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Hi, I'm Shane Rienks, a self-motivated and largely self-taught industrial designer with 8 years of hands-on experience. I've worked on some really exciting projects spanning aerospace, automotive, and deep tech—designing everything from flying cars to portable nuclear energy. I believe in a holistic-first mindset and combining deep CAD skills with physical fabrication to create innovative, pragmatic solutions that startups love. I love the challenge that comes with high-stakes projects and thrive in cross-disciplinary environments where I lead teams and mentor others. Whether it's reducing development cycles or mentoring junior designers, I approach each project with energy and dedication. Working 60-hour weeks feels like my 40-hour weeks—because I'm passionate about what I do!…Hi, I'm Shane Rienks, a self-motivated and largely self-taught industrial designer with 8 years of hands-on experience. I've worked on some really exciting projects spanning aerospace, automotive, and deep tech—designing everything from flying cars to portable nuclear energy. I believe in a holistic-first mindset and combining deep CAD skills with physical fabrication to create innovative, pragmatic solutions that startups love. I love the challenge that comes with high-stakes projects and thrive in cross-disciplinary environments where I lead teams and mentor others. Whether it's reducing development cycles or mentoring junior designers, I approach each project with energy and dedication. Working 60-hour weeks feels like my 40-hour weeks—because I'm passionate about what I do!

Shane Rienks

Designer, Product Designer, UX Designer, +4

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Hi, I'm Shane Rienks, a self-motivated and largely self-taught industrial designer with 8 years of hands-on experience. I've worked on some really exciting projects spanning aerospace, automotive, and deep tech—designing everything from flying cars to portable nuclear energy. I believe in a holistic-first mindset and combining deep CAD skills with physical fabrication to create innovative, pragmatic solutions that startups love. I love the challenge that comes with high-stakes projects and thrive in cross-disciplinary environments where I lead teams and mentor others. Whether it's reducing development cycles or mentoring junior designers, I approach each project with energy and dedication. Working 60-hour weeks feels like my 40-hour weeks—because I'm passionate about what I do!…Hi, I'm Shane Rienks, a self-motivated and largely self-taught industrial designer with 8 years of hands-on experience. I've worked on some really exciting projects spanning aerospace, automotive, and deep tech—designing everything from flying cars to portable nuclear energy. I believe in a holistic-first mindset and combining deep CAD skills with physical fabrication to create innovative, pragmatic solutions that startups love. I love the challenge that comes with high-stakes projects and thrive in cross-disciplinary environments where I lead teams and mentor others. Whether it's reducing development cycles or mentoring junior designers, I approach each project with energy and dedication. Working 60-hour weeks feels like my 40-hour weeks—because I'm passionate about what I do!

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Shane Rienks, a self-motivated and largely self-taught industrial designer with 8 years of hands-on experience. I’ve worked on some really exciting projects spanning aerospace, automotive, and deep tech—designing everything from flying cars to portable nuclear energy. I believe in a holistic-first mindset and combining deep CAD skills with physical fabrication to create innovative, pragmatic solutions that startups love.

I love the challenge that comes with high-stakes projects and thrive in cross-disciplinary environments where I lead teams and mentor others. Whether it’s reducing development cycles or mentoring junior designers, I approach each project with energy and dedication. Working 60-hour weeks feels like my 40-hour weeks—because I’m passionate about what I do!

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Industrial Designer at EDGE_design

July 1, 2020 - Present

Transitioned a freelance gig into a full-time standalone design consultancy. Led design for several deep-tech products spanning manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and automotive sectors. Integrated concept design, VR, CAD, rapid fabrication, and supplier sourcing to significantly reduce development cycles. Leveraged cross-disciplinary background to deliver holistic solutions at approximately 50% of typical cost and time. Mentored junior designers and interns before relocating from Chicago to Atlanta.

Lead Designer at LEO Flight Corporation

May 1, 2025 - July 9, 2025

Led major design aspects of LEO Coupe and LEO Solo vehicles including complete interior designs, human-machine interfaces, and full-scale prototype vehicle design and engineering. Produced VR experiences, renderings, and assets for use by internal teams, investors, and stakeholders. Coordinated global cross-disciplinary teams involving engineering, manufacturing, software, and marketing departments. Applied hands-on multidisciplinary skills to deliver full-scale functional prototypes quickly, reducing development cycles and costs in a lean startup environment.

Design and Prototyping at Fiber Forged Composites, LLC

July 1, 2020 - July 9, 2025

First full-time employee, responsible for establishing the in-house design and prototyping department. Led CNC and 3D print workflows alongside manual prototyping efforts. Developed tooling and molds for low-volume bodywork. Used cross-disciplinary skills to deliver design, CAD, engineering, prototyping, and finishing work that elevated company capabilities until specialized staff were hired after departure.

