Being an Engineer

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Join Aaron Moncur as he interviews Stephen Hinch about his remarkable career in innovation, discussing how companies can foster breakthrough technologies, overcome corporate innovation barriers, and create a culture that supports creative thinking.

Main Topics:

• From Engineering to Leadership: Steve's Career Journey
• Turning Innovative Ideas into Profitable Realities
• Creating a Culture of Innovation
• Challenges of Corporate Innovation
• The Role of Persistence in Technological Breakthroughs
• AI's Current Potential in Engineering

About the guest: Stephen W. Hinch is a seasoned innovation and high-tech management expert with a career spanning R&D, marketing, and executive leadership at companies like Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, and TeamLogic IT. An engineer with degrees from Harvey Mudd College and Claremont Graduate University, Steve played a key role in advancing surface mount and fiber optic technologies, earning honors like the IPC President’s Award.

He is also a prolific author, with his 2025 book Winning Through Innovation offering practical, team-focused strategies for driving innovation based on real-world leadership experience. Known for blending theory with hands-on practice, Steve now works as a consultant, guiding senior leaders through the challenges of innovation in today’s digital landscape.

Links:

Stephen Hinch - LinkedIn

Website

Aaron Moncur, host

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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 of the Being an Engineer podcast, host Aaron Moncur interviews Katie Karmelek, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Chamfr. Katie shares her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, discussing her passion for medical device innovation and how Chamfr is revolutionizing component sourcing for medical device engineers.

Main Topics:

• Katie's engineering background and family influences
• The founding of Chamfr and its mission to accelerate medical device development
• Challenges of creating an online marketplace for medical components
• Personal experiences that highlight the importance of medical device innovation
• Advice for young engineers and entrepreneurs

About the guest: Katie Karmelek is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. She is the co-founder of Chamfr, an online marketplace that simplifies sourcing components and tools for medical device development by connecting engineers with qualified suppliers.

Before launching Chamfr in 2017, Katie held roles in product development and business management at companies like Olympus, Vention Medical, and TDC Medical. She also founded Karmelek Engineering, Inc., applying her technical expertise to further innovation in the field.

Katie holds both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. She is committed to mentoring young engineers and frequently shares insights on materials and design trends through the Chamfr blog.

Links:

Katie Karmelek LinkedIn

Chamfr - 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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Sign up for a free account at https://www.thewave.engineer/ 

Then, access your 50% discount code for PDX 2025 here: https://www.thewave.engineer/product-development-expo/dfm-days/  

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, Andy Thompson discussed his journey from machinist to expert in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing). He highlighted the importance of understanding GD&T for effective design, manufacturing, and quality control. Thompson shared examples of how GD&T improved manufacturing processes, such as aerospace parts and defense contracts. He emphasized the need for early identification of manufacturing processes and the benefits of collaborative design. Thompson also discussed the value of networking and continuous learning in the engineering field, advocating for more engagement and communication within the engineering community.

Main Topics:

• Transition from machinist to engineering professional
• Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Practical applications of GD&T in manufacturing
• Collaborative design processes
• Importance of communication in engineering

About the guest: Andy Thompson, P.E., is a seasoned mechanical and manufacturing engineer with over 20 years of experience, beginning as a CNC operator and advancing to manager of structural engineering at Northrop Grumman. He is an expert in GD&T, holding ASME Y14.5 Senior Level certification, and emphasizes design for manufacturability, assembly, and inspection. Andy is also an active mentor and contributor to the engineering community, combining hands-on expertise with strategic leadership to drive innovation and quality across the field.

Links:

Andy Thompson 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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Dr. James Bryant shares his transformative approach to helping engineers achieve professional excellence without sacrificing personal fulfillment. He discusses his unique methodology for balancing work and home life, developing leadership skills, and creating meaningful success.

Main Topics:

• Transitioning from engineering to coaching
• The "Engineer Your Success" methodology
• Developing emotional intelligence
• Strategic time management
• Leadership skills for technical professionals
• Identifying and living core personal values

About the guest: Dr. James Bryant, Ph.D., P.E., is a seasoned civil engineer and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience managing major transportation projects and contributing to national technical committees. Formerly with the Transportation Research Board, he provided executive oversight for more than 22 volunteer committees. 

Now the founder of Engineer Your Success LLC, James helps engineers and business owners align professional goals with personal well-being. A certified John Maxwell speaker and Master Certified Professional Coach, he emphasizes achieving success without sacrificing fulfillment. His free resource, "The Engineer’s Blueprint for a Balanced Life," offers practical guidance for work-life harmony. 

James also hosts the Engineer Your Success podcast, where he shares leadership insights and interviews industry experts. His coaching and speaking engagements are known for their engaging, value-driven approach to achieving sustainable success in both career and life. 

LINKS:

Dr. James Bryant - LinkedIn

Engineer Your Success LLC 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, Aaron Moncur interviews Mihir Shah, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who shares insights from his diverse career spanning Tesla, Inspect AR, and now Tomai Engineering. Mihir discusses his journey through engineering, startup growth, investment strategies, and the importance of first principles thinking.

Main Topics:

• Engineering career path
• First principles thinking in business
• Design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Startup and acquisition experiences
• Hardware FYI newsletter
• Investment strategies with Shaw Ventures

About the guest: Mihir Shah is an engineer and entrepreneur with a diverse background in hardware design, startup leadership, and industrial investment. He holds electrical engineering degrees from Santa Clara University and the University of Pennsylvania. His early work included roles at Tesla and Axon. In 2018, he co-founded inspectAR, an AR tool for PCB debugging, acquired by Cadence in 2020.

