Being an Engineer

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In this episode, Stephen shares his career journey, from early influences that led him to engineering to his experiences in the Marine Corps and various engineering roles. He discusses the technical challenges he faced, such as working on the Patriot 2 missile at Raytheon and the innovative solutions he implemented. Stephen also talks about his passion for personal engineering projects, including an automated sprinkler system and a home security system, and the inspiration behind these projects. He provides advice for aspiring leaders and discusses the importance of personal projects in maintaining engineering skills.

Main Topics:

• Stephen's early influences and decision to pursue engineering
• Experiences in the Marine Corps and technical challenges in the industry
• Transition to Surecon Corporation and personal engineering projects
• Development of the automated sprinkler system and home security system
• Advice for aspiring leaders and the value of personal projects

About the guest: Stephen Johnson's engineering journey began with his service in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1992. During this time, he worked on F/A-18 airframes with VMFA-333 "Fighting Shamrocks" and served in the Marine Corps Security Forces aboard the USS Wisconsin and USS Kitty Hawk during the Gulf War. These experiences instilled in him a strong foundation in discipline and technical precision.

After his military service, Stephen pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, graduating in 1996. He was actively involved in Epsilon Tau Sigma, serving as Treasurer for two years. His early career included a role as a Design Engineer at Raytheon Electronic Systems, where he worked on the Patriot II Missile Systems and the Milstar Satellite Program, focusing on automatic test equipment for power systems and satellite communications.

Transitioning to the embedded systems industry, Stephen joined Heurikon Corporation as a Support Engineer. The company, which later became Artesyn Technologies and was eventually acquired by Emerson Electric, provided him with opportunities to work on embedded computer boards and systems, including cPCI, cPSB, ATCA, and VME designs. He also developed Board Support Packages (BSPs) for VxWorks and supported Linux for embedded systems.

In 2008, Stephen joined TDS Telecommunications LLC, where he initially focused on implementing and maintaining IPTV elements, from content providers to set-top boxes. Over the years, he advanced to the role of Network Consultant, working on the Server & Applications team for VoIP infrastructure and the Cable TV Platform. His expertise includes Python programming, systems design, and electrical engineering. Recently, he has been working with the core network and developing tools to automate various processes, reflecting his passion for automating tasks that humans should not be doing.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Stephen has applied his engineering skills to personal projects, such as developing a fully automated sprinkler system and enhancing home security systems. These projects showcase his commitment to leveraging technology to improve everyday life.

Stephen's extensive experience in embedded systems, computer architecture, and automation, combined with his dedication to continuous learning and improvement, make him a valuable resource for insights into the engineering field.

Links:

Stephen B. Johnson - LinkedIn

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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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*This episode is a re-run

In this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Michael Hadley, who has a diverse background including involvement in the human development movement and serving as a business manager for Tony Robbins. Michael shares his journey back into engineering 20 years after graduating, the successes and failures he's experienced, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation covers Michael's decision to pursue mechanical engineering, his unique experiences, and advice for aspiring engineers.

Main Topics:

• Michael Hadley's background and early career
• Involvement in the human development movement and work with Tony Robbins
• Transition back to engineering after 20 years
• Successes and failures in engineering projects
• Lessons learned about persistence, market fit, and continuous learning
• Advice for aspiring engineers to develop a broad skillset

Links:

Michael Hadley LinkedIn

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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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In this episode, Aaron Moncur speaks with John Boezi about his journey as a product development expert, the importance of documentation in engineering, universal design principles, client relationship challenges, prototyping techniques, and building strong engineering teams. John shares insights from his experience across industries like medical devices, outdoor sports, and consumer goods.

We’re excited to explore his perspectives on engineering leadership, designing for niche and broad markets, and navigating the intersection of technical innovation and business strategy. 

Main Topics:

• John's background and path to becoming an engineer
• The role of documentation in engineering
• Universal principles in the design process
• Defining problems and managing client expectations
• Prototyping tools and techniques
• Ingredients for successful engineering teams
• John's experience as a fractional Director of Engineering
• Balancing resources and creativity in engineering
• Strategies for staying inspired and motivated

About the guest: John Boezi, is a highly accomplished product development leader, mechanical engineer, and entrepreneur specializing in solving tough engineering challenges and turning ideas into impactful products. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, John has dedicated his career to creating innovative solutions across industries such as medical devices, consumer goods, and outdoor sports equipment.

Through his company, Itri PD, LLC, John works as a Fractional Director of Engineering & Product Development, helping businesses of all sizes—from startups to established firms—achieve their goals by providing expertise in mechanical design, prototyping, and product strategy. His portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, from high-tech surgical devices to outdoor gear and hunting products, all driven by his passion for designing solutions that truly meet user needs.

John is also a champion of strong team cultures, believing that collaboration and creative problem-solving are the cornerstones of successful engineering. With over 15 years of experience, he combines technical know-how with entrepreneurial thinking to lead teams, refine processes, and bring complex products to market.

 Links:

John Boezi LinkedIn

John Boezi - Website 

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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 

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.us

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

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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 

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.us

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

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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 

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.us

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

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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

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.us

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

Send us Fan Mail

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

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.us

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

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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

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.us

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