Being an Engineer

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. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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

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.

Send us a textJoin 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 engineeringChallenges of starting a medical tech consultancyRegulatory differences across global marketsInnovation strategies in medical technologyAdvice for young engineersFuture trends in surgical robotics and AIAbout 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 InnovationExactly How Precision Engineers Created the Modern WorldClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 textNikolaj Kloch shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to becoming a leading videographer specializing in content creation for public speakers. He discusses how engineering skills translate into entrepreneurship, content creation, and business development.Main Topics:Transitioning from aerospace engineering to videographyBuilding a business by leading with valuePublic speaking tips for engineersLeveraging engineering skills in content creationSocial media and networking strategiesCareer change advice for professionalsAbout the guest: Nikolaj Kloch is a former aerospace engineer turned videographer who specializes in creating content for public speakers. With over four years of experience, he helps speakers boost their visibility, book more engagements, and increase their income—serving clients who’ve spoken for top companies like AWS, Jaguar, and Airbus. Previously, he worked at Boeing as a Propulsion Design Engineer and was part of the MSTEP Steering Committee. He holds engineering degrees from Georgia Tech and the Technical University of Denmark. Outside work, he’s an ultramarathon runner and Eagle Scout, known for his dedication, versatility, and inspiring career journey.Links:Nikolaj Kloch - LinkedInThrivr Design Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 textJoin Aaron Moncur as he interviews Scott Putnam, an expert in guiding inventors through the complex journey of bringing products to market. Scott shares insights from his 15+ years of experience coaching over 500 inventors, discussing strategies for product development, licensing, and successful commercialization.Main Topics:Challenges Engineers Face in Marketing ProductsLicensing vs. Venturing Product StrategiesIntellectual Property ConsiderationsMarket Research TechniquesEffective Product Pitch StrategiesAbout the guest: Scott Putnam is a leading product development and licensing expert, known for helping inventors bring their ideas to market. As founder and CEO of Inventor's Edge, he provides coaching, courses, and community support tailored to inventors. With degrees in education and business and experience as a coach and instructor, Scott blends academic insight with practical guidance. He’s the inventor of the Swat-N-Scoop and a contributor to Entrepreneur.com, sharing advice on licensing and innovation. He also hosts the Inventor’s Edge Podcast, where he interviews industry professionals and offers insights for aspiring inventors. Based in Dubuque, Iowa, he advocates for wellness and balanced living while continuing to mentor inventors worldwide.Links:Scott Putnam LinkedInInventor's Edge - Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 textJake Kennington shares his transformative journey from structural engineering to personal development coaching, discussing how engineers can build meaningful lives without sacrificing their careers. He explores the importance of personal growth, embracing change, and developing a strong personal foundation.Main Topics:Transitioning from Structural Engineering to Personal CoachingThe "Strong Column, Weak Beam" Life PhilosophyImportance of Personal Development for EngineersOvercoming Creative Voids in Engineering CareersPractical Strategies for Personal GrowthEmbracing Change and Finding PurposeAbout the guest: Jake Kennington is a structural engineer, author, speaker, and transformational coach who helps engineering leaders and business owners build fulfilling careers without burnout. With over a decade of experience, he founded Human Engineer Coach to guide professionals in aligning their work with personal well-being. His message: success doesn’t have to come at the cost of health, relationships, or purpose—you can have both money and meaning.In his SEAU talk, “Engineer Yourself First,” Jake uses the structural principle of strong columns and weak beams to emphasize that personal growth must come before career growth to avoid collapse. He especially supports engineers in their first 7–10 years, a time often marked by self-sacrifice. Beyond coaching, Jake also champions creativity and continual self-expression, exemplified by his self-published children’s book in 2023. His work blends technical insight with a human-centered approach to leadership and life.Links:Jake Kennington - LinkedInHuman Engineer Coach WebsiteEngineering ChallengeClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 textJoin Aaron Moncur as he interviews Toby Schnaars, a CAD expert who has revolutionized learning 3D modeling through gamification. With nearly three decades of experience in tech support and training, Toby shares insights on CAD best practices, speed modeling, and his innovative platform that makes learning CAD fun and engaging.Main Topics:CAD Best PracticesGamification of CAD LearningCAD vs. CAD TournamentsCommunity Building in Engineering EducationSpeed Modeling TechniquesAbout the guest: Toby Schnaars, known as Too Tall Toby, is a leading figure in the 3D CAD world. Starting his journey in 1996 with CADKEY 7, he built his expertise through thousands of SOLIDWORKS support cases and over 200 training