He currently serves as President of TOMI Engineering, a CNC machining and assembly company serving the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, where he drives growth through investments in talent and technology. Mihir is also a Principal at Shah Capital Ventures, a family investment firm with holdings in industrial businesses like Summit Interconnect and Royal Circuits.

Additionally, he co-founded Hardware FYI, a growing platform with over 12,000 subscribers that supports hardware engineers through resources like newsletters, job boards, and interview guides. His broad expertise makes him well-suited to speak on engineering leadership, startups, and the future of hardware.

Links:

Mihir Shah - LinkedIn

TOMI Engineering Website

Hardware FYI 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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Aaron Moncur sits down with Dean Odell, a distinguished mechanical engineering instructor and YouTube educator, to explore the fascinating world of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). Dean shares his journey from a welder to an engineering instructor, discusses the importance of GD&T in manufacturing, and reveals insights from his popular YouTube channel, dedicated to technical education.

Main Topics:

• Origins and evolution of GD&T
• Common misconceptions about geometric tolerancing
• Practical applications in engineering and manufacturing
• Dean's approach to teaching technical concepts
• The importance of understanding design intent
• Inspection techniques and measurement tools

About the guest: R. Dean Odell is a distinguished mechanical engineering educator and consultant, specializing in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) technologies. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute and an A.A.S. from Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), where he currently teaches courses in GD&T, CAD, CMM, metallurgy, and robotics as an assistant professor.

Dean is also a prominent online educator with over 32,000 YouTube subscribers, offering tutorials on GD&T, CMM operation, print reading, and metallurgy. Beyond academia, he conducts in-person training across the United States, particularly in GD&T and Zeiss CMM, known for his clear and hands-on teaching style. His work reflects a strong dedication to advancing precision manufacturing and engineering education.

Links:

Dean Odell - LinkedIn

Website

YouTube

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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Ron Higgs shares insights on transforming engineers into effective executive leaders, drawing from his extensive experience in military aviation, aerospace, and consulting. He discusses the critical skills engineers need to advance into leadership roles, emphasizing people skills, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.

Main Topics:

• Journey from Naval Flight Officer to Executive Coach
• Developing People Skills in Technical Professions
• Systems Thinking in Leadership
• Overcoming Communication and Leadership Challenges
• Strategies for Engineers Transitioning to Leadership Roles

About the guest: Ron Higgs is an experienced executive coach and operational strategist with a strong background in both military and corporate leadership. A U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate, he began his career as a Naval Flight Officer, developing key leadership skills in adaptability and mission execution. With over 20 years in engineering and operations roles at companies like Boeing and L3 Technologies, Ron has successfully led initiatives that enhanced performance and increased company valuations.

He now leads Wolf Management Solutions and serves as a Scale Architect using the Predictable Success model, helping technical leaders grow into visionary executives. Ron also acts as a Fractional COO and board member, emphasizing emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and sustainable team development. His human-centered approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that great leaders are made and that engineers have the potential to become exceptional leaders.

Links:

Ron Higgs LinkedIn

Wolf Management Solutions 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

Join Aaron Moncur as he sits down with John Martell, a mechanical engineer with over 14 years of experience in aerospace, medical devices, automation, and geospatial drone services. Discover John's engineering journey, his innovative approach to mechanism design, and how he transitioned from mechanical engineering to data management.

Main Topics:

• Mechanical Engineering Career Path
• Mechanism Design Techniques
• Drone Geospatial Services
• Engineering Leadership
• Automation and Productivity Tools
• The Intersection of Music and Engineering Creativity

About the guest: John Martell is a versatile mechanical engineer with over 14 years of experience across aerospace, product development, and geospatial drone services. He's currently the Director of Data Management at Aero Velocity, he applies tools like QGIS, Python, and LP360 to lead large-scale geospatial projects. His previous roles include Lead Mechanical Engineer at Workhorse Aero and key engineering positions at Pipeline Design & Engineering, where he gained recognition for innovation in automation and medical device testing.

John is known not only for his technical skill and leadership but also for his creative problem-solving and passion for continuous learning. He enhances engineering processes through custom tools and explores artistic pursuits under the name “Olivund,” including composing music for the Being an Engineer podcast. His blend of engineering expertise and creativity defines him as a modern, multifaceted professional.

Links:

John Martell LinkedIn

https://507movements.com/

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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Join host Aaron Moncur as he sits down with Dr. Stuart Grant, a seasoned med tech innovator with over 25 years of experience at industry giants like Johnson & Johnson and DePuy. Dr. Grant shares his journey from design engineering to founding his own consultancy, offering invaluable insights into medical device development, regulatory challenges, and the future of medical technology.

Main Topics:

• Career progression in medical device engineering
• Challenges of starting a medical tech consultancy
• Regulatory differences across global markets
• Innovation strategies in medical technology
• Advice for young engineers
• Future trends in surgical robotics and AI

About the guest: Dr. Stuart Grant is a seasoned expert in the MedTech industry with over 20 years of experience at major companies like Johnson & Johnson and DePuy Synthes. In 2023, he founded Archetype MedTech, a consultancy that helps medical device companies achieve market approval through innovation strategy, technical evaluations, and team training. He holds advanced innovation and project management degrees and is a Chartered Engineer with several medical device patents. In addition to his technical work, Stuart lectures on innovation history and is a visual artist. His international experience and multidisciplinary expertise make him a key advisor for MedTech startups and scale-ups.

Links:

Dr. Stuart Grant - LinkedIn 

Archetype MedTech Website 

The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation

Exactly How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World

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