QUALIFICATIONS

BSc Eng (Hons) Mechanical
MSc Eng Mechanical
Postgraduate Diploma Management

SOFTWARE

Mechanical CAD Software

AutoCAD
CATIA (Dassault)
Inventor (Autodesk)
NX (Siemens)
Solid Edge (Siemens)
SolidWorks (Dassault)

PDM/PLM Software

3D Experience (Dassault)
Inventor Vault (Autodesk)
SolidWorks PDM (Dassault)

Analysis Tools

ABAQUS (Dassault)
ANSYS Fluent
ANSYS Mechanical
ANSYS Workbench
Excel (for numerical method analysis)
Inventor Nastran (Autodesk)
Nastran/Patran
Siemens Simcentre (NASTRAN)
Siemens Star-CCM
SolidWorks Flow (Dassault)
SolidWorks Simulation (Dassault)

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES

Afrikaans
Portuguese

Clydene Reddy

Skills Overview

Clydene is passionate about solving engineering problems, this is supported by a solid foundation in academics and a variety of industry experience. He has multi-faceted experience in automated manufacturing machinery design, automotive engineering, robotics research and development, machine tool design and vibration modelling, development of renewable energy systems, and development of ejector pumping systems. Clydene has supervised in the onshore and offshore oil and gas sector, where he designed and maintained fire protections systems. He easily connects with others through great communication and operates effectively across multiple disciplines. Clydene is versatile, ethical, responsible, and is always highly motivated and ready to be challenged.

MACHINE DESIGN – Clydene has designed various machines, including debaggers, rinsers, and rotary cappers. He managed project planning, client and supplier coordination, 3D manufacturing line design, BOM development, and engineering drawings. His expertise includes FEA, CFD, FMEA, root cause analysis, and drafting performance documents. As an HSE representative, he ensured safety compliance and detailed product testing. He also led prototype assembly and testing to validate design functionality.
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION – Clydene has developed a reconfigurable robotic end-effector for machining and part-handling. He completed this project as part of his Masters project, the flexible device featured servomotors, a brushless DC motor and stepper motor, as well as control systems and drivers. He performed research on the need for a cutting-edge two-in-one solution, developed concepts and the functional prototype. The end-effector robot was designed to retro-fit to traditional SKMs and PKMs, he used the FANUC M10iA serial robot to perform testing. The little robot successfully machined Al-6061 and grasped multiple geometries with a success rate of 93%.
VIBRATION ANALYSIS – Clydene has hands-on experience with modal analysis, vibrational analysis, and stability prediction. He designed a machine tool spindle and determined it’s dynamic behavior using FEA and validated it experimentally by way of experimental modal analysis. He predicted milling forces by using the Mechanistic Cutting Force model, with which he later developed a stability model for the machine tool. The Stability Lobe Diagrams were used to predict chatter – improving surface finish, while understanding the dynamic behavior of the system. Clydene is proficient with National Instruments data acquisition software and systems.
FEA – Clydene has been involved with FEA since his final year design project back in 2016. He has completed projects in automotive engineering – chassis modelling and analysis, robotics – prediction of the deformation characteristics of a flexible rubber joint, machine design – structural characteristics of metal frames under load, and machine tools – deformation analysis of an endmill subjected to milling forces. He has in-depth knowledge of a variety of loading and boundary conditions to successfully model components and systems to achieve realistic results.
CFD – Clydene led R&D in alternative energy and power generation safety systems, developing theoretical frameworks and designing jet pumps and ejectors for gas compression. Using analytical models and multiphase CFD simulations, he predicted gas behavior and flow characteristics before manufacturing. He handled design, machine drawings, BOM, and assembly plans, overseeing prototype construction and testing. His work on turbomachinery control and testing systems resulted in an 8% variance between the prototype’s performance and its digital twin, demonstrating strong predictive accuracy.
PROJECT ENGINEERING – Clydene is an experienced project manager with a strong background in the offshore Oil and Gas sector in Angola. He has successfully supervised complex engineering projects, ensuring they meet technical requirements and project goals. Skilled in CMMS management, inspections, and maintenance, he optimises workflows while maintaining budget and safety standards. His expertise in root cause analysis and regulatory compliance helps mitigate risks and improve efficiency. A strong leader, he fosters a culture of continuous improvement, streamlining operations through effective resource and inventory management.

