

Being an Engineer
Aaron Moncur
The Being An Engineer podcast is a central repository in which we collect and share industry knowledge & best practices associated with the discipline of engineering. We hope that engineers throughout the world will benefit from this content as they connect with the companies, technologies, people, resources, and opportunities that are relevant to their engineering or engineering-adjacent roles. Contact us at info@teampipeline.us. Intro and Outro music by John Martell
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 7, 2025 • 55sec
What Every Engineer Should Know About Contract Manufacturers
Send us a textWebinar: What Every Engineer Should Know About Contract ManufacturersRegister here: https://www.thewave.engineer/store/product/31-what-every-engineer-should-know-about-working-with-a-contract-manufacturer/About 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

Jul 4, 2025 • 56min
S6E27 Stephen Hinch | Lessons from HP & Disruptive Innovations
Stephen Hinch is an accomplished high-tech executive and innovation consultant, with a rich background at companies like HP. He shares valuable insights on bridging engineering with marketing—a crucial skill for leaders in tech. Highlighting the importance of supportive leadership, he discusses the challenges of transforming ideas into successful products and fostering a culture of innovation. Hinch also delves into the evolving landscape of AI in engineering, emphasizing the need for engineers to blend technical skills with business acumen to thrive.

Jun 27, 2025 • 47min
S6E26 Katie Karmelek | How You Can Accelerate Med Device Development with Chamfr
Send us a textIn 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 influencesThe founding of Chamfr and its mission to accelerate medical device developmentChallenges of creating an online marketplace for medical componentsPersonal experiences that highlight the importance of medical device innovationAdvice for young engineers and entrepreneursAbout 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 LinkedInChamfr - Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.About 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

Jun 25, 2025 • 2min
PDX – The Product Development Expo
Explore the fascinating world of engineering events through the lens of the PDX expo, designed for learning and networking. Discover the challenges faced by organizers and the unique opportunities the event presents. Dive into the motivations behind bringing engineers together for professional growth, and get inspired to embrace new challenges in your own engineering journey.

Jun 20, 2025 • 45min
S6S25 Andy Thompson | Practical Applications of GD&T
Send us a textIn 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 professionalFundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)Practical applications of GD&T in manufacturingCollaborative design processesImportance of communication in engineeringAbout 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 LinkedInClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.About 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

Jun 13, 2025 • 43min
S6E24 James Bryant | A Process For Engineers to Succeed at Home & at Work
Send us a textDr. 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 coachingThe "Engineer Your Success" methodologyDeveloping emotional intelligenceStrategic time managementLeadership skills for technical professionalsIdentifying and living core personal valuesAbout 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 - LinkedInEngineer Your Success LLC Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.About 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

Jun 6, 2025 • 38min
S6E23 Mihir Shah | Buying & Growing a High Performing Machine Shop
Send us a textIn 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 pathFirst principles thinking in businessDesign for manufacturability (DFM)Startup and acquisition experiencesHardware FYI newsletterInvestment strategies with Shaw VenturesAbout 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 - LinkedInTOMI Engineering WebsiteHardware FYI Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.About 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

May 30, 2025 • 38min
S6E22 Dean Odell | Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
Dean Odell, a mechanical engineering educator and YouTube instructor, shares his inspiring journey from welder to academic. He dives into Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), addressing common misconceptions and its pivotal role in manufacturing. Odell discusses the evolution of GD&T, insights from his YouTube channel, and the significance of understanding design intent. He also emphasizes hands-on training techniques and the importance of practical experience, making complex engineering concepts accessible and engaging.

May 23, 2025 • 49min
S6E21 Ron Higgs | Systems Thinking, People Skills, & Executive Leadership
Send us a textRon 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 CoachDeveloping People Skills in Technical ProfessionsSystems Thinking in LeadershipOvercoming Communication and Leadership ChallengesStrategies for Engineers Transitioning to Leadership RolesAbout 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 LinkedInWolf Management Solutions Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.About 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

May 16, 2025 • 43min
S6E20 John Martell | Mechanisms, Drones, and Excel Macros
Join John Martell, a mechanical engineer with 14 years in aerospace and data management, as he shares his journey through the engineering landscape. He discusses innovative mechanism design and the impact of drones in agriculture, revealing how technology transforms data collection. John also highlights the importance of automation, showcasing practical Excel macros for efficiency. With a unique blend of creativity and engineering, he emphasizes adaptive design and the power of mentorship in fostering professional growth.


