Ryan Sass

I am a lead mechatronic, robotics, and automation engineer as well as a Certified SolidWorks Expert with over 15 years of professional experience. My background includes designing and deploying robotics and automated machinery, development of autonomous UAV and AGV systems, and team leadership and sales.  I am knowledgeable in systems development, mechanical design, fabrication, CAD modeling, DFx, structural analysis, electronic design, software development, hardware and software automation, project management, and sales.

 

I am passionate about leading engineering teams to develop interdisciplinary engineering solutions in a hands-on environment and am looking to continue creating system-level solutions and successfully leading project teams.

Portfolio

Linear Actuator GUI

Linear Actuator GUI

Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Automated Book Scanning Robot

Automated Book Scanning Robot

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
MQTT ChatBot Web Project

MQTT ChatBot Web Project

Software
Autonomous UAV

Autonomous UAV

Electronics, Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
MQTT Client and Remote Switch

MQTT Client and Remote Switch

Electronics, Software
Machine Vision, Software, and Robotic Arms

Machine Vision, Software, and Robotic Arms

Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Machine Vision and Multi-End Effector

Machine Vision and Multi-End Effector

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Circuit Board, Multiplexer

Circuit Board, Multiplexer

Electronics
SolidWorks Design Examples

SolidWorks Design Examples

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics
Control Loop System

Control Loop System

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Software
Power Distribution System

Power Distribution System

Electronics, Software
Autonomous Guided Vehicles

Autonomous Guided Vehicles

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Manufactured Air Motor

Manufactured Air Motor

Mechanical Design
Collaborative Robotic Arms

Collaborative Robotic Arms

Robotics, Software

What Colleagues Have To Say

 

 

 

GET IN TOUCH

Skills Summary

Product Development

Concept, design, DFM, prototyping, analysis, DFMEA, testing, validation, review, manufacturing layout, final assembly, quality, and cost reduction

CAD and Analysis

SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys FEA

Robotics

Robotics

FANUC, KUKA, UR, Rethink Robotics, Epson, Cognex Vision, Motion and trajectory planning, end effector design and integration, safety & compliance, control algorithms, kinematics & dynamics

Systems and Automation

UAV automated control, hardware and software control systems, mechatronics & electro-mechanical systems, PLC programming and control, IIoT

Firmware and Embedded

C++, C#, V+, TwinCAT, Arduino, Galil DMC, SpEL, Ladder Logic

Software Exposure

C, C++, Python, Kotlin, MATLAB, SQL, HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript

Standards

UL, CE, FDA, OSHA, ASME, ISO, NEMA, FAA, IEEE, MILSTD-810, IP-xx

Project Management

MS Project, WBS, SOW, CDRLs, KPIs, charter, schedule, resource management, process improvement, budget management, risk management, Agile/Scrum, strategic planning, cross-function coordination

Client Facing

Active listening, professionalism, clear communication, emotional awareness, critical thinking, negotiation, problem solving, trust building

Electronics

Circuit diagrams, board design, grounding, DC analysis, testing, validation, debugging

Fabrication

Additive mfg, laser cutters, mills, lathes, CNC, soldering, and hand tools

Lithium Battery Design

Mechanical layout, Thermal and runaway mitigation, BMS and safety compliance, system integration

Battery Safety

S9310, SG270, UN/DOT 38.3

 

 

Employment Timeline

2023 - Now
Ripcord, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Systems Engineering and Technical Project Management

2019 - 2023
EaglePicher, Inc.

Senior Application Engineer

Lithium Battery Systems Project Analysis and Proposal Generation

2018 - 2019
EaglePicher, Inc.

Technical Project Manager

Lithium Battery Systems Subcontractor

2017 - 2018
Jabil Circuit, Inc.

Lead Automation Design Engineer

Factory Automation

2016 - 2017
Think Surgical, Inc.

Mechatronics Engineer

Advanced Medical Product Development

2016
Jabil Circuit, Inc.

Automation Engineer

Factory Automation, Contract Employment

2010 – 2016
Qylur Intelligent Systems, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechatronics, Systems, and Assembly Lines

2009 – 2010
Alliant Techsystems, Inc.

Analyst, Mechanical Engineer II

Space Structures and Components

Education

2016
Santa Clara University

M.S. in Robotics and Mechatronics

3.74 Major GPA, 3.80 Cumulative GPA

2009
University of California Santa Barbara

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

3.82 Major GPA, 3.78 Cumulative GPA

Primary Skills

CAD and Analysis Tools

Systems and Automation

Fabrication

Robotics

Battery Design

Firmware and Embedded

Electronics

Soft Skills

Product Development

Project Management

Client Facing

Safety Standards

Software Skills

C++

Python

Kotlin

MATLAB

Resume

All the details

 

EMPLOYMENT


Ripcord, Inc.

