Rob Schneider

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Relevant Experience:33 years

Education:Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

Experience in the field

  • Digital Fluorescence Microscopes for specific automated diagnostic applications
  • Drug Compounding systems
  • Infusion pumps
  • Orthopedics – Axial Knee Realignment System – Lead Engineer
  • Implantable & partially implantable hearing aid – Middle Ear Transducer Ossicular Stimulator
  • Electrophoresis based DNA analyzer for food processing plants to identify bacteria to the sub-species
  • Low pressure fluid delivery modules
  • Consumable handling robotics
  • Thermal processing modules
  • Sample/reagent pipetters
  • Medical specimen incubator – tight thermal control, mixing and agitation

What patents have you been awarded?

Over 50 United States patents awarded for medical devices and robotic instrumentation.

What’s the most interesting Medical Device project you’ve worked on and why?

The Otologics MET Ossicular stimulator was very challenging technically. It consisted of one moving part that only moved a few microns. I was able to work with the top surgeons in the country and trained surgeons on the procedure using cadaver studies.

If you could work on any type of medical device project, what would it be and why?

I like to work on projects where I can see the direct impact on patient’s lives. For example, hearing impaired patients after they received the MET device; I was able to see them re-engaged in life.

What do you like about working at Tensentric?

I like the top notch technical staff. Best engineers I’ve ever worked with, technically & personally.

What unique set of skills do you bring to Tensentric?

Breadth of experience; I have worked on many different projects in the last 20 years. I have the ability to get from concept to operational hardware in a very short period of time.

If you couldn’t be an engineer what would you be? Why?

Luthier or a musician. I love building stringed instruments. It is a great intersection of art, craft, and engineering.

What do you like most about living in Colorado?

September weather. It reminds me of getting ready to go back school when I was in high school and college here in Boulder.

When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A mad scientist/inventor. I built cool looking contraptions & took apart any junk I could find as a kid.

If you could go back in time, where and what time would you travel to and why?

1800’s; industrial revolution; I would love to have participated in the development of the machines that shaped this country.