Being an Engineer

Send us a textAaron 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textDerek 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 Download the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textJon 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textThe 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 WebsiteDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textMatt 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Alex Anderson and Lilly Macaruso are engineers at Rivian, known for their innovative electric vehicles. They share thrilling tales from the 2022 Rebelle Rally, detailing the challenges of navigating 1,600 miles using just a map and compass. The duo discusses the engineering triumphs and trials of using EVs in rugged terrains, as well as the camaraderie and empowerment fostered in an all-women competition. Their passion for engineering shines through as they reflect on their unique experiences, teamwork, and the bond formed with their Rivian vehicles.

Send us a textTom 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textWe 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textGrace 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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

Send us a textTony 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 - LinkedInDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixtureAbout 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