# 244. The Hidden Power of Engineers as Storytellers (with Mouser’s Matt Campbell & Ricky Flores)

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2026-05-05
- Length: 47m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ricky-flores-2z5_RsP3

## Summary

Matt Campbell and Ricky Flores, Technical Marketing Engineers at Mouser Electronics, discuss their transition from traditional engineering roles to customer-facing positions that bridge the gap between semiconductor suppliers and developers. They highlight specific technologies like the STM32N6 microcontroller and the Synaptics Astra 1680 processor, which enable low-cost AI and computer vision projects for makers. The conversation also covers the importance of communication skills for engineers, the 'button renaissance' in hardware design, and Mouser's rapid logistics capabilities, including same-hour shipping and robotic arms.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=2) Introduction: Matt Campbell and Ricky Flores at Mouser Electronics
- [1:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=96) Backgrounds: Matt's EE degree and Ricky's 15 years at Texas Instruments
- [2:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=169) TME Roles and the Bunny Suit Story at Texas Instruments
- [7:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=457) Cool Projects: STM32N6 and the $22 Synaptics Astra 1680
- [13:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=811) Communication as an Engineer's Secret Weapon
- [20:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=1246) Favorite Verticals: AI, RF, and the Maxwell Statue
- [26:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=1570) Hot Takes: Hardware is the Other Half of AI and the Button Comeback
- [33:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=2030) Why They Like Working at Mouser
- [35:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=2140) Career Advice: GPA, Study Groups, and Engineering School
- [40:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric#t=2420) Mouser's Impact: Same-Hour Shipping and Robotic Arms

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Logistics & fulfilment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/logistics-and-fulfillment)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- STM32N6 (product)
- Synaptics Astra 1680 (product)
- Texas A&M University (other)
- University of Michigan (other)
- University of New Mexico (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Augmented Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-01-16-augmented-engineering) (The Amp Hour)
- [Vertically Integrated Design Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-08-05-vertically-integrated-design-engineering) (The Amp Hour)
- [497: Everyone Likes Tiny](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-03-20-497-everyone-likes-tiny) (Embedded.fm)
- [177: Boba Fett Fell Down](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-11-22-177-boba-fett-fell-down) (Embedded.fm)
- [139: Easy to Add Blood Splatter](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-02-17-139-easy-to-add-blood-splatter) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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