Ben Orwin-Higgs
QUALIFICATIONS
  • ME Mechatronics – 2024
  • BE Mechatronics (Hons) – 2023
  • Valedictorian, Massey University Manawatu
SOFTWARE
Mechanical CAD Software
  • FreeCAD
  • Fusion (Autodesk)
  • Inventor (Autodesk)
  • OnShape
  • Siemens NX
  • SolidWorks (Dassault)
PDM/PLM Software
  • SolidWorks PDM (Dassault)
  • Teamcentre PLM (Siemens)
Electrical CAD
  • Altium Designer 
  • E-PLAN

Ben Orwin-Higgs

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Skills Overview

Ben is a Master’s-qualified and industry experienced Mechatronics Engineer, specialising in the design, development, and commissioning of electro-mechanical systems. He is a dynamic engineer capable of leading teams and delivering results within time and budget constraints.

    • INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION – Ben’s Master of Engineering project involved the design, development, construction and commissioning of  Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for production lines at Rocket Lab. This developed a machine design capable of multiple different electronics communications modes, to multiple different product architectures.

    • MECHANICAL CAD – Ben has experience with SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, and Siemens NX. Ben has used this CAD skill to develop vehicle parts for Rocket Lab and HamiltonJet. Ben’s knowledge of CAD design and previous experience allows him to design for manufacture.

    • ELECTRICAL CAD – Ben has experience with Altium Designer, Autodesk Eagle, LTSpice and E-PLAN for the design of PCBs and electrical systems. He has used this CAD skill to develop production automation machines and interface PCBs in warehouse environments.

    • PROJECT MANAGEMENT – Ben has been trusted with delivering outcomes on multi-hundred-thousand dollar projects. Ben is a “generalist” and can interface mechanical, electrical, and software teams well on projects. Ben has strong time and schedule management skills, experience with procurement and supply chain, and leading projects by example.

    • COMMUNICATION & DOCUMENTATION – Ben is able to communicate and present complex ideas and constraints concisely. Ben has strong experience designing to internationally recognized mechanical and electrical standards (such as IEC, SMC, ECSS, AZS/NZS, etc). Ben also has experience designing Acceptance and Qualification Test Plans and SOPs.

    SolidWorks Professional Mechanical Design
    SolidWorks Professional Drawing Tools
    SolidWorks Professional Sheet Metal
    Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry
    Caliber has experience in the Agriculture industry
    Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry
    Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry
    Caliber has experience in the Agriculture industry
    PERSONAL STATEMENT

    I am an industry experienced electronics and mechatronics engineer. I really enjoy the design, development, and construction of electromechanical systems. A huge part of my academic and industry experience has been the electrical and mechanical integration of complex systems. 

    Project Experience

    Stacked Farms
    Vertical Farming System Plumbing & Framing

    Ben worked on multiple projects including the plumbing for Stacked Farms’ Finishing Stack (FSK) and Seedling Stack (SSK). Ben was also part of mechanical design for multiple framing and bracket projects. These projects allowed Ben to expand his existing skill set as well as to use previous metal casting design experience.

    Monkeytoe
    Building Access Structures – NZS/AS Standards

    Ben designed a variety of accessways, landings, and stairways for buildings across New Zealand. This project developed an understanding of design to NZS/AS standards and building codes, as well as designing structures to interface with existing construction.

    Monkeytoe accessible mirrored stairways
    Mirrored Balustrade Accessible Stairs

    Designed a bespoke, mirrored set of accessible stairways for public entry into a lecture hall at the University of Canterbury, Jack Mann Lecture Theatre. Despite appearing straightforward, it was a deceivingly complex project that needed to conform to code, stay within manufacturing constraints, and accommodate visually impaired people. The design package included a general arrangement drawing, an installation drawing, and a complete set of weldment manufacturing and workshop assembly drawings for the balustrade panels.

    Advanced Engineering
    Fluidised Seed Dryer Analysis

    Ben was asked to calculate the required mass flow rate to achieve fluidisation drying for the client’s seed drying machine. Ben was also asked to specify a motor to drive the bed of this machine in a jogging motion. This project involved engineering analysis and representation of dynamic systems in CAD.

    HamiltonJet logo
    New Jets Development

    Ben led the design and integration of various protectors for the marine jet assemblies on watercraft. This included reverse-splash guards for the aft of vehicles and rope guards to prevent material ingress into impellers. These projects strengthened Ben’s understanding of design for manufacturing using vacuum moulding techniques. Ben also developed sound understanding of surface modelling.

    HamiltonJet LTX36 Reverse Duct Assembly
    ABS Reverse Splash Guards

    HamiltonJet design and manufacture outboard waterjets for a variety of marine craft. Their jets use a Reverse Duct to redirect the water flow, and allow for a strong and manoeuvrable reversing option. An issue faced was water splashing up and over the transom and hull while in reverse. To solve this, Ben designed vacuum-moulded ABS Reverse Splash Guards, to be fitted to the Reverse Ducts, which redirect this splash back below the vessel.

    JRG Energy
    Geothermal Pressure Sensor 

    Ben assisted in the design and drawing of a geothermal pressure well sensor assembly for deployment in the Caribbean islands. This project developed an understanding of BSP/imperial pipe components and their assemblies.

    MASSEY AGRIFOOD DIGITAL LAB

    Forestry Robot

    As part of professional experience alongside his undergraduate degree, Ben assisted with the mechanical design, manufacturing, and Robot Operating System (ROS) programming of a variable-terrain autonomous robot to measure soil samples in National Park for NZ Forestry and Massey AgriFood Digital Labs. His experiences in this project developed many skills including Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Linux/Ubuntu programming, and sensor integration.

    Autonomous Lawnmower

    As part of his final-year undergraduate project, Ben designed, developed, manufactured, constructed, and programmed a hub-motor driven autonomous lawn-mowing robot using GPS-RTK and the Robot Operating System (ROS) for local and global localization. This project involved DFM, control algorithms for autonomous mechatronic systems, and understanding of electromechanical integration.

    WALKLEY FILTRATION & ENGINEERING

    NZDF/AUDF Filtration Systems

    Ben designed FOD-removal pumps to integrate with NZDF/AUDF portable kitchen equipment. This project required understanding of mechanical integration to existing structures as well as an understanding of fluid mechanics.

    ROCKET LAB

    Production Automation Equipment, Vehicle Development

    As part of his final-year internship, Master of Engineering, and secondment projects, Ben has led design, development, and commissioning of novel Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for space industry production lines. Ben has also contributed mechanically and electrically to satellites and launch vehicles.

    Caliber Challenge Trophy

    CALIBER CHALLENGE

    2025

    Winners of the 2025 Caliber Challenge showed outstanding engineering skill, commercial acumen, and teamwork under pressure. In just 4.5 hours, their team tackled a mystery brief, developed a concept, built a business case, and pitched to a panel of “investors.”

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