Being an Engineer

Latest Episodes:

S5E47 Ryian Williams | Finding Purpose as an Engineer, & How to Improve Faster Nov 22, 2024

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In 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 engineering
The role of hard work, persistence, and a growth mindset in achieving success
Developing daily routines and habits to support personal and professional development
Navigating complex engineering projects and building confidence through problem-solving
Advice for young engineers on finding their niche and accelerating their careers

Books discussed during the episode:

Think and Grow Rich
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Crucial Conversations
Failing Forward

About 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

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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S5E46 Carrie Hurlbut | Environmental, Health, & Safety at ASM Nov 15, 2024

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In 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 engineering
Understanding the role of EHS and its day-to-day activities
Overview of ASM and the semiconductor industry
Mitigating environmental and health risks in the manufacturing process
Leveraging data analytics for better EHS outcomes
The future of EHS and sustainability in the semiconductor industry
Carrie's career path and the influence of mentors
Balancing practicality and creativity in EHS projects
Advice for engineers considering a career in EHS

About 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 - LinkedIn
ASM website

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

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

S5E45 Andy Wells | Touching Lives Through Engineering (Rerun) Nov 08, 2024

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This 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 engineering
Developing creativity and early inventions
Transition to formal education and early career
Founding Wells Technology and early challenges
Building customer relationships and marketing strategies
Manufacturing challenges and design for manufacturability (DFM)
Social engineering project and giving back
Balancing quality, price, and delivery
Personal reflections and final thoughts

About 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 - LinkedIn
Wells Technology 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

S5E44 Geoff Gaw | Nitinol, R&D, and How to Learn About New Technologies Nov 01, 2024

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In 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 choice
Unique processes and challenges in metal manufacturing, particularly with nitinol
Strategies for managing teams in highly regulated environments like the medical device industry
Aligning product development with process development and the transition from R&D to mass production
Approaches to staying informed about emerging technologies and trends in the industry
Predictions for the future of the medical device industry, including the integration of AI
Techniques for accelerating the speed of engineering projects

About 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

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

S5E43 David Malouf | How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, Episode 7 Oct 25, 2024

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In 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 background
Challenges in defining objectives and managing stakeholder expectations
Tools for failing fast and inexpensively, including the use of checklists and project management systems
The importance of clear communication and technical writing skills
Fostering psychological safety and encouraging participation from younger engineers
Experiences with introducing new project management tools to improve efficiency
Lessons learned from project backfires and the importance of following established processes
Unconventional approaches to expedite engineering, such as rapid prototyping and 3D printing

About 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

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

S5E42 Brad Hirayama | How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, Episode 6 Oct 18, 2024

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This 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 errors
The use of tools like Notion and Loom to improve productivity and efficiency
The role of leadership in building a strong team culture
Approaches to risk management and the value of building relationships
Lessons learned from implementing new processes and tools

About 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

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

S5E41 Jim Gabriel | How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, Episode 5 Oct 11, 2024

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In 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 projects
Empowering teams to make effective decisions
Balancing autonomy and guidance for engineers
Failing fast and failing cheap to drive innovation
The role of leadership in creating a culture of acceleration
Strategies for enhancing cross-functional collaboration
Leveraging data and metrics to improve team performance
Introducing new technologies and tools to streamline engineering
Unconventional approaches to expedite engineering
Enhancing communication and meeting effectiveness
Lessons learned from attempts to accelerate engineering

About 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 - LinkedIn
Archangel Operations 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

S5E40 Tony Dietz | How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, Episode 4 Oct 04, 2024

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In the fourth episode of How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, host Aaron Moncur interviews Tony Dietz. . Tony emphasized the importance of clear communication, focusing on objectives, deadlines, and effort levels. Dietz shared examples from his diverse background, including a NASA wind tunnel project and a cost-effective earplug test using a $7 heating pad. He highlighted the value of field interaction with customers and using simple tools like Lego for prototyping. Dietz also stressed the need for daily team meetings to maintain focus and address roadblocks. He warned against rushing critical tasks without proper analysis, citing a failed superconducting cable test as an example.

Main Topics Covered:

Communication and Bottlenecks in Engineering Projects
Ignoring the Customer and Tools for Failure
Creating Psychologically Safe Environments
Cross-Disciplinary Communication and Documentation
Introducing New Technologies and Tools
Unconventional Approaches and Field Interaction
Lessons from Failed Attempts to Accelerate Engineering
Key Factors in Accelerating Engineering

About the guest: Tony Dietz is the President of Paxauris, where he leads the development of innovative hearing protection products. With over 30 years of experience, he previously worked at Creare, leading R&D projects in advanced airdrop technology and cryogenic systems, and at NASA Ames as a Senior Research Scientist. Earlier, he served as an Engineering Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. Tony holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Sydney.

Links:
Tony Dietz - 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

S5E39 Bradley Rothenberg | nTopology (nTop) & Computational Design Sep 27, 2024

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In this episode, host Aaron Moncur interviews Bradley Rothenberg about nTopology and its unique approach to computational design and engineering software. Bradley discusses the origins of nTopology and how it differs from traditional CAD tools. He explains how nTopology captures requirements in algorithms rather than geometry definitions. Bradley also covers nTopology’s applications in additive manufacturing and its tight integration with simulation tools.

Main Topics:

The founding of Ntopology and Bradley's background
Computational design approach vs traditional CAD modeling
Implicit modeling technology and sign distance fields
Applications in additive manufacturing and complex geometries
Integration with simulation tools like ANSYS and LS-DYNA
Process for exporting/importing models with other CAD systems
Determining when Ntopology is the right solution

About the guest: Bradley Rothenberg is the founder and CEO of nTopology, a company pioneering next-generation engineering software for advanced manufacturing. Launched in 2015, nTopology enables engineers to create complex, optimized geometries, primarily for sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. With a background in architecture from Pratt Institute, Brad brings a unique perspective to computational design, bridging the gap between form and functionality in additive manufacturing.

Links:
Bradley Rothenberg - LinkedIn
nTopology 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

S5E38 Istvan Csanady | Shapr3D Sep 20, 2024

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In this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Istvan Csanady, the founder and CEO of Shaper3D, a pioneering 3D modeling app that is transforming the CAD industry. Istvan discusses Shaper3D's vision to create a powerful, yet intuitive CAD tool for the modern era, focusing on mobility, ease of use, and collaboration. He shares insights into the company's business strategy, the challenges of balancing simplicity and sophistication, and the exciting roadmap for future features.

Main Topics:

Shaper 3D's approach to reinventing CAD for the 21st century
The importance of mobility and native application support
Balancing ease of use with the sophistication of modern CAD tools
Shaper 3D's business strategy and first sales
Positioning Shaper 3D in the CAD market
Winning the Apple Design Award and its impact
Future roadmap, including collaboration features and private cloud architecture

About the guest:István Csanády is the Founder and CEO of Shapr3D, a pioneering 3D modeling app that has transformed the CAD industry by making professional design tools more accessible and intuitive. Starting with a vision to create a powerful CAD tool for the iPad Pro, Shapr3D has since expanded to macOS and Windows, gaining recognition such as the Apple Design Award. Under István's leadership, the company has continuously innovated, raising significant venture capital to support its growth.

Links:
István Csanády - LinkedIn
Shapr3D 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

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