Hadley Heitzman

We are the engineers of possible: Newlywed. Runner. Cookie Maker. Systems Engineer.

For Hadley Heitzman, a Senior Systems Engineer, the work she does at BD holds a deep emotional connection to her.

Influenced by her uncle who was rendered a quadriplegic due to a car accident, Hadley became fascinated by how he would leverage technology and adapt it to his needs as he was in a wheelchair.

“I remember my uncle using voice-to-text before it became common for those who were in wheelchairs or he would take common items, like a TV remote control, and create something himself. He would think about how to employ technology to help him live a more independent life overall, which was very inspiring to me. Seeing this level of innovation was super foundational for me to go into the MedTech space,” explained Hadley.

Early Talent Program helps pave the Way

Hadley has been with BD for more than five years. She began her career in the company’s Engineering Development Program (EDP), which included a three-year rotation across several businesses and markets within the U.S. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Louisville.

“My first rotation was in our headquarters in Franklin Lakes where I worked in Integrated Diagnostic Solutions (IDS), then I worked at a small R&D site in Brea, California, in Medication Delivery Solutions (MDS) and my last assignment was at our Sandy, Utah, manufacturing site for MDS. I cannot say enough great things about the EDP or how it helped kickstart my career at BD. It set me up for success,” Hadley said.

What does a Systems Engineer do at BD?

When asked what her elevator pitch is for how she describes what she does at BD to family and friends, Hadley says she is in charge of making sure a product works like it is supposed to based on its business requirements and specifications. Right now, she is working on the BD Pyxis™ MedStation™ system, which is an automated medication delivery system that helps healthcare professionals safely and efficiently dispense medication to patients.

“I take the product specifications and work very closely with the electrical and mechanical engineers, as well as finance, marketing, and other teams to make sure we translate the product requirements into what we put into market. It’s so great to work cross-functionally with so many other groups,” Hadley said. “And the BD Pyxis^TM solution is appreciated by healthcare professionals. I’ve even heard of some healthcare professionals and customers who hold birthdays for their BD Pyxis^TM machines, which is pretty amazing.”

Loyalty to BD Runs Deep

When she reflects on her time with the organization and her choice to remain with BD, Hadley is quick to call out the level of support, collaboration, and teamwork that takes place across the company as a key factor.

“My leader is a graduate of the Technology Leadership Development Program (TLDP) and is very supportive. She does not hesitate to give us positive feedback and recognition and keeps our learning, development, and growth top of her mind. I really believe in the work we are doing and the impact we make at BD is staggering. The most challenging element to what I do can be scope changes to a product at certain points in development, but you learn to adapt and pivot,” explained Hadley.

Another reason Hadley appreciates the work environment at BD is because of the Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), which help advance the company’s cultural priorities of becoming agile and results driven, customer-centric and innovative, and inclusive and diverse. ARGs also create professional development opportunities for associates through peer mentoring, coaching, leadership and networking opportunities.

Hadley has been most active in the African-Americans at BD (AABD) ARG, but has also connected with others and provided some events and mentoring support for the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) and Out and Proud Employee Network (OPEN) ARGs.

Work-Life Balance is a Priority

In her downtime from work, Hadley might be found hiking trails in and around Pasadena, California, which she currently calls home. Or she might be running to train for her next marathon. Or she might be baking cookies for her team. Or perhaps she is immersed in a sci-fi, fiction, or non-fiction book – after all, she read about 65 books in 2022 alone. She also recently got married and is enjoying all the things that come with starting a new chapter in one’s life with their partner.

In all, Hadley is leading a rich and rewarding life both personally and professionally.