Being an Engineer

Send us a textIn the fifth episode of How to Accelerate the Speed of Engineering, host Aaron Moncur interviews Jim Gabriel. Jim shares his insights on overcoming common bottlenecks, effective decision-making, fostering psychological safety, cross-functional collaboration, data-driven performance improvement, and lessons learned from attempts to expedite engineering processes.Main Topics:Identifying and addressing bottlenecks in engineering projectsEmpowering teams to make effective decisionsBalancing autonomy and guidance for engineersFailing fast and failing cheap to drive innovationThe role of leadership in creating a culture of accelerationStrategies for enhancing cross-functional collaborationLeveraging data and metrics to improve team performanceIntroducing new technologies and tools to streamline engineeringUnconventional approaches to expedite engineeringEnhancing communication and meeting effectivenessLessons learned from attempts to accelerate engineeringAbout the guest: Jim Gabriel is a seasoned engineering leader whose most recent expertise lies in the medical device industry. As the Associate Director of Engineering at Abiomed, he played a crucial role in leading teams focused on the development of cutting-edge heart pump technologies that save lives. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University.Links:Jim Gabriel - LinkedInArchangel Operations WebsiteAbout 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

Tony Dietz, President of Paxauris and former NASA Senior Research Scientist, shares his extensive engineering experience. He discusses the critical role of communication in projects, illustrating how simplicity fosters creativity. Dietz also explores innovative solutions like sous vide cooking for efficient engineering practices. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety in teams and quirky productivity methods, such as tea time, to enhance collaboration. He wraps up by detailing the rapid development of an innovative inflatable earplug set to revolutionize hearing protection.

Send us a textIn this episode, host Aaron Moncur interviews Bradley Rothenberg about nTopology and its unique approach to computational design and engineering software. Bradley discusses the origins of nTopology and how it differs from traditional CAD tools. He explains how nTopology captures requirements in algorithms rather than geometry definitions. Bradley also covers nTopology’s applications in additive manufacturing and its tight integration with simulation tools.Main Topics:The founding of Ntopology and Bradley's background Computational design approach vs traditional CAD modelingImplicit modeling technology and sign distance fieldsApplications in additive manufacturing and complex geometriesIntegration with simulation tools like ANSYS and LS-DYNAProcess for exporting/importing models with other CAD systemsDetermining when Ntopology is the right solutionAbout the guest: Bradley Rothenberg is the founder and CEO of nTopology, a company pioneering next-generation engineering software for advanced manufacturing. Launched in 2015, nTopology enables engineers to create complex, optimized geometries, primarily for sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. With a background in architecture from Pratt Institute, Brad brings a unique perspective to computational design, bridging the gap between form and functionality in additive manufacturing.Links:Bradley Rothenberg - LinkedInnTopology WebsiteAbout 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 textIn this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Istvan Csanady, the founder and CEO of Shaper3D, a pioneering 3D modeling app that is transforming the CAD industry. Istvan discusses Shaper3D's vision to create a powerful, yet intuitive CAD tool for the modern era, focusing on mobility, ease of use, and collaboration. He shares insights into the company's business strategy, the challenges of balancing simplicity and sophistication, and the exciting roadmap for future features.Main Topics:Shaper 3D's approach to reinventing CAD for the 21st centuryThe importance of mobility and native application supportBalancing ease of use with the sophistication of modern CAD toolsShaper 3D's business strategy and first salesPositioning Shaper 3D in the CAD marketWinning the Apple Design Award and its impactFuture roadmap, including collaboration features and private cloud architectureAbout the guest:István Csanády is the Founder and CEO of Shapr3D, a pioneering 3D modeling app that has transformed the CAD industry by making professional design tools more accessible and intuitive. Starting with a vision to create a powerful CAD tool for the iPad Pro, Shapr3D has since expanded to macOS and Windows, gaining recognition such as the Apple Design Award. Under István's leadership, the company has continuously innovated, raising significant venture capital to support its growth​.Links:István Csanády - LinkedIn Shapr3D WebsiteAbout 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 textIn this third episode of the special series on Accelerating the Speed of Engineering, Joe Moak discusses key bottlenecks like changing requirements, development failures, and design challenges. He also covers strategies for managing scope changes, balancing problem-solving with team development, using tools to fail fast and cheaply, implementing checklists for success, and fostering psychological safety. Joe shares unconventional methods to expedite engineering, along with guiding principles and behaviors for teams.Main Topics:Engineering acceleration challengesManaging scope changes and team dynamicsTools for rapid, inexpensive testingChecklists for engineering successImportance of psychological safetyUnconventional methods to fast-track engineeringGoverning principles and behaviors in engineeringAbout the guest: Joe Moak is a seasoned mechanical engineer and product architect with a deep commitment to creating sustainable, user-centric products. Currently, he serves as a Senior Product Architect at Meta, where he focuses on introducing new technologies and developing product architectures. Joe is also the Founder and Chief Engineer at Maestro PD, a design engineering firm dedicated to helping clients bring high-quality hardware products to market. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at companies like Apple, Sonos, and NeuroPace, where he has driven innovation across various product lines. Links:Joe Moak - LinkedInMaestro PD WebsiteAbout 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