A leader in document-to-data conversion using AI software and robotic automation.

5/2023 – 4/2024

Senior Systems Engineer - Hayward, CA, 11 months

  • Led the engineering development and managed a 5-person engineering team for the automated robotic book imaging machine project, managing the entire 7-month design development from prototype to production and successfully deploying two production machines in Japan. 
  • Designed and fabricated numerous mechanical assemblies and countless parts using SolidWorks to support testing, design development, and final design. 
  • Developed and implemented robotic movement code and process flow development, showcasing ability to code in V+ (ACE) for the robotic arm, TwinCAT automation software for PLC-Robot arm interfacing, and Visual Studio for coordination of vision components and motion actuators as well as GUIs

 

EaglePicher, Inc.

A manufacturing leader in battery, energetic, and BMS technologies with solutions for defense, space, aviation, and health.

9/2018 – 1/2023

Senior Application Engineer - Remote, 3 years, 5 months

  • Developed initial battery designs and drawings to convey proposed solutions to individual customer’s needs using extensive expertise in SolidWorks.
  • Proposed and developed diverse battery solutions for customer applications including use in submarine, lasers, directed energy weapons, and aerospace vehicles.
  • Created a proposal pricing estimation tool using advanced Excel skills to improve cost projections and resource timing visibility, resulting in 15% improval of contract bid accuracy for SBU & Application teams.
  • Generated an Excel-based tool to streamline safety testing resulting in higher contract execution efficiency by 10%. 
  • Provided technical design support during customer engagements, including feasibility assessments, cost and resource estimation, and generation of technical write-ups.
  • Applied project management skills to estimate project schedules, assess resource requirements, cost estimations, project feasibility, propose technical solutions including detailed write-ups, and validated alignment with AOP, STRAP, and SBU direction, to prepare ROMs, RFQs, and RFPs to win future business.
  • Gained an in-depth understanding of military, aerospace, and defense customer's needs through direct engagement to define opportunities and customized technology solutions to meet specific customer needs.
  • Attended technical conferences to assess potential customers and competition, providing a view of the industry’s technical direction and future needs. 

Technical Project Manager – Burlingame, CA, 1 year

  • Led the development and implementation of a smart battery system for Lockheed Martin's AOEW project through hands-on management and leadership of a 6-person team from prototype to design validation testing.
  • Developed and executed recovery plans, coordinated with multiple functional groups, and negotiated with the customer to ensure satisfaction and set expectations during operational and development issues as well as during the preparatory phase of NAVSEA S9310-AQ-SAF verification tests.
  • Provided direction and leadership for multi-disciplinary engineering and operational teams to complete project deliverables, maintained customer satisfaction and achieved timely, quality completion of project CDRLs and deliverables, meeting forecasted targets in accordance with customer contracts and specifications, with a strong emphasis on engineering, operations, and management coordination.
  • Documented and tracked compliance with customer requirements and assisted in the development of technical solutions to address identified development gaps.
  • Translated project milestones and KPIs into developed project plans, communicated and collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to provide visibility of the status of project deliverables while managing expectations.
  • Monitored and reported on the financial status of the project.

 

Jabil Circuit, Inc.

A global leader in contract manufacturing innovating automated manufacturing to reduce mass production costs.

9/2017 – 7/2018

Lead Automation Design Engineer, Factory Automation - San Jose, CA

  • Led a five-person design team in the development of 6-axis robotic arm work cells and multi-use end-effectors for automated large-scale production of medical and technology hardware.
  • Utilized conceptual design and validation techniques to create end-effector tooling, fixturing utilizing vacuum and pneumatic grippers, transfer modules, and compliance tooling to support high-volume mass production lines.
  • Wrote embedded and PLC software for assembly line 6-axis robots and PLCs using programming languages such as C#, SpEL, and ladder logic.
  • Worked closely with senior management to align project milestones and KPIs, translating them into detailed project timing plans using MS Project and Visio, and effectively communicating the status of project deliverables while managing stakeholder expectations.
  • Collaborated in the development of a product validation tool using Cognex Vision and C++.
  • Characterized brushless motors and motion controllers for dual-axis manipulation (ASC and Bosch).
  • Validated prototype designs using cutting-edge additive manufacturing, including Poly-jet and ABS.
  • Mentored junior-level engineers in the areas of mechanical and electrical design and drawings.
  • Leveraged extensive experience in SolidWorks to update team best practices for engineering drawings.

 

Think Surgical, Inc.

Developing the next-gen and manufacturing the only active tracking robotic surgical system for orthopedic surgery.

