Being an Engineer

• S6E34 John Lembke | Best Practices for Hiring Engineers

  Send us a textJoin us for an in-depth conversation with John Lembke, a manufacturing engineering manager with over a decade of experience in factory digitization, lean manufacturing, and ERP integrations. John shares his proven strategies for hiring high-performing engineering teams, scaling production rapidly, and building effective manufacturing processes. From his early days around ice-making machinery to leading 60% capacity increases, John offers practical insights that engineering managers and job seekers alike will find invaluable.Main Topics:Hiring Best Practices - Creating skill histograms to identify team gaps and writing targeted job descriptionsInterview Strategies - Essential questions for assessing both technical skills and cultural fitCommon Hiring Mistakes - Why hiring people like yourself and poor job descriptions hurt your teamCandidate Advice - How to use the STAR method and present yourself effectively in engineering interviewsERP & MES Systems - Understanding enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution systemsProduction Scaling - Real-world strategies for achieving rapid capacity increasesManufacturing KPIs - Key metrics for tracking quality and efficiency in production environmentsLeadership Philosophy - How endurance sports translate to workplace intensity and mental toughnessAbout the guest: John Lembke is a manufacturing and operations leader with a track record of scaling production and driving process excellence. At Scythe Robotics, he boosted production capacity by 60% in 16 months and led ERP implementation to streamline operations. Previously, as Director of Manufacturing and Scaling at Phantom Auto, he built prototype production systems and integrated advanced hardware into partner vehicles. His earlier experience at Seagate, Ensign-Bickford, and GE honed his expertise in process engineering, KPI development, and cross-functional leadership. With degrees from CU Boulder and RPI, John is committed to continuous learning, mentoring, and applying innovative approaches—balanced by a passion for backpacking and endurance sports.Links:John LeClick 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

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• S6E33 Bryant Foster | Design for Human Factors & User Experience

  Send us a textJoin us for an in-depth conversation with Bryant Foster, a human factors expert who's worked with industry giants like Google to make complex products simpler and safer. With a background in cognitive psychology, Bryant shares insights on designing user-friendly products, from surgical systems to smart thermostats, all while keeping the end user at the center of the design process.Main Topics:What drew Bryant into human factors and user experience designHow to define and achieve simplicity in product designAdvanced usability testing tools: eye tracking, pupilometry, and facial emotion analysisWhy users don't always give honest feedback and how to work around itProviding critical design feedback without demoralizing teamsCost-effective approaches to human factors testingSafety considerations in medical device designUse-related risk analysis and task analysis methodologiesLessons learned from working at Google XBuilding successful human factors consulting teamsAbout the guest: Bryant Foster is the Vice President of Human Factors and User Experience at Research Collective, a user-centered research consultancy serving clients from startups to major companies like GE Healthcare, Microsoft, and Medtronic. With over a decade of experience in applied psychology and usability research, he specializes in ensuring products are safe, intuitive, and user-focused.He holds a Master’s in Applied Psychology (Human Factors) from Arizona State University and began his career at the Cognitive Engineering Research Institute, later working at Google X as a UX researcher. At Research Collective in Tempe, Arizona, he leads a team that uses methods like ethnography, eye tracking, and biometric analysis.In addition to his consulting work, Bryant mentors students and supports local entrepreneurs through programs like LEAP, blending scientific rigor with empathy in fields from medical devices to consumer tech.Links:Bryant Foster LinkedInResearch Collective WebsiteClick 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

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• S6E32 Josh Zarecky | How To Travel The Country While Working As A Full Time Engineer

  Send us a textIn this engaging episode of Being An Engineer, Josh Zarecky shares his unique journey of running an engineering business while traveling across the United States in an RV. He discusses his background in mechanical engineering, the challenges and joys of remote work, and his innovative approach to developing industrial automation solutions.Main Topics:Transitioning from traditional engineering roles to entrepreneurshipTraveling and working remotely with a familyDeveloping the Flexrail: A modular industrial automation platformChallenges of managing a remote engineering teamStrategies for finding a niche in engineering servicesAbout the guest: Josh Zarecky is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in scientific instrumentation and lab automation. After earning his degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, he worked at Beckman Coulter and Prosolia, leading hardware design and system automation projects. In 2019, he founded ZEDion, a company in Indiana specializing in hybrid instrumentation that integrates mechanical, electrical, and software systems for life sciences and diagnostics. Josh is also a remote work advocate, managing his company while traveling the U.S. with his family for over a year. Now based in Southern California, he continues to innovate, most recently developing the ZEDion Rail, a modular embedded control board for lab automation.Links:Josh Zarecky LinkedInZEDion WebsiteClick 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

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• S6E31 Camden Shuman | Building a Second Brain, Co-ops, & Tools for Developing Your Network

  Send us a textIn this episode, Camden Shuman discusses his experiences as a co-op student at Siemens Healthineers, where he has gained valuable hands-on experience in mechanical design work. He also shares insights about his entrepreneurial venture, "The Engineering Way" newsletter, which aims to help engineering students and professionals develop their soft skills and network.Main Topics:Engineering education and the challenges of transitioning from high school to collegeThe difference between internships and co-ops, and the benefits of gaining real-world experienceCamden's work at Siemens Healthineers, including his projects in mechanical design and use of CAD softwareThe creation and growth of "The Engineering Way" newsletter, including marketing strategies and the importance of providing value to the communityTime management techniques, such as using calendars, lists, and the concept of "building a second brain"Advice for engineering students interested in entrepreneurship and building their professional networkAbout the guest: Camden Shuman is a senior in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Camden has gained real world engineering experience through his co-op at Siemens Healthineers, working on pioneering molecular imaging technologies. He is also the founder of “The Engineering Way,” a newsletter dedicated to providing valuable tips and advice to engineering students and professionals. Camden's achievements include winning third place in the Vol Court pitch competition and contributing to innovative projects in medical technology and drone applications.Links:Camden Shuman - LinkedInThe Engineering WayClick 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

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• S6E30 Jake Whinnery | Resources for Interviewing & Landing Engineering Jobs

  Send us a textJake shares his engineering journey, insights into technical interviews, and strategies for young engineers to succeed in the hardware industry. He discusses his experiences at companies like Tesla and Relativity Space and how he created Hardware is Hard to help mechanical engineers land top-tier jobs.Main Topics:Importance of internships in engineering career developmentTechnical interview preparation strategiesEmerging trends in hardware engineering (AR/VR, robotics, US manufacturing)Balancing productivity and personal growthBuilding engineering resources for students and early-career professionalsAbout the guest: Jake Whinnery is a mechanical engineer and hardware leader at Apple, driving innovation and empowering fellow engineers. A UC Berkeley graduate (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, minor in EECS, 2023), he has contributed to cutting-edge hardware at Tesla, Meta, Relativity Space, and NASA Ames. In 2022, he co-founded Hardware Is Hard with Wilder Buchanan, a platform supporting 13,000+ engineers with tools like interview guides and technical resources. At Apple since August 2023, Jake works on camera hardware, integrating optics, design, and manufacturing. His blend of technical excellence and community leadership makes him a rising force in hardware engineering.LINKS:Jake Whinnery LinkedInJackson Wilder Buchanan LinkedInHardware Is Hard Website Aaron Moncur, host 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

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