QUALIFICATIONS
- BE Mech (Hons) – 2012
SOFTWARE
Mechanical CAD Software
- Inventor (Autodesk)
- OnShape (PTC)
- SolidWorks (Dassault)
PDM/PLM Software
- SolidWorks ePDM
- Autodesk Vault
Analysis Tools
- Excel (for numerical method analysis)
- Matlab
- MathCAD
- Python
- SolidWorks Flow (Dassault)
- SolidWorks Simulation (Dassault)
RIKI SHEARER
MECHANICAL DESIGN LEAD
Skills Overview
Riki is a seasoned mechanical engineer with extensive experience across multiple industries, including agriculture, medical device, food processing, and industrial systems. He specialises in mechanical design, CAD modeling, and design for manufacturability, with a proven track record of leading projects from concept through to production. Riki is known for his ability to bridge the gap between technical and leadership roles, mentoring and developing teams while implementing robust engineering systems and processes. His approach combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic vision, making him a valuable asset to any team.
- ENGINEERING PROCESS – Starting his career in biomedical instilled the understanding that following effective process in engineering projects is critical for success. Riki has the experience in developing and implementing effective process and drive the application of these to ensure effective project delivery.
- DESIGN & ANALYSIS – Riki has diverse experience in mechanical engineering from clean sheet design through repairs and maintenance to forensics. A robust understanding of CAD, CAM and analysis tools has allowed Riki to bring ideas into practical reality.
- DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE – Working in a number of vertically integrated companies helped to develop a deep understanding of how to take a clever idea and develop it into an efficiently manufacturable solution.
- LOW IMPACT SOLUTIONS – Doing more with less and developing elegant solutions is challenging. Riki is motivated to deliver well resolved, elegant, and sustainable solutions to technical challenges.
- COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION – Novel ideas, clever people, and good process are so often let down by poor communication. Riki has experienced this first hand and has honed his skills and practices to ensure project teams communicate and collaborate effectively and transparently.
- PROJECT LEADERSHIP – Engineering is complex – not just the science and technology, but the human factors within it. Learning to leverage the capability of a team, and to facilitate communication and collaboration have allowed Riki to successfully lead projects across a range of industries.
- DEVELOPING TEAMS – Strong individuals are great. Bringing them together, supporting collaboration, and enabling growth is a real multiplier. Riki has a proven track record of developing and deploying highly effective teams.
- LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT – Co-developed and delivered Caliber’s Learning & Development programme, refreshed internal procedures, built national Tech Lead capability, and mentored engineers into leadership roles.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I’m a mechanical engineer with a passion for turning complex challenges into practical solutions. Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed the variety of projects I’ve worked on, from developing neonatal medical devices to optimising machinery and industrial plants and supporting cutting-edge green energy systems. I thrive on mentoring others and fostering a collaborative engineering culture. Outside of work, you’ll often find me exploring the outdoors.
Project Experience
Talley’s AFFCO Platform
Delivered a large processing plant platform in Inventor. Involved structural detailing and adapting to client driven layout changes.
Liquid Hydrogen Systems
Worked as a design and project engineer supporting a multidisciplinary team to deliver a mobile liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage, transport, and dispensing system. Provided technical direction, coordinated between senior leadership and junior engineers , and contributed to mechanical design, system integration, and project delivery.
Scrap Metal Shredder
Reverse engineered worn components from 3D scan data, created SolidWorks models and detailed drawings for casting.
Prototype to Production Drawings
Drafting engagement to convert R&D designs into manufacturable drawings, optimising for fabrication efficiency.
Pareora Effluent Storage
Developed site layouts, pump specifications, and procurement packages for an effluent storage tank system within a constrained site footprint.
Composit Mould Tooling
Supported the development of mould tools and jigs for advanced carbon composite fabrication.
Christchurch Demonstration Plant
Working with a startup proving commercial viability of a zinc recovery process before scaling internationally. Providing mechanical design, project engineering, and leadership support.
FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE
Optiflow Junior
Riki was part of the Optiflow Junior team, developing the second generation high flow nasal cannula for neonatal care. He worked across the product lifecycle — from concept design and CAD modelling through prototyping, clinical trials, and pre-production. His role involved industry engagement, industrial design, CAD design, tooling and mould analysis, and preparation of detailed compliance documentation. Riki also coordinated aspects of testing and clinical trials and ensured the design met strict medical device standards for safety, performance, and manufacturability.
Riki spent around six years at Trinder Engineers in Nelson, progressing from draftsperson to engineer and then engineering manager. He led a team of up to 10 engineers across mechanical and structural disciplines. He introduced industry‑standard design systems, implemented SolidWorks and PDM, and worked on a wide variety of projects in viticulture, forestry, food processing, transport, and industrial plant maintenance.
FMR Gen 2 Vineyard Sprayers
Undertook a full clean‑sheet redesign to replace years of incremental fixes on the existing model. Supported the management of the project from concept through CAD, prototyping, field testing, and rollout into production, delivering improvements in reliability, usability, and manufacturability.
Systems & Process Improvements
Introduced structured design documentation, risk analysis templates, and project planning tools. Led the transition to SolidWorks CAD and administered SolidWorks PDM for 5–6 years, embedding robust design data management across the business.
Seismic-Ready Wine Tank Design
Contributed to the development and refinement of seismic systems for the wine industry, focusing on manufacturability for both New Zealand and international markets. Provided design input to ensure compliance with seismic performance requirements while streamlining production for a range of tank sizes.
Log Trailer Redesign
Developed a configurable step deck double bunk log trailer to reduce weight, increase payload, and simplify manufacturing. Coordinated with certifying engineers, industry partners and the workshop team to integrate all stakeholder requirements.
Waratah – FL95 Felling Head Redevelopment
Refined an established forestry attachment to improve durability, simplify manufacturing and maintenance, and extend service life, building on lessons from years of in field use before handover to Waratah.
Food & Nutraceutical Plant Optimisation
Designed hygienic conveyors and material handling systems from blast freezers to storage, ensuring compliance with stringent sanitary standards. Contributed to automation scoping studies and functional design documentation.
Pics Peannut Butter – Factory Projects
Worked on optimisation and integration projects for their second and third factories, and project engineering/management for the Peanut Butter World facility. Scope included machine design, automation, imported equipment integration, and peanut butter conveying systems through the production line.
Nelson Pine Industries – Plant Maintenance
Provided front end design and specifications for industrial maintenance projects, particularly in log handling and materials conveying. Supported workshop operations through collaborating with workshop managers and leading hands.
Viticulture, Horticulture & Forestry Equipment
Supported the delivery of designs for a range of equipment including sprayers, mowers, defoliators, under vine brushes, picking platforms, forestry equipment, and a triple row vineyard sprayer. The challenges in this were balancing cost, durability, and operational efficiency for clients in the industry.
WAKAPUAKA DESIGN
Founder
Riki established Wakapuaka Design Ltd, providing mechanical engineering and design services to a range of industrial and commercial clients. His work included the design of ROPS cabs, diesel tanks, and other light industrial machinery, often working closely with certifying engineers to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
He also provided consulting services to a local engineering firm, where he worked part‑time over six to nine months to help structure their engineering team. This involved implementing SolidWorks PDM, developing design workflows, and building leadership capability within their team.
GOOD BUGGER AWARD
July 2023
Riki was nominated for the Good Bugger award by Tom Davies for being an awesome advocate for the team. “He’s a great sounding board. He’s also a straight talker, not afraid to wade into uncomfortable situations”.