11/2016 – 8/2017

Mechatronics Engineer, Advanced Product Development - Fremont, CA

  • Led the initial development of robotic-arm support assemblies, utilizing advanced mechanical design principles in SolidWorks and expertise in component and motor selection.
  • Defined robotic joint space and end-effector tooling in collaboration with the software development team.
  • Generated detailed drawings and oversaw the fabrication of machined and additive manufactured (CJP) parts.
  • Spearheaded the procurement and establishment of a new prototype, development, and testing lab.

 

Qylur Intelligent Systems, Inc.

A technology and security company developing an automated, multi-user, x-ray baggage scanner.

9/2010 – 8/2016

Mechanical Engineer - Palo Alto, CA

  • Utilized mechanical engineering techniques to design and test prototype test fixtures, develop technical specifications, and generate manufacturing drawings per ASME Y14.5-2009, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs through collaboration with suppliers.
  • Drove mechanical design refinements of autonomous x-ray scanning machines from prototype through beta production. Generated and implemented PLC software for a power distribution network.
  • Managed project timelines, cost schedules, and KPIs, overseeing the integration of multi-tiered software architecture into an automated scanning machine.
  • Characterized, selected, and debugged various components, including servo controllers, stepper motors, power supplies, electrical grounding, X-ray detector arrays, and computer systems.
  • Developed and implemented safety protocols for physical interlocks, service bypasses, and power distribution to meet UL, CE, FDA, NEMA, and OSHA standards and certification.
  • Managed the initial production run for multiple mechanical sub-assembly production lines in Israel, establishing protocols, designing test fixtures, and deploying automated systems at multiple international locations.

 

Alliant Techsystems, Inc.

Now Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, an aerospace and defense contractor.

7/2009 – 6/2010

Analyst, Mechanical Engineer II, Space Structures and Components - Goleta, CA

  • Performed structural FEA and design optimization of deployable aerospace solar arrays using ANSYS.
  • Drove design improvements and ensured compliance with customer specifications and requirements for mechanical components.
  • Delivered technical reports of part and assembly analysis ensuring timely completion of client’s CDRLs.

 

EDUCATION


Santa Clara University

Graduation: 6/2016

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Robotics and Mechatronics

  • 3.74 Major GPA, 3.80 Cumulative GPA
  • Capstone Project: Demonstrate relative automated control of an unmanned aerial vehicle relative to a wall using control loop feedback and differential lidar sensing. Developed hardware and software as an add-on component to a commercial drone and implemented a testing regime to demonstrate operability.
  • TA Duties: Assisted instruction in courses including Graphical Communication, Machine Design, Finite Element Theory, Vibrations, and Control.
  • Awarded SCU Teacher’s Assistant of the Year (2016) based on nominations from students and faculty.

 

University of California, Santa Barbara

Graduation: 6/2009

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

  • 3.82 Major GPA, 3.78 Cumulative GPA
  • Graduated with High Honors
  • Experience: Senior Capstone Project Team Leader, winning “Most Innovative Project 2009”, extensive autonomous robotic design and implementation experience.
  • Societies and Clubs: Tau Beta Pi: Vice President for 08/09 year, ASME: Activities Co-Chair and Senior Representative for 08/09 year.
  • Documented very high aptitudes: generating a rapid flow of ideas (80th percentile), inductive reasoning – from the particular to the general – (95th), analytical reasoning (80th), structural visualization (99th), and ability to remember designs (99th).

 

 

 

My Portfolio

Examples of Projects I've worked on
Linear Actuator GUI

Linear Actuator GUI

Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Automated Book Scanning Robot

Automated Book Scanning Robot

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
MQTT ChatBot Web Project

MQTT ChatBot Web Project

Software
Autonomous UAV

Autonomous UAV

Electronics, Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
MQTT Client and Remote Switch

MQTT Client and Remote Switch

Electronics, Software
Machine Vision, Software, and Robotic Arms

Machine Vision, Software, and Robotic Arms

Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Machine Vision and Multi-End Effector

Machine Vision and Multi-End Effector

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Circuit Board, Multiplexer

Circuit Board, Multiplexer

Electronics
SolidWorks Design Examples

SolidWorks Design Examples

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics
Control Loop System

Control Loop System

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Software
Power Distribution System

Power Distribution System

Electronics, Software
Autonomous Guided Vehicles

Autonomous Guided Vehicles

Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software
Manufactured Air Motor

Manufactured Air Motor

Mechanical Design
Collaborative Robotic Arms

Collaborative Robotic Arms

Robotics, Software

 

 

Certifications, Ratings, and Accomplishments

 

 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

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Validate Any SolidWorks Certificate Here

 

 

RATINGS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

HONORS