S6 E44 Ryan Stevenson | Working on Apple’s Vision Pro & Launching a Freelance Engineering Business
Podcast: Being an EngineerPublished On: Fri Oct 31 2025
Description: Send us Fan MailRyan Stevenson is a versatile mechanical engineer whose career spans high-profile tech companies, outdoor gear innovators, and entrepreneurial ventures. After earning his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, Ryan launched into product development roles that combined advanced CAD, manufacturing engineering, and user-focused design.He contributed to Apple’s Vision Products Group, where he helped shape the Vision Pro by developing complex surfaces and leading the design of components in the Light Seal system. Earlier, at Cascade Designs, Ryan worked on next-generation Thermarest products, applying his technical expertise to foam development and manufacturing challenges. At Werner Paddles, he engineered advanced composite paddles and tooling, bringing efficiency improvements to production while driving performance in outdoor equipment.Ryan’s entrepreneurial side came alive with Realtime Adventure Data, where he co-founded the company and led development of the Lyte Probe, a device designed to help backcountry skiers better assess avalanche risk. He thrives at the intersection of rapid prototyping, design for manufacturability, and customer-driven problem solving.Most recently, Ryan founded the Boise Hardware Meetup, building community for engineers, designers, and makers in Idaho. As a freelance engineer through Syzygy Design, he now partners with companies ranging from startups to established manufacturers, offering expertise in CAD modeling, mechanical architecture, DFM/DFA, and full product development cycles. His career reflects not only technical depth but also a passion for leadership, collaboration, and bridging the gap between industrial design and scalable manufacturing. LINKS:Guest LinkedIn: Ryan Stevenson - Boise Hardware Meetup | LinkedInGuest website: https://ryanstevenson.xyz/ Aaron Moncur, host Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus
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