I love making cools things that change the world. My work spans a wide spectrum of robotics, mechanical analysis and design, from space helicopters and lunar rovers to biosensors.
I have had over 20 years of experience in NASA, industry and academia creating cutting-edge electromechanical systems. I can generate innovative designs and insightful analysis, geared toward solving the most difficult technical challenges.
For me, engineering is creation. On July 4, 1997, I witnessed a creation of mine land on the surface of Mars. From the campus of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I watched as the anthropomorphic arm mounted on the back of the Sojourner rover extended and lowered a cup-like sensor to the ground, its conforming wrist aligning the sensor rim to the contour of the surface. Later, I was exhilarated to learn that the arm I created successfully placed the sensor on 15 rock and soil locations during Sojourner's months-long mission. After years of analysis, hardware development, and testing, I had the satisfaction to know that my hardware did its job.
I have been fortunate, through choice and good luck, to work on projects that promise to make a difference. While at Carnegie Mellon, I was a major player on research teams for lunar rover and asteroid exploration. I also created and managed the Solar Blade Solar Sail project, developing a helicopter-like solar sail for space travel. At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I was a cognizant engineer for an antenna deployment system, a venting and dynamics analyst, and a member of the Galileo antenna anomaly tiger team. Recently, in parallel with my solar sail research, I conducted design and analysis for a space-bound single board computer/H frame assembly, using SolidWorks and NASTRAN. With a broad background, I can tackle a wide array of engineering tasks.
I have a Robotics PhD from CMU and degrees from MIT and the University of Utah. I am a registered PE in CA and UT. Past employers include NASA's JPL, CMU, Redzone Robotics, Sarcos Engineering, and Red Canyon Engineering and Software.
I have my own seat of Solidworks/NASTRAN. My resume is at richardblomquist.com
Work Terms
My typical work hours are flexible between Monday and Friday, and can be tailored to meet the needs of the client. At the beginning of the contract, I prefer that the agreed-upon statement of work also include a payment schedule, based on milestones. Communication between me and the client can occur via phone or email.
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