Metal Fabricator at ZRodz and Customs, LLC

July 1, 2020 - July 9, 2025

Fabricated custom high-end vehicles valued at over $750k for shows like SEMA, Autorama, and Concours. Specialized in traditional metal shaping techniques including English wheel, TIG/MIG welding, and Pull-Max alongside CAD design integration.

Design and Fab Apprentice at Randall Rods

April 1, 2018 - July 9, 2025

Supported mechanical, electrical, and body work for mid-level custom hot rods and restomods valued between $100k-$200k. Assisted with mechanical and interior work, developing pragmatic problem-solving skills, hands-on critical thinking, and workplace independence.

Lead Industrial Designer at EDGE_design

July 1, 2020 - Present

Transitioned a freelance job into a thriving design consultancy and standalone studio, establishing a reputation for excellence in high-tech design and execution across diverse industries. Managed clients’ end-to-end design and engineering processes for sophisticated projects, including automotive designs, eVTOLs, human exosuits, and portable nuclear energy solutions. Successfully integrated rebranding efforts to enhance market visibility and expand the client base. Mentored and guided interns, promoting learning and development within the team.

Lead Designer at LEO Flight Corporation

May 1, 2025 - July 9, 2025

Designed and managed multiple projects including the LEO Coupe and LEO Solo vehicles, combining industrial and transportation design principles with hands-on composites and metal fabrication. Created high-quality renderings and animations for promotional use. Utilized state-of-the-art software to produce innovative designs, VR reviews, 3D models, and full-scale prototypes, while managing project budgets and schedules. Collaborated globally with suppliers and partners to ensure project success.

Design and Prototyping at Fiber Forged Composites, LLC

July 1, 2020 - July 9, 2025

Established the in-house design and prototyping department focusing on high-stakes automotive projects over $750k. Executed design and prototyping phases for low-volume production carbon fiber cars using 3D printers, CNC mills, and other manufacturing equipment. Collaborated with engineering and production teams to integrate design objectives with manufacturing processes, enhancing product quality and delivery.

Metal Fabricator at ZRodz and Customs, LLC

July 1, 2020 - July 9, 2025

Specialized in metal shaping techniques for bespoke custom automotive projects for events such as SEMA, Autorama, and Concours. Applied lifelong fabrication skills including TIG/MIG welding, English Wheels, Pull-Max, and hammer/dolly techniques. Engaged in creative problem-solving to overcome complex design challenges and contribute to successful project completions.

Design and Fab Apprentice at Randall Rods

April 1, 2018 - July 9, 2025

Developed foundational skills in custom hot rod design and construction covering mechanical, electrical, interior upholstery, and fabrication aspects. Collaborated on technical drawings and prototype development while learning hands-on skills directly from the business owner, gaining critical thinking, spatial, and problem-solving abilities essential to design practice.

Lead Industrial Designer at EDGE_design

July 1, 2020 - Present

Transitioned a freelance gig into a full-time standalone design consultancy. Led design for several deep-tech products across manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and automotive. Integrated concept design, VR, CAD, rapid fabrication, and supplier sourcing to reduce development cycles. Delivered holistic solutions at approximately 50% cost and time, aligning with startup client expectations. Mentored junior designers and interns before relocating from Chicago to Atlanta, GA.

Lead Designer at LEO Flight Corporation

May 31, 2025 - July 9, 2025

Led major design aspects of LEO Coupe and LEO Solo, including full interior designs, HMIs, and full-scale prototype vehicle design and engineering. Produced VR experiences, renderings, and assets for internal use, websites, investors, and stakeholders. Led and coordinated cross-disciplinary global teams encompassing engineering, manufacturing, software, and marketing. Delivered full-scale functional prototypes quickly, reducing development cycles and costs in a lean startup environment.

Design and Prototyping at Fiber Forged Composites, LLC

July 31, 2020 - July 9, 2025

First full-time FFC employee who established the in-house design and prototyping department. Led CNC/3D print workflows and manual prototyping. Developed tooling and molds for low-volume bodywork. Used cross-disciplinary skills to deliver design, CAD, engineering, prototyping, and finishing work, obviating the need for specialized employees until the company hired after revenue growth.

Metal Fabricator at ZRodz and Customs, LLC

July 31, 2020 - July 9, 2025

Fabricated custom high-end vehicles valued over $750k for events like SEMA, Autorama, and Concours. Specialized in traditional metal shaping techniques such as English wheel, TIG/MIG welding, Pull-Max, complemented by CAD design.

Design and Fab Apprentice at Randall Rods

April 30, 2018 - July 9, 2025

Supported mechanical, electrical, and body work for mid-level custom hot rods and restomods valued between $100-200k. Assisted with mechanical and interior tasks. Developed pragmatic problem-solving, hands-on critical thinking, and workplace independence skills.