Ronan Fraser

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Skills Overview

Ronan is a multidisciplinary engineer with a strong track record of solving complex technical challenges across hardware, software, and systems. He combines a deep understanding of mechanical and electronic systems with a practical, hands-on approach to rapid prototyping, product development, and testing. Known for his curiosity, initiative, and calm problem-solving under pressure, Ronan thrives in fast-moving environments and works seamlessly across teams. He’s passionate about building useful, elegant tools and systems that work reliably in the real world, and brings a thoughtful, user-centered mindset to every project.

MECHANICAL DESIGN & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT – Ronan has led the design of complex mechanical systems, including binder supply and build transfer modules for industrial 3D printers at Foundry Lab. He takes projects from concept through to production, balancing performance, manufacturability, and real-world constraints. His hands-on skills and cross-functional collaboration ensure robust, reliable outcomes.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING – With deep expertise in additive manufacturing, Ronan has developed novel binder jetting systems and co-authored patents in both machine and materials design. He bridges R&D and production, aligning experimental processes with commercial goals through clear communication and structured iteration.
PROTOTYPING & SYSTEMS THINKING – Ronan excels at rapid prototyping and solving complex systems challenges. He uses first-principles thinking and rigorous testing to validate designs quickly. His ability to work across domains keeps development efficient and aligned with system-level goals.
DATA ANALYSIS & VALIDATION TESTING – Uses Python for automation and data processing. Led rigorous test campaigns capturing real-world performance data to validate designs and guide improvements. Data-driven approach ensures reliable, optimized systems.
DOCUMENTATION & COMMUNICATION – Ronan values clear, thorough documentation to support alignment, repeatability, and delivery. He tailors technical content to suit audiences from engineers to vendors, helping teams move faster and make better decisions.

Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry

Caliber has experience in the Agriculture industry

Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I have a passion for building things that work reliably in the real world. Building on a BE in Mechatronics from UC, my core experience comes from developing industrial binder jetting 3D printers for a novel casting process at Foundry Lab, where I’ve gained deep expertise in additive manufacturing. I’m a named co-inventor on patents in both machine design and materials engineering, and I thrive on complex technical challenges, especially those that require hands-on prototyping, first-principles thinking, and iterative problem-solving. What drives me in engineering is the opportunity to break new ground and turn ambitious ideas into functioning systems.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me in the mountains. I’m a keen climber, hiker, and mountaineer, and a proud member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. I regularly head out on adventures into the hills, mountains and crags, and when I’m not outdoors, I’m probably at home getting stuck into a DIY project with hammer in hand.

Project Experience

Drone-Mounted Spray Boom Development

Led the mechanical design and development of a next-generation spray boom system for the AC-16 agricultural drone. The project involved creating a fully integrated, commercially viable boom-arm add-on featuring an articulated two-axis end effector carrying a spray nozzle, IP camera, and laser range sensor.

The system was engineered to deliver precise spray targeting without requiring drone manoeuvring. I designed a lightweight carbon-fibre boom with remote servo actuation, using internally routed pushrods to achieve a 90° aiming cone while keeping all high-mass components close to the drone body. The design integrates with the drone’s existing pumps and power system and meets ingress-protection requirements for field use.

Key responsibilities included concept development, CAD design, mechanism design for the 2-DOF gimbal, structural and actuation layout, electronics, and fluid routing integration, and developing a robust quick-release mounting interface for drones without dedicated hard points. I delivered a cost-optimised system while ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and repeatable motion performance.

This project demonstrates my capability in end-to-end electromechanical product design, taking an early prototype and transforming it into a refined, production-ready system suitable for real-world agricultural operations.

Gen1 Production & Sustainment Team

Supported cost-reduction and sustainment initiatives for the Gen1 product. Work focused on identifying opportunities to reduce production costs while maintaining performance and manufacturability.

Led several cost-down initiatives across key components, including sheet metal assemblies, heatsinks, bus bars, and injection molded plastic parts. This involved evaluating alternative materials and manufacturing approaches, reviewing technical data and mold-flow analysis, and implementing geometry and drawing updates in Onshape.

Coordinated supplier engagement and internal stakeholders, managing RFQs, commercial discussions, and weekly progress meetings. Maintained engineering change control and documentation in Arena PLM while supporting cross-functional teams with mechanical engineering input, testing coordination, and project delivery.

Binder Jetting 3D Printing System Development

Led the end-to-end design and development of critical machine modules for industrial additive manufacturing equipment, including binder supply and deposition systems. Managed cross-disciplinary engineering efforts integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components under tight production timelines. Conducted rigorous validation testing using real-world data to optimize system performance. Project contributed to company’s 10x valuation growth and expansion from 3 to 30+ employees. Named co-inventor on two patents resulting from this work.

Unified Vehicle Communications Platform Redesign

Completed 9-month redesign of communications platform enclosure as Mechatronics Intern. Responsible for comprehensive enclosure design including thermal dissipation simulations, ingress protection analysis, and electrical/communications passthroughs. Project required balancing multiple engineering constraints while ensuring reliable performance in harsh vehicle environments. Delivered manufacturable design meeting all technical requirements within project timeline.