Being an Engineer

• S6E5 Keegan Schoch | Pro Tips on Creating an Engineering Consultancy

  Send us a textIn this episode, Keegan Schoch shares his journey into engineering, the importance of soft skills, the origins and philosophy of Poindexter by Design, the tools and technologies they use, strategies for building client relationships, trends in engineering like AI integration, advice for aspiring engineering consultants, and highlights of successful projects.Main Topics:Keegan's path to becoming an engineer and the importance of soft skillsThe story behind Poindexter by Design and its unique approach to engineering servicesThe tools and technologies used by Poindexter by Design, including onshape and AI integrationStrategies for building meaningful client relationships and growing the businessTrends in engineering, such as the shift to remote work and the rise of AIAdvice for aspiring engineering consultants on starting their own businessKeegan's experiences with successful projects at Poindexter by DesignAbout the guest: Keegan Schoch is a dynamic mechanical engineer, leader, and entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Poindexter by Design, a cutting-edge engineering services company delivering on-demand mechanical engineering expertise to support innovative industries. With a career spanning nearly a decade at Aerotech, where he progressed from Mechanical Design Engineer to Mechanical Component Assembly Supervisor, Keegan honed his technical and leadership skills before launching his own venture.At Poindexter by Design, Keegan combines technical ingenuity, creativity, team building, and business acumen to help clients tackle mechanical engineering challenges with a holistic, web-based approach. His company focuses on developing meaningful partnerships and championing innovation in industries ranging from robotics to manufacturing.Keegan’s educational foundation is equally impressive, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering from Penn State University. With a vision for bridging technical problem-solving with bigger-picture thinking, Keegan is an inspiring example of how engineers can impact not only products but also teams, systems, and industries.Links:Keegan Schoch LinkedInPoindexter by Design - 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

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• S6E4 Steve Maxson | Catheters, Heat Shrink Tubing, & Medical Device Extrusion Technology

  Send us a textIn this episode, Steve Maxson shares his insights on the world of medical extrusion technology, including trends, innovations, and the importance of regulatory compliance. He discusses his career journey, the MEDEX podcast, the Medical Processing Panel (MPP) events, and collaborations that are driving advancements in the industry.Main Topics:Steve Maxson's background and transition to medical extrusion technologyBusiness development and technical challenges in the industryTrends in medical extrusion, including thin-walled tubing and material scienceThe use of heat shrink tubing in medical devicesCollaborations and innovations, such as the Chamfr platformThe Medical Processing Panel (MPP) events and their impactBalancing innovation and regulatory complianceAdvice for young engineers entering the medical device industryAbout the guest: Steve Maxson is a distinguished figure in the medical device industry with over two decades of experience in extrusion technology and medical device manufacturing. As the owner of Maxson InSight Services, Steve offers technical solutions and consulting services, specializing in medical extruders and turnkey systems. In his role at US Extruders, he leads innovation and business development, focusing on crafting robust, customized extruders for diverse applications. Additionally, Steve is the host of the Med-Ex Podcast, where he interviews global experts in medical device contract manufacturing, sharing valuable insights into extrusion technologies, materials, processes, and broader industry trends. He also plays a pivotal role in organizing the Medical Processing Panel events, bringing together thought leaders in MedTech to discuss advancements in catheter manufacturing, silicone processing, thermoplastic processing, and more.Links:Steve Maxson - LinkedInMaxson InSight Services 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

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• S6E3 Hector Amador | Semiconductors, Microprocessors, & Statistics

  Send us a text In this episode, Hector Amador shares his expertise in the semiconductor industry, covering topics such as IC packaging, microchip assembly, cost optimization, emerging trends, and leadership in engineering. He provides insights into the technical skills and mindset required for success in the semiconductor field.Main Topics:Understanding IC packaging and the complexity of microchip assemblyHector's journey into the semiconductor industry and his impactful projectsCrucial technical skills for semiconductor engineers that are often overlookedStrategies for staying ahead of emerging trends in the semiconductor industryHector's approach to cost optimization and process improvementChallenges and future directions in semiconductors, including quantum computingThe importance of leadership skills and management techniques for engineersAbout the guest: Hector Amador is a seasoned semiconductor R&D professional with over 13 years of experience at Intel Corporation. He has made groundbreaking contributions to IC and packaging design, reliability, manufacturing, and supply chain optimization. Notably, Hector holds a U.S. patent for innovations in high-capacity memory packages, and he has a track record of delivering cost-saving solutions and advancing "industry-first" capabilities in IC packaging and system integration. His expertise spans IC design, design rule ownership, and high-performance packaging engineering, making him a thought leader in the semiconductor space. Hector’s insights into the intersection of academia and industry are invaluable for aspiring engineers aiming to bridge the gap between education and real-world engineering challenges.Links:Hector Amador - LinkedIn 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

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• S6E2 Derek Pietz | Industrial Automation, Losing A Million Dollars, & Successful Startups

  Send us a textThis episode is a re-run.Derek Pietz shares his journey into engineering, his experiences founding and leading a startup called Lab to Fab, and the challenges and successes he's faced in the automation industry. He discusses the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in engineering. Derek also provides insights into the trends and future of automation, as well as advice for aspiring engineers.Main Topics:Derek's path to becoming an engineer and his early entrepreneurial venturesThe founding and growth of Lab to Fab, including a dramatic week of highs and lowsBalancing career and personal life during the startup phaseInsights on engineering processes, teamwork, and overcoming challengesDerek's current role at Intuitive and the world of robotic-assisted surgeryTrends and future of automation, including the impact of AI-powered vision-guided robotsSharing success stories and lessons learned from failures in engineeringAbout the guest: Derek Pietz is 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 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

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• S6E1 Tony Simas | Affecting Change, SaaS, & Communicating in Different Cultures

  Send us a textIn this episode, Tony Simas shares his journey from STEM to business leadership, the challenges he faced in implementing change and reducing data entry by 70%, and his insights on navigating different cultures as a consultant. He discusses strategies for transitioning to a SaaS model, integrating AI and IoT in manufacturing, and provides advice for younger engineers and leaders.Main Topics:Tony's path from chemistry to business leadershipOvercoming resistance to change and understanding employee motivationsTransitioning to a SaaS model and key considerationsLeveraging AI and IoT to increase operational efficiencies in manufacturingNavigating cultural differences in global business environmentsAdvice for younger engineers and leaders in STEMAbout the guest: Tony Simas is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformational growth across industries like manufacturing, life sciences, automotive, and technology. With a proven ability to harness technology and strategic marketing for sustainable business development, Tony has revitalized underperforming markets, introduced innovative solutions, and cultivated thriving teams globally. From spearheading a 10% growth turnaround for a $100M+ business unit to integrating cutting-edge SaaS and AI solutions, he exemplifies the fusion of technical expertise and leadership finesse.Tony’s global perspective, shaped by living and working across five countries, and his passion for bridging people and technology, make him a sought-after speaker and consultant. As the Managing Partner of Client Growth Partners, Tony continues to empower organizations to achieve remarkable success through actionable strategies and innovative transformations.Links:Tony Simas LinkedInClient Growth Partners - 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

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