Caliber has experience in the Agriculture industry

Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry

Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I have completed my MSc Mechanical Engineering Degree as well as Postgraduate Diploma in Management. These combined equip me with both the technical expertise to excel in design and the strategic and managerial skills to effectively lead projects, manage resources, and ensure successful outcomes. This unique blend makes me a valuable asset to any mechanical design team. I began my professional career working as a Research Engineer in mechatronics and vibrations. I then had the opportunity to develop as a Mechanical Design Engineer in FMCG machine building. Later, I developed technology for the renewable energy sector, specialising in computational analysis. I have led design and maintenance projects in the onshore and offshore oil and gas sector in Angola. Thus, I have solved complex engineering problems and managed complex engineering activities in diverse work environments. I love fast cars, track days and karting – I would be a racer in another life! I enjoy the wilderness and am always up for an adventure. Additive manufacturing fascinates me, I’m always 3D printing prototypes and tinkering.

Project Experience

NZ Post Auckland Processing Center

Provided project engineering support to address mechanical defects, including contractor coordination, processing work permits, managing change requests, and overseeing material requirements. Delivered design engineering solutions by developing multiple part and assembly designs for conveyor-related defect resolution.

NZ Post Christchurch Processing Center

Provided project engineering support by delivering mechanical solutions to resolve post-installation defects.

NZ Post Wellington Processing Center

Delivered project engineering support by developing mechanical solutions to post-installation defects.

Project Close-Out & Gearmotor Testing Support

Provided project engineering support by assisting with close-out tasks for the AS-BUILT model and developing a gearmotor shaft runout testing procedure.

Project Close-Out & Gearmotor Testing Support

Provided project engineering support by assisting with close-out tasks for the AS-BUILT model and developing a gearmotor shaft runout testing procedure.

Design of a Semi-Automatic Rinsing Line

All the machinery had to function with ten different bottle geometries, cap sizes, product contents and label designs – I used CAD to streamline the solution. The bottles ranged in size (0.25 litre – 5 litre) and product contents included spring water, juices, and dairy products. The flexibility requirement was a significant problem, I incorporated flexible design characteristics across all the machines. I designed the Rinser to decontaminate all the bottle geometries with the implementation of a change-part system, which grouped the bottles into four subsets. I calculated the rotatory speed of the machine to satisfy sufficient rinsing across the bottle range.

VERTEX ENGINEERS

Robotic Palletising Line Design

Completed the manufacturing line assembly layout for Fonterra 60% design review. Development of the demoulding machine and design of actuation systems.

BRICKHOUSE TECHNOLOGIES

Design Support

Design updates and manufacturing drawings for Spiral screen compactor 700, Screw auger dewatering, and plant frame layout. Updated Spiral screen compactor 700 tank design from bolted configuration to welded configuration.

OASIS

Coca-Cola Access Platform Design

Designed three access platforms for the glass filler line. Included site visits, mechanical design, calculations, FEA, and manufacturing drawings. Designs conformed to AS1657 and AS/NZS1170.

Research and development of a reconfigurable robotic end-effector for machining and part handling

MECHATRONICS & ROBOTICS RESEARCH GROUP MR2G

Reconfigurable Robotic End-Effector R&D

The purpose was to solve the complex problem of lengthy end-effector changes, which reduced efficiency and productivity in many industrial applications. I achieved this by developing a reconfigurable device. I designed and prototyped an end-effector that can retrofit to industrial robots and offers a higher level of flexibility in manufacturing. I designed a machine tool spindle and determined the dynamic behavior using FEA and validated it experimentally. I predicted milling forces by using the Mechanistic Cutting Force model. I modelled the compliant behavior of flexible rubber joints using non-linear FEA. I used Stability Lobe Diagrams to predict chatter – improving surface finish, while understanding the dynamic behavior of the system.

