Our company goes a step further then traditional cross functional. We are a medical device development manufacturing. Everything. In house. That means we have Machinists, Chemists, ME, EE, ID, BMEs, Marketing, Sales, Mfg Engineers all under one organization. We split up RD/Mfg and then we have a Teal Pod and a Blue Pod for RD and we have a Cyan Pod for Mfg. Each Pod has an ME, EE, ID, BME, Senior Reg, Junior Reg, Marketing, Sales. Each medical device project we take on is assigned to a ME, EE, ID, BME as the project lead. This lead will follow the project all the way from A to Z commercialization. This makes the most sense. However this does not exist in the industry. Typically you hire 10 companies / 10 project leads.

Engineers are encouraged to engage in continuous learning to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field. Establishing cross-functional teams allows for diverse perspectives and expertise to come together. Regular team meetings help maintain alignment on shared goals. Effective communication is crucial, Utilizing collaboration tools, video conferencing platforms, and documentation sharing systems facilitates seamless interaction among team members, enhancing productivity and project outcomes. Innovation is essential in engineering, it is equally important to retain core engineering principles. Implementing mentorship programs can help bridge the gap between traditional skills and new practices.

Adapting to traditional mechanical engineering practices while working in a cross-functional team can be challenging, especially when diverse disciplines and viewpoints are involved. Here's how you can navigate this situation effectively: 1. Understand the Traditional Practices 2. Respect the Expertise of the Team 3. Bridge the Gap Between Disciplines 4. Introduce Modern Tools Gradually 5. Adapt to the Team’s Workflow 6. Address Resistance to Change 7. Encourage Cross-Disciplinary Learning 8. Leverage Collaboration Tools 9. Maintain an Open Mindset 10. Lead by Example By understanding traditional practices, respecting your team’s expertise, and gradually integrating modern approaches, you can successfully adapt to work effectively.

Integrating clear communication and collaborative problem-solving helps bridge gaps, ensuring mechanical engineering practices align smoothly with cross-functional team dynamics.

Success in engineering today requires blending core skills with agile methods and digital tools. I focus on continuous learning and strong team communication to stay adaptable and drive innovation.