Lessons from Hyperloop: Simplicity and Leadership in Engineering Innovation

Starting Out: A Mechanical Systems Rookie

When I joined the University of Florida’s Hyperloop team, I was a mechanical systems member with a passion for building things that push boundaries. The Hyperloop concept—a high-speed transportation system in a near-vacuum tube—was ambitious, and our goal was to design and build a pod to compete in SpaceX’s Hyperloop Pod Competition. I started by working on components like the chassis and propulsion systems, learning the nuts and bolts of vehicle design alongside teammates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds.

What struck me early on was the diversity of perspectives. Our team included coders, designers, and business majors, each bringing unique insights. Collaborating across disciplines wasn’t always easy—engineers love precision, while business students focused on feasibility—but it taught me how to communicate ideas clearly and align everyone toward a common goal. This interdisciplinary approach is now a cornerstone of how Setton Industries tackles complex manufacturing challenges.

Rising to Leadership: Owning the Project

Over time, my role grew, and I eventually became vice president of the entire Hyperloop chapter. Leading the team meant owning the project from concept to competition day. I coordinated design reviews, managed budgets, and ensured our pod met SpaceX’s stringent requirements. It was a crash course in project management, requiring me to balance technical details with big-picture strategy.

The responsibility was immense, and the stakes were high. We spent countless sleepless nights in the lab, welding frames, troubleshooting systems, and iterating designs. Those long hours taught me what it means to truly own a project: not just completing tasks but anticipating problems, rallying the team, and pushing through setbacks. At Setton Industries, we bring that same end-to-end ownership to our consulting services, ensuring every manufacturing project we tackle is executed with precision and commitment.

First Principles: The Power of Simplicity

One of the most transformative lessons from Hyperloop was applying a first principles approach. Instead of accepting complex solutions at face value, we questioned every assumption to find the simplest, most effective path forward. While other teams pursued magnetic levitation or intricate propulsion systems—often expensive and prone to failure—we took a different route. We designed a pod that used wheels in a vacuum chamber.

This choice raised eyebrows. Wheels seemed too basic for a futuristic concept like Hyperloop. But by breaking the problem down to its fundamentals, we realized wheels offered reliability, affordability, and ease of maintenance without sacrificing performance. Our pod didn’t need the complexity of maglev to achieve high speeds in a low-pressure environment. This simplicity allowed us to focus on refining critical systems and delivering a vehicle that worked.

The success of our wheel-based design reinforced a key principle: innovation doesn’t always mean complexity. At Setton Industries, we apply this mindset to manufacturing consulting, helping clients streamline processes and adopt solutions that are both cutting-edge and practical.

Real-World Impact

Our Hyperloop pod didn’t just compete—it embodied what’s possible when diverse teams unite around a shared vision and a disciplined approach. Leading the project showed me how to harness collaboration, embrace simplicity, and deliver under pressure. These lessons continue to guide Setton Industries as we help manufacturers navigate challenges, from 3D modeling to process optimization.

My Hyperloop experience also highlighted the value of resilience. Sleepless nights and tight deadlines tested our team, but they also built a culture of trust and determination. We learned that hard work, paired with a first principles mindset, can solve even the most daunting problems.

Partner with Setton Industries

At Setton Industries, we bring the same passion and principles from my Hyperloop days to every client project. Whether you’re designing a new product, refining production workflows, or troubleshooting complex issues, our consulting services deliver innovative, practical solutions tailored to your needs. With over 25 years of industry expertise, we’re here to help you turn bold ideas into reality.

Visit settonindustries.com to learn more about our manufacturing consulting services or contact us to discuss your next project. Let’s build something extraordinary together.