SONANGOL P&P

PE, Maintenance & Design of Offshore Safety Systems

I designed solutions for various maintenance projects by integrating reliable, durable components, and manufacture recommended preventative maintenance strategies. I also collaborated with various maintenance teams on the platforms to leverage their on-site experience. For FSO Terminal PALANCA FM200 project, I created the project plan for the maintenance project. I designed the cylinder transfer rack and trolley. Both required mechanical design and structural stress analysis. The designs met offshore regulations, as well as safety codes and fabrication requirements (DNV 2.7-1). I applied maintenance rules based on manufacturer service recommendations and local jurisdictional regulations such as the vessel flag. I developed maintenance procedures for the equipment, operational methods, safe handling installations and removals, as well as upgrade projects. I performed preventative and corrective maintenance on fire and safety systems. I applied mechanical engineering design principles and methodologies in the design of a gas rack and trolley – 3D CAD, FEA, weldments, and assemblies. IMO MSC.1/Circ.1318 and ISO 6406 permits the removal of 10% of total cylinders at the 10-yearly service. I decided to increase safety on the vessel, by removing depressurised cylinders first, followed by a staggered process.

ELITE COMPOSITES

Development of Carbon Fiber Sports Canopy

I developed a sports canopy concept for the Toyota Hilux DC platform. I completed conceptual designs, vehicle bin mark-up, bin modelling in CAD, and multiple design iterations. The prototype is being manufactured and tested. The product aims to offer a premium appearance and alternative to current canopy offerings.

ASHWORTH & TAYLOR

Spiral Modelling

Modelled three spiral structures with reducing amplitude waveforms in Autodesk Inventor, including a 36-metre diameter model.

FILTEC AUTOMATION

Design of a Waterfall Cap Unscrambler Elevator Line

I designed a machine to perform tasks: unscramble caps, orientate caps, supply caps to the process at the appropriate time and frequency. I experienced problems during prototyping pertaining to the variety of caps, and factors such as different sizes, weights—center of mass, surface finishes, hardness factors, and scratch sensitivities. I used statics to compute the falling point of each cap, from the angle of the belt flights. I performed a dynamic study to calculate the stability of the caps during the conveyor belts stages of motion (start, running, stop). Another problem was to deliver the caps to the process without them being damaged. Some of the caps were fragile and heavy. I decided to line the bin with an absorbent material to dampen the continuous impact between caps and the metal bin. I designed a reconfigurable sorting bin, which utilised a gate mechanism to control the number of caps that entered the unscrambling process. I used reconfigurable design to solve the problem of multiple caps on the same machine. A flexible cap chute (change parts) was used to deliver different caps to the process, and reconfigurable elevator belt (bump mechanism) was used to reject caps based on their orientation and center of mass. I used CAD to design the machine, FEA to analyse the structure—pre-manufacturing, and experimental methods to test and calibrate.

Design of a Semi-Automatic Rinsing Line

All the machinery had to function with ten different bottle geometries, cap sizes, product contents and label designs; I used CAD to streamline the solution. The bottles ranged in size (0.25 litre–5 litre) and product contents included spring water, juices, and dairy products. The flexibility requirement was a significant problem, I incorporated flexible design characteristics across all the machines. I designed the Rinser to decontaminate all the bottle geometries with the implementation of a change-part system, which grouped the bottles into four subsets. I calculated the rotatory speed of the machine to satisfy sufficient rinsing across the bottle range.

LEOGEM PROJECTS

Design of Multi-Phase Ejector

During the timeframe of the project, designed ejectors could not be found in South Africa. Based on the application requirements, the Ejector design needed to be designed in-house. Understanding the fluidic and thermal behaviour of the Ejector was a challenge. I overcame this challenge by learning the device from first principles. After much research and study, I implemented a 2D analytical model that associated the flow properties with dimensional parameters. I developed a Python numerical algorithm to solve the equations – an iterative process. I gained the parametric dimensions to create the 3D CAD model in AUTODESK Inventor. I used SIEMENS FLOEFD CFD software to simulate the flow properties, based on constraints and initial conditions. I developed manufacturing drawings and BOM to manufacture and assemble a prototype. I conducted experiments to benchmark against the CFD results.

GOOD BUGGER AWARD

June 2025

Clydene was awarded the Good Bugger award in Auckland this month in recognition of his strong contribution as a project engineer for Daifuku at the NZ Post Auckland Processing Centre (APC). The APC project is known for its complexity and ongoing challenges—something all our engineers who’ve worked there can attest to. Throughout his time on site, Clydene has consistently demonstrated a calm, considered approach, backed by solid planning and practical solutions. He has played a key role in helping to close out a large number of long-standing defects from the seemingly endless snag list, with only a handful now remaining. Daifuku have been positive about his technical skills and professional attitude and have expressed their appreciation for his support on the project.