My daughter and son in law (sil) are middle of the road, maybe even conservative leaning. But they hate Trump, especially my aeronautical engineer sil, hate hate HATES him with a passion. We had such a big fight about it once (he'd been drinking and wouldn't drop it) that I have to refuse to even discuss politics with him at all.
They're staying with me right now while they look for a house. Tonight we all took our dogs outside before bed and he walked over and stood beside me. Looking around the yard, he quietly (sadly?) said "I find myself missing Trump". I was stunned and said nothing. He turned and walked slowly into the house.
I.......I can't EVEN.
And thinking for themselves is the primary trait of an engineer
They are still human beings first. But I know what you mean.
To the OP's predicament though, maybe the redpills for his colleagues need to be of a slightly different flavor. I always found the information on the Butterfly War to be fascinating - and it basically in language they can relate to easily. Keep it away from the emotional association if Trump. It is like selling - you have to know your audience.
Agree. He needs to come up with problems for them to solve whereby they discover the truths on their own