and the development of X Design
AI integration in CAD workflows and automation of drawing creation
The process of gathering customer feedback and incorporating it into product development
Challenges of being a CEO and the importance of taking risks
Lessons learned from failures and the power of storytelling to convince stakeholders

About the guest: Manish Kumar, is a luminary in the world of CAD software and engineering innovation. He currently serves as the CEO of SOLIDWORKS and Vice President of R&D at Dassault Systèmes, where he has been instrumental in evolving one of the most respected platforms in the design world. With over two decades of experience, Manish has led transformative projects, from pioneering Agile methodologies at SolidWorks to spearheading the shift toward SaaS-based cloud computing.

A graduate of IIT Delhi and Harvard University, Manish combines technical brilliance with a deep commitment to empowering engineers and designers globally. Outside of his professional endeavors, he’s an avid reader, movie enthusiast, and traveler, finding inspiration in both the digital and real worlds.

Links:

Manish Kumar - LinkedIn
SOLIDWORKS Website

Aaron Moncur, host

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

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

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

S5E50 Roopinder Tara | Timing, FEA, & the Beginning of CAD Dec 13, 2024

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In this episode, Roopinder shares his fascinating journey into engineering and publishing. He discusses his early struggles with math, the serendipitous path that led him to become an engineer, and his transition into the world of technical journalism. Roopinder provides insights into the evolution of CAD technology, the challenges of integrating AI into design tools, and the power and responsibility of journalism in shaping the engineering industry.

Join us as we delve into Roopinder’s insights on content creation, engineering trends, and his journey in becoming a pivotal voice in the engineering community.

Main Topics:

Roopinder's background and journey into engineering
His experiences in the publishing industry and the differences between engineering and publishing
The history and advancements of CAD technology
Roopinder's vision for the future of CAD and the role of AI in engineering design
The influence of journalism on the engineering industry

About the guest: Roopinder Tara is a trailblazer in engineering publishing and content management with over two decades of experience shaping how engineers engage with technology and industry trends. Currently serving as Editor in Chief at EngTechnica, Roopinder has a proven record of launching innovative platforms, including EngineersRule.com, and growing audiences to unprecedented levels. He’s an expert in building editorial teams, connecting industry experts, and driving content strategies that balance business needs with editorial integrity.

Roopinder’s background spans leadership roles at engineering.com, TenLinks, and IMSI, where his strategies boosted revenues, readership, and brand recognition. He’s also a former professor of design and engineering, who tripled class engagement during his tenure. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and Penn State, Roopinder bridges the technical and creative worlds with precision and passion.

Links:

Roopinder Tara - LinkedIn
EngTechnica Website

https://www.thewave.engineer/

Aaron Moncur, host

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

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

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

S5E49 John Rogers & Sean Maciag | A Career Worth Engineering – From Graduation to Professional Dec 06, 2024

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Today 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 inspiration
Writing a book to share lessons learned in the transition to industry
Effective resume writing and standing out as a job candidate
Gaps between academic preparation and real-world engineering
Dealing with imposter syndrome and proving readiness for advancement
Strategies for continuous learning and career development

About 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 - LinkedIn
Sean Maciag - LinkedIn

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

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

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

S5E48 Kordel France | Olfactory AI Nov 29, 2024

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Today, we are thrilled to host an episode with an exceptional guest pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. Kordel France discussed the challenges and potential of digitizing scents. He highlighted the need for a standard data format for olfactory AI and the complexities of detecting and analyzing air molecules. Kordel emphasized the importance of olfactory AI in various industries, including automotive for HVAC systems and quality control, and aerospace for detecting chemical leaks. He predicted that reliable olfactory AI for consumer products is 10 years away, while navigation and aerospace applications could be achieved sooner. France also stressed the need for better integration of AI with hardware and the importance of team collaboration in engineering.

Main Topics Covered:

Kordel's background and early interest in engineering
The concept of olfactory AI and the lack of research in this area
Current state and future potential of olfactory AI technology
Applications of olfactory AI in the automotive industry
Challenges in developing olfactory AI systems
Integrating AI with mechanical systems
The future of autonomous vehicles
Advice for young engineers

About the guest: Kordel France, an AI architect and technologist, is at the forefront of developing machine olfaction—teaching robots to smell. With a career spanning roles from Chief Technology Officer at startups to his current work at Toyota, Kordel's expertise integrates computer vision, sensor systems, and multi-agent learning.

Links:
Kordel France - LinkedIn

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

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

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

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