classes while working at top resellers. In 2018, he joined Dassault Systèmes, where he led global training initiatives and helped launch major programs like the 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Partners Webinar Series and SOLIDWORKS Live Design.In 2022, Toby founded TooTallToby, a platform that brings gamification to CAD education through tournaments and challenges. His innovative, community-driven approach makes learning CAD engaging and accessible for engineers of all levels. Toby’s mission is to make engineering education exciting, inclusive, and fun.Links:Toby Schnaars - LinkedIn TooTallToby Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 textThis episode is a re-run from season 1Russ Aldridge shares his entrepreneurial journey of founding Sisu, a mechanical engineering company that designs innovative robotic solutions. From creating a revolutionary knife-sharpening robot to developing a game-changing cinematography robot arm and rapidly producing ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic, Russ demonstrates the power of creative problem-solving and team collaboration.Main Topics:Origin of Sisu and its unique nameInnovative robotic solutions for industrial and creative industriesDeveloping a robot arm for cinematographyRapid ventilator production during the COVID-19 pandemicBuilding a collaborative and flat organizational cultureAbout the guest: Russ Aldridge and cofounder Marc Christenson started Sisu in 2010 as an integrator for their former employer NI (National Instruments). They have expanded the company far beyond just NI and now serve a wide variety of industries, developing highly sophisticated robotic & automated applications. Their team’s skill and ingenuity are matched by their incredible dedication to serving the customer—case in point: team Sisu went from concept to 100 fully functioning ventilators in just 2 weeks to meet the massive need brought on by COVID. Links:Russ Aldridge - LinkedInMarc Christenson - LinkedInSISU Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 textGeoffrey Huber shares his journey from art school to industrial design, discussing his expertise in creating custom access and safety equipment for industries like aerospace, aviation, and manufacturing. He reveals insights into building a successful custom manufacturing business and the importance of hands-on experience in engineering.Main Topics:Transitioning from art to industrial designBuilding a custom equipment manufacturing departmentDeveloping innovative safety and access solutionsChallenges of scaling a small businessImportance of hands-on manufacturing experienceAbout the guest: Geoffrey Huber is an experienced industrial designer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of expertise in safety and access solutions. As Co-Owner and Manager of SAFE-T-FAB, he leads the design and production of innovative, code-compliant fall protection systems, ensuring rapid delivery and market leadership. He also operates GAH Enterprises LLC, a consulting firm focused on product design, prototyping, and engineering solutions. Previously, he held leadership roles at Ortho-tag, Inc. and Tri-Arc Manufacturing, Inc. Geoffrey holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from The Art Institutes and is recognized for his commitment to efficiency, innovation, and excellence in the industry.Links:Geoffrey Huber - LinkedInIndustrial Products  WebsiteSAFE-T-FAB  Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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 text In this fascinating episode of Being an Engineer, our host Aaron Moncur sits down with Greg Mark, a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized 3D printing with Markforged and is now transforming design workflows with his AI company, Backflip. Greg shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, technological innovations, and the power of persistence.Main Topics:The origin story of Markforged and carbon fiber 3D printingInnovative design principles in manufacturingBackflip's AI-driven approach to converting 3D scans to CAD modelsEntrepreneurship, product development, and market strategyThe importance of reliability and focusing on core product featuresAbout the guest: Greg Mark is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship, renowned for pioneering innovations that push the boundaries of technology. Currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Backflip, Greg is transforming how we create beautiful, functional objects using AI in a world that is inherently 3D. His latest venture follows a series of impactful contributions to engineering and manufacturing, most notably as the founder of Markforged. There, he invented carbon fiber and mixed metal 3D printing, a technology now deployed globally, including on the International Space Station and by major players like BMW and Tesla.An MIT-trained engineer with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, Greg’s journey started with bold ventures such as Aeromotions, a company that brought high-performance aerodynamics to the fastest cars on the track. His leadership at Genasun redefined off-grid solar power with advanced electronics, and as an advisor to startups like Genesis Therapeutics and Rotor Technologies, Greg continues to mentor innovators tackling the toughest challenges in industries from drug discovery to remote flight.Links:Greg Mark - LInkedInMarkforged WebsiteBackflip.ai Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group. 🚀 Join Us at PDX 2025! 🚀PDX 2025 is the  Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.📅 October 21-22, 2025 📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ 🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025About 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