In this episode, we talk with Joshua Tarbutton, PhD, PE, founder and chairman of Bravo Team Engineering Design & Fabrication, about custom engineering solutions that push beyond off-the-shelf tools to deliver innovative automation systems and advanced manufacturing solutions. We discuss how bold engineering innovation, scalable R&D workflows, and high-performance engineering teams turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Joshua Tarbutton, PhD, PE:
- What does Bravo Team do, and how do you approach solving engineering problems when no off-the-shelf solution exists for custom engineering solutions?
- How do you balance bold innovation with the practical challenges of time and budget in custom R&D workflows?
- Why is custom problem-solving such a valuable and engaging environment for engineers compared to standard design work?
- Looking at automation systems, which approaches are proving effective, which are falling short, and what developments do you see on the horizon?
- What strategies are most effective for building high-performance engineering teams that can solve complex, real-world problems?
- When projects hit roadblocks, what practices help you and your team keep custom engineering R&D efforts moving forward under pressure?
- How do you manage communication with clients to align expectations, especially when budgets or scopes shift in custom design projects?
- What final piece of advice would you give engineers and leaders who want to guide more innovative and resilient engineering teams?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Custom Engineering Solutions Transform Research and Development Workflows:
- Bravo Team acts as an innovation partner that helps companies solve open-ended design challenges when standard parts or systems are not available. The team delivers custom engineering solutions in machine design, automation, and hardware-focused product development so clients can move forward with confidence.
- Balancing innovation with project limits requires trust, disciplined design methods, and clear communication with clients. The team uses benchmarking, global research, and time-boxed testing to keep custom engineering workflows aligned with budgets and schedules.
- Custom engineering challenges push creativity and technical ability, allowing engineers to address problems that have never been solved. The process demands resilience but provides significant satisfaction when solutions succeed.
- Automation systems continue to advance through easier programming, wireless integration, and more accessible controls for plant operators. Legacy equipment and workforce skill gaps remain barriers, but the industry is steadily moving toward streamlined and standardized systems.
- Strong teams form when roles are clearly defined, hiring is intentional, and tools like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and Working Genius are applied. Creating psychologically safe engineering environments where people support one another ensures teams thrive in uncertain design spaces.
- Progress is maintained by defining hypotheses, taking the next actionable step, and drawing on professional networks for expertise. Teams stay aligned by recognizing uncertainty, communicating openly, and ensuring clients understand the costs and risks of custom-built engineering solutions.
- Each project begins with detailed scoping and clear kickoff meetings to establish alignment. Even when budgets tighten, integrity and long-term trust remain central, with open communication guiding adjustments in custom engineering projects.
- Engineers should pursue excellence while seeking joy in their work, since passion creates energy that drives better solutions. By embracing the magic of design, they can deliver lasting value to both their teams and the industry through innovative engineering solutions.
More Details in This Episode…
About Joshua Tarbutton, PhD, PE:
Joshua Tarbutton, PhD, PE, is an engineer, entrepreneur, and U.S. Army veteran, leading Bravo Team, a premier engineering firm specializing in custom machine design, automation, and advanced R&D.
With a BSME from Georgia Tech and an MS and PhD in mechanical engineering from Clemson University, he spent nearly a decade as a professor, earning tenure at UNC Charlotte, publishing 53 research papers, and securing millions in research funding. His eight years of military service instilled a disciplined, problem-solving mindset that drives his leadership. He is an Entrepreneur Organization member, where he has served as an accelerator coach and board member. Founded in 2018, Bravo Team partners with Fortune 500 companies, OEMs, and industrial manufacturers to solve complex engineering challenges. The firm excels in machine design, automation, PCB development, and software engineering, providing custom-built solutions where off-the-shelf options fall short.
Joshua is dedicated to advancing engineering excellence, transformative automation, and scalable innovation for industry leaders and helping people find their narrative in the Hero’s Journey.
About the Hosts
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, concrete parking structures, and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Alexander Daddow, PE, CDT
Alex Daddow is a registered professional engineer in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in architectural engineering. Before joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2019, Alex was a consulting engineer working on podium structures, custom housing, bridges, historic retrofits, schools, and advanced foundation systems. He is now a senior strengthening solutions engineer and educates the industry on composite systems throughout the Pacific and Western regions. Alex also works directly with specifiers, installers, contractors, and plan reviewers, assisting them with the technical aspects of designing and building composite strengthening systems.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
Sources/References:
Bravo Team
LEGO
Bravo Walk
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
Working Genius
MSEC (Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference)
NAMRC (North American Manufacturing Research Conference)
Connect with Joshua Tarbutton, PhD, PE, on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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