Callye Keen, an expert in engineering strategies and founder of Red Blue Collective and K-Form, discusses essential methods for speeding up engineering projects. He emphasizes balancing autonomy with seeking help and the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment. Keen explains how to identify and overcome bottlenecks while fostering effective cross-functional collaboration. He also shares insights on rapid prototyping, embracing failure, and leveraging modern tools like cloud-based CAD for improved teamwork and efficiency.

Send us a textIn this first episode of a special series on tools for accelerating engineering, host Aaron Moncur engages in a thought-provoking conversation with TJ Strang, an experienced leader in the medical device industry. Together, they explore the challenges that often hinder engineering projects and share insights on how to overcome them. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, focusing on ways to enhance efficiency, support team development, and improve communication within engineering teams.Main Topics:Common bottlenecks in engineering projectsBalancing help-seeking and independent learning for junior engineers The role of psychological safety in engineering teamsLeadership's impact on engineering project speedTools and technologies for accelerating engineeringUnconventional approaches to expediting engineering processesOptimizing communication for faster engineeringAbout the guest: TJ Strang, is a distinguished leader in the medical device industry. With a career spanning over two decades at companies like Abbott, and St. Jude Medical, and Acutus Medical, he has led groundbreaking projects in electrophysiology, cardiac rhythm management, and leadless pacemakers. TJ’s expertise in assembling and leading top-tier R&D teams, driving products from concept to market, and overall engineering innovation makes him the perfect guest to start this series. TJ currently serves as VP of Engineering at Atraverse Medical, which is developing cutting-edge left-heart access technologies.Links:TJ Strang - LinkedInAbout 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

Edward Jaeck, an engineering expert with experience at Intel and Medtronic, shares insights into accelerating engineering and enhancing quality management. He discusses the impact of FDA regulations on medical device innovation and the importance of statistical tools like Minitab for data analysis. Jaeck emphasizes strategic planning for engineering businesses and optimal supplier relations, while offering tips on using design of experiments (DOE) and metrology for quality control. His diverse experiences shape a vision for efficient engineering practices.

Send us a textIn this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Devon Copeland. The conversation covers topics such as the engineering decision-making process, the importance of side projects, traceability in manufacturing, implementing a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and strategies for accelerating engineering speed.Main Topics:Copeland's childhood experiences that inspired him to become an engineerEngineering projects, such as the American Solar Challenge, and communication strategiesInsights from working at Apple and Tesla, including the art and science of engineering decision-makingThe value of side projects and how they can benefit an engineering careerTraceability in manufacturing, including digital twins and automated inspectionUsing Serial's data analysis tools to improve manufacturing processesImplementing an MES and preparing for the integration processChallenges and solutions for Serial as a startup, including getting the word out and accelerating engineering speedAbout the guest: Devon Copeland is an accomplished engineer with extensive experience in hardware engineering and product design. He is currently the Co-founder and CTO of Serial, a company that aims to streamline manufacturing data analysis, making it easier for engineers to identify and resolve production issues swiftly. Devon's background includes significant roles at Apple, Tesla, and Aeryon Labs, where he contributed to the development of high-profile projects like the Apple Watch Ultra and the Tesla Model 3.Links:Devon Copeland - LinkedInSerial Website 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

Send us a textIn this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Todd Mansfield. They discuss Todd's career journey, his work at companies like House of Design Robotics and Echo Safety Group, and his current role at OneIPM, where he focuses on integrated project management solutions. They cover  topics such as the benefits of OneIPM's seamless integration with Onshape, the future of CAD software, the use of Agile methodologies in hardware teams, and strategies for accelerating engineering speed.Main Topics:Todd Mansfield's engineering career path and integrated project management solutionsIntegrated project management software for CAD and non-CAD users, with seamless Onshape integrationOnshape's integration with OneIPM for real-time collaboration and project managementCAD software and its future in the industryAutomation in the construction industry, product development, and high volume product launchesAgile development, team collaboration, and streamlining product developmentAccelerating engineering speed with OneIPMAbout the guest: Todd Mansfield is a seasoned product development leader with over 25 years of experience, known for his strategic growth and innovation in various industries. Currently, he is the Vice President of Product at OneIPM, where he focuses on integrated project management solutions. Todd's career spans multiple leadership roles, including President and COO at House of Design Robotics and VP of Global Engineering at ECCO Safety Group. He holds degrees in Applied Technology, Computer Aided Manufacturing Technology, and Aircraft Maintenance Technology from Boise State University and Idaho State University.Links:Todd Mansfield - LinkedInAbout 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