S7E27 Justin Rittenhouse | What Engineering School Doesn’t Teach You About Industry

Justin Rittenhouse is a mechanical engineer, educator, and industry leader whose career sits at the intersection of advanced engineering analysis, manufacturing innovation, and mentorship. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Justin has built a strong technical foundation in structural mechanics, computational methods, and advanced simulation tools such as FEA and DEM. His academic journey is complemented by hands-on expertise in programming, material testing, and product development. Professionally, Justin has spent more than 11 years in industry, including roles with Fortune 500 companies, where he has led projects from early concept through commercialization. His experience spans designing custom cable assemblies for defense and commercial applications, developing automated testing systems using embedded hardware like Arduino, and leading the creation of high-efficiency manufacturing lines that significantly improved throughput. In addition to his industry work, Justin has a strong passion for teaching and mentorship. He has served as both an assistant professor and instructor of mechanical engineering, where he taught CAD, FEA, manufacturability, and material testing, while also leading senior design programs and advising student engineering teams. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical, real-world understanding has made him a valuable guide for aspiring engineers navigating their early careers. Justin is also the author of Secret Keys to a STEM Degree, where he shares actionable strategies for succeeding in demanding technical programs—focusing not just on studying harder, but on thinking differently, avoiding common pitfalls, and building the habits that lead to long-term success. Drawing from his own experiences, including overcoming personal challenges such as being born with a cleft lip and palate, Justin brings a deeply human perspective to engineering—one rooted in resilience, growth, and continuous improvement. Today, Justin is driven by a mission to help engineers better understand what the profession truly looks like, how to transition effectively from school to industry, and how to build confidence in the face of uncertainty. His work bridges theory and practice, offering practical insights that engineers can apply immediately to their careers. LINKS: Justin Rittenhouse LinkedIn:   / justin-rittenhouse-phd   Justin Rittenhouse website: https://justinrittenhousephd.com/ Buy Justin’s book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/04FtX62u Aaron Moncur, host 00:00 Justin Rittenhouse video 00:19 Meet Justin Rittenhouse 01:27 Why Engineering Chose Him 03:01 Career Path After Graduation 04:11 Why He Wrote The Book 05:34 School Vs Industry Reality 08:55 Excel Beats MATLAB 12:00 Plan Your Career Long Game 13:46 Scholarships You Missed 16:24 What Makes Students Succeed 17:33 Industry Ready Presentations 19:55 New Grad Gaps And Tradeoffs 22:00 Mindset And People Skills 24:20 Facing Self Doubt 24:44 Self Doubt Fades 25:20 Pushing Through School 26:32 Industry Is Practical 27:10 AI For Engineers 28:31 AI In Manufacturing 30:03 Book Beyond Students 31:27 Stress Management Basics 36:05 Sleep And Power Naps 38:38 Speeding Up Engineering 42:07 Leadership And Marketing 44:55 Notes And Lists Habit 46:18 Final Motivation Quote #Engineeringpodcast #MechanicalEngineering #STEM #STEMEducation #EngineeringStudents #EngineeringCareers #CareerAdvice #Manufacturing #ProductDevelopment #BeingAnEngineer #beinganengineer