Hardware Podcasts

S6 E44 Ryan Stevenson | Working on Apple’s Vision Pro & Launching a Freelance Engineering Business

Being an Engineer · 31 Oct 2025 · 54m · Episode 44

What this episode covers

Ryan Stevenson, a freelance mechanical engineer and founder of Syzygy Design, discusses his work on Apple’s Vision Pro, specifically the Light Seal system, and his transition from large tech and outdoor gear companies to running a solo engineering practice. He details the technical challenges of designing complex surfaces for the Vision Pro’s structural components and explains how he uses SolidWorks curvature combs to ensure manufacturability. Stevenson also shares insights on managing client expectations with inventors, leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for rapid prototyping and research, and building the Boise Hardware Meetup community.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies and large enterprises

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Apple, Realtime Adventure Data, Cascade Designs, Werner Paddles, SGW Design Works, Syzygy Design
Products
Vision Pro, Light Seal
Tools
SolidWorks, Rhino, Onshape, NX, ChatGPT
Also
Boise State University, Boise Hardware Meetup

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