“Not only do we have a large array of solutions in our back pocket, but we also have the ability to tweak things to fit the exact needs of our customers. This allows us to successfully help them with challenges they are struggling with.”
Steve enjoys collaborating with customers to solve problems and develop innovative medical device solutions. As an engineer for TE’s medical-grade polymer tubing portfolio, he sees the biggest challenges in balancing patient safety with sustainability and reducing medical waste and predicts that miniaturization and support for minimally invasive procedures will be the main future trends in heat shrink tubing.
Why did you choose to join TE? What makes you stay here?
I've been with TE for about 8 years. Previously, for most of my career I was in the tech space working on semiconductors. Right before joining TE, I worked for a solar company. I liked the sense of purpose I felt there, and I thought medical would be a good next move, as it would also allow me to have a positive impact on people's lives. TE was a good fit and has been great -- for my career, for myself and for my family.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I especially like working with our customers’ R&D engineers. Often customers come in with a good idea of what they want, but just need some help tweaking it so it’s final. Not only do we have a large array of solutions in our back pocket, but we also have the ability to tweak things to fit their exact needs. This allows us to successfully help them with challenges they were struggling with. It's especially satisfying when we can provide a novel solution they've never seen before.
3) What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on at TE?
The ability to use our solutions in new ways makes things very interesting. Take our reflow products. Typically, adhesive is used in these products as a sealant. One customer asked if we might be able to use the adhesive in a different way. On their suggestion, we were able to use the adhesive not only to seal, but to bond and build up a structure that solved their challenge.
What are the biggest challenges customers face?
Going forward, sustainability is a big driver for both TE and our customers. But there is this pull between single-use components to enhance patient safety and the desire to reduce medical waste. Medical devices don't breakdown easily, so we need to find new ways to make reusable products safer. Recently we looked at antibacterials that can be added to polymers. The concept of a circular economy, reusing more and being less wasteful is what our customers are increasingly focused on, especially in Europe.
Which personal traits are essential for today’s engineering challenges?
For today's engineers, I think curiosity is key. There must be a desire to learn and a willingness to change one's mind. This means looking at a challenge we've always handled a certain way and asking: 'what can we do differently? So often, we must fail first before finding a new and better solution.
What types of engineering changes do you expect to see over the next five years in heat shrink tubing?
There haven't been a lot of major changes in medical tubing in recent years. But exciting things are coming, thanks to the rise of 3D printing technology. Currently, we're working on miniaturization, which could be key in neurovascular applications. We also remain committed to supporting cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures by pushing the capabilities of our materials and equipment in novel ways.
How does TE approach innovation, in a way that directly translates to the solutions we provide to customers?
The level of knowledge and innovation that exists within TE is tremendous. Our various labs across TE allow us to easily connect with a variety of subject matter experts. I have access to people with PhDs in areas I might only have surface level knowledge in. It can be very inspiring to go outside our smaller teams to get ideas and learn about what's possible.
“Not only do we have a large array of solutions in our back pocket, but we also have the ability to tweak things to fit the exact needs of our customers. This allows us to successfully help them with challenges they are struggling with.”
Steve enjoys collaborating with customers to solve problems and develop innovative medical device solutions. As an engineer for TE’s medical-grade polymer tubing portfolio, he sees the biggest challenges in balancing patient safety with sustainability and reducing medical waste and predicts that miniaturization and support for minimally invasive procedures will be the main future trends in heat shrink tubing.
Why did you choose to join TE? What makes you stay here?
I've been with TE for about 8 years. Previously, for most of my career I was in the tech space working on semiconductors. Right before joining TE, I worked for a solar company. I liked the sense of purpose I felt there, and I thought medical would be a good next move, as it would also allow me to have a positive impact on people's lives. TE was a good fit and has been great -- for my career, for myself and for my family.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I especially like working with our customers’ R&D engineers. Often customers come in with a good idea of what they want, but just need some help tweaking it so it’s final. Not only do we have a large array of solutions in our back pocket, but we also have the ability to tweak things to fit their exact needs. This allows us to successfully help them with challenges they were struggling with. It's especially satisfying when we can provide a novel solution they've never seen before.
3) What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on at TE?
The ability to use our solutions in new ways makes things very interesting. Take our reflow products. Typically, adhesive is used in these products as a sealant. One customer asked if we might be able to use the adhesive in a different way. On their suggestion, we were able to use the adhesive not only to seal, but to bond and build up a structure that solved their challenge.
What are the biggest challenges customers face?
Going forward, sustainability is a big driver for both TE and our customers. But there is this pull between single-use components to enhance patient safety and the desire to reduce medical waste. Medical devices don't breakdown easily, so we need to find new ways to make reusable products safer. Recently we looked at antibacterials that can be added to polymers. The concept of a circular economy, reusing more and being less wasteful is what our customers are increasingly focused on, especially in Europe.
Which personal traits are essential for today’s engineering challenges?
For today's engineers, I think curiosity is key. There must be a desire to learn and a willingness to change one's mind. This means looking at a challenge we've always handled a certain way and asking: 'what can we do differently? So often, we must fail first before finding a new and better solution.
What types of engineering changes do you expect to see over the next five years in heat shrink tubing?
There haven't been a lot of major changes in medical tubing in recent years. But exciting things are coming, thanks to the rise of 3D printing technology. Currently, we're working on miniaturization, which could be key in neurovascular applications. We also remain committed to supporting cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures by pushing the capabilities of our materials and equipment in novel ways.
How does TE approach innovation, in a way that directly translates to the solutions we provide to customers?
The level of knowledge and innovation that exists within TE is tremendous. Our various labs across TE allow us to easily connect with a variety of subject matter experts. I have access to people with PhDs in areas I might only have surface level knowledge in. It can be very inspiring to go outside our smaller teams to get ideas and learn about what's possible.
