From designing carbon fiber bicycle frames to developing cutting-edge robotics solutions, Thomas Goossens thrives on turning creative ideas into tangible results. As a mechanical designer and on-site consultant, Thomas brings a unique mix of engineering expertise, problem-solving skills, and a passion for collaboration to every project. In this testimonial, Thomas shares his journey—from his early fascination with engineering to his diverse industry experiences—and reveals what drives his love for design, innovation, and the dynamic challenges of consulting.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into engineering?
“I grew up in Leuven, surrounded by an environment that encouraged curiosity and creativity. My father, a civil engineer, often worked on projects in the garage, and I was fascinated by the process of fixing and creating things. From a young age, I’d join him, opening up broken items to see how they worked. That curiosity eventually evolved into a passion for design and engineering, especially when paired with my love for building LEGO creations. It’s safe to say that engineering is a mix of DNA and passion for me.
I studied industrial engineering with a focus on electromechanics at KULeuven. Afterward, I joined the Formula Electric Belgium team for a one-year postgraduate program. It was a collaborative effort to design, build, and compete with an electric car in Formula Student competitions across Europe. It was a unique and challenging experience, especially during the pandemic, but it taught me a lot about teamwork, external communication, and creative engineering.”
What was your first professional experience as an on-site consultant?
“My first project with Verhaert On-site Consulting was at Rein4ced, where I joined the mechanical design team. We were designing high-end carbon fiber bicycle frames, a highly technical and creative process. My role was to work on the frame geometry, modeling the parts and tooling required for manufacturing, all using Siemens NX. What made this project special was the design freedom. It allowed me to think outside the box and develop unique solutions for such a specialized product. Collaborating with suppliers was another highlight, as their insights often fed directly into my designs, making them more efficient and manufacturable. It was a rewarding experience where I learned a lot about iterative design and incorporating feedback effectively.”
What about your second project? How was it different?
“After a year and a half at Rein4ced, I moved on to MOVU Robotics, where I joined the R&D team designing automated storage solutions for logistics. My focus shifted to working on shuttle systems for warehouse automation, a completely different domain from bicycle frames. One of the most exciting aspects of consultancy is the variety it offers. At MOVU, I experienced not only a new product type but also a different company structure. MOVU is much larger, with around 300 employees compared to Rein4ced’s 40. This meant a more structured environment, but also new challenges in communication and coordination.”
“Technically, the shuttle design involved working in tighter design spaces with moving parts, which required a different approach to problem-solving. Again, the collaborative aspect stood out. While I had less direct contact with suppliers compared to Rein4ced, I still worked closely with manufacturers for technical input on complex components.”
How have your experiences shaped you as a mechanical designer?
“Each project has been unique, but they’ve all contributed to my growth as a designer. At Rein4ced, the freedom to experiment and test ideas gave me confidence in my capabilities. Seeing a design come to life and actually work was incredibly rewarding.
At MOVU, I applied what I’d learned about manufacturability and design limitations in a new context. I’ve become more adept at considering the entire design-to-production process early on, which helps streamline development. Beyond technical skills, I’ve developed my soft skills such as working in teams, communicating ideas effectively, and understanding the needs of customers and suppliers. These are just as important as the technical aspects of the job, and they’re things you can only refine through real-world experience.”
What do you think sets you apart as a mechanical designer?
“I have a strong ability to approach problems critically and think creatively. I’m skilled at quickly understanding a problem, defining requirements, and translating them into functional designs. I always try to keep the bigger picture in mind, balancing creativity with practical considerations like manufacturability and production limitations. I’m also a team player. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can bounce ideas off colleagues, learn from their perspectives, and refine solutions together. I believe that teamwork is essential for achieving the best results.”
What motivates you to go to work every day?
“For me, it’s all about solving problems and creating solutions. I love the iterative process of designing something, testing it, and refining it until it works perfectly. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the tangible results of your work. Another big motivator is the team dynamic. Having supportive colleagues to share ideas with and a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a chat makes a big difference.”
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
“It’s hard to pick one, but I’m particularly proud of my work on the Movu Escala shuttle. Designing a complex machine within a highly constrained space was a significant technical challenge, and seeing it come together successfully was very rewarding.
At Rein4ced, I also had the opportunity to tackle unique challenges in bicycle frame designs. Both projects pushed me to grow as a designer and think innovative to overcome obstacles.”
What do you enjoy most about being an on-site consultant?
“The variety, hands down. Consultancy gives me the chance to work on different products, in diverse industries, and with various team dynamics. Every project is a new opportunity to learn and grow, whether it’s adapting to a new company structure or tackling a complex technical challenge.”
What kind of project are you looking forward to next?
“I’m excited to take on a project where I can continue to grow both technically and personally. I enjoy working on innovative products that require an original problem-solving approach, especially in collaborative team settings. Whether it’s designing something from scratch or improving an existing system, I’m eager to bring my skills and passion to the table.”
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