Ben Balden

• Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders in end-to-end development of innovative applications projects for robotic systems, contributing to the creation of and ensuring alignment with project goals and requirements. • Utilize SolidWorks CAD and simulation tools to design and analyze mechanical components and assemblies including structural elements, actuators, and interfaces, ensuring performance, packaging, and safety requirements are met. • Create detailed technical drawings for manufacturing, and collaborate with external vendors and partners to source materials, components, and manufacturing services, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. • Integrate mechanical systems with electrical and software systems, working closely with multidisciplinary cross-functional teams to ensure seamless functionality and compatibility. • Provide comprehensive technical support to field service engineers and end-users, including troubleshooting, recommending solutions, and implementing design modifications. • Offer technical assistance to business development and program management teams, contributing to documentation, process improvements, project planning, and technical scoping.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Mastercam programming and gained experience operating CNC machinery, including Haas toolroom mill, VF1, VF2, Haas toolroom lathe, and Bridgeport EZ-Path lathe. • Gained skills in manual machine tool operation and fixture design, including custom tooling and replacement part design. • Acquired experience in production planning, quoting, inventory management, and quality control, utilizing precision measuring tools. • Collaborated closely with teammates and supervisors to solve complex problems and developed innovative solutions to meet customer requirements. • Proactively sought out learning opportunities to enhance efficiency and problem-solving skills, continuously improving work processes and outcomes.

• Orchestrated and guided mechanical projects, including enhancements to a custom 6-DOF robot arm and the development of a soil sample collection and experimentation system, showcasing adept leadership and technical expertise. • Directed the design process, delegating responsibilities to project leads and ensuring alignment with project objectives and technical specifications. • Established comprehensive technical design standards tailored to available resources, fostering efficiency and innovation within the team. • Conducted thorough design reviews, setting and monitoring progress against design and budgetary targets to optimize project outcomes and resource allocation. • Effectively managed a diverse team of 20 members, utilizing project management tools such as Asana and Microsoft Project to facilitate collaboration, track progress, and ensure timely project delivery.

• Co-founded SILIPRIN, Inc. alongside esteemed colleagues and our research lab supervisor, demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative and a commitment to innovation. • Spearheaded the ambitious development of the company's inaugural product, a pioneering silicone 3D printer, navigating significant challenges with limited resources and budgetary constraints. • Engaged in rigorous testing and iteration processes to refine the product design, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of setbacks. • Despite encountering obstacles that ultimately led to the project's discontinuation, the experience provided invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship, collaboration, and product development. • Leveraged the insights gained from SILIPRIN, Inc. to inform future endeavors, demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and growth in the face of adversity.

• Designed and constructed a prototype silicone 3D printer aimed at additive manufacturing of soft robotic actuators, resulting in a remarkable reduction of actuator production time and cost by over 50%. • Executed scientific experiments to analyze mass flow rate and pressure characteristics of high viscosity fluid flows, contributing valuable insights to ongoing research efforts. • Integrated electrical and mechanical systems to enable cost-efficient closed-loop control, enhancing precision and performance in experimental setups. • Supervised and coordinated a team of volunteer researchers, ensuring project goals were met on time and within budgetary constraints. • Demonstrated versatility and proficiency in multidisciplinary research methodologies, contributing to advancements in the field of engineering.

• Directed the design and manufacturing efforts for a novel rocker/bogie suspension system implemented on the team's 2019 Mars rover, showcasing leadership and technical proficiency. • Successfully met project objectives within strict design constraints, prioritizing weight reduction, increased reliability, and serviceability while ensuring compliance with specified load requirements. • Utilized advanced SolidWorks skills to create complex models and assemblies, facilitating precise design iterations and optimization. • Conducted comprehensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks Simulation, ensuring structural integrity and performance under varying load conditions. • Demonstrated effective file management practices using SolidWorks and GrabCAD, ensuring seamless collaboration and version control within the project team.

• Planned and led 4 weeks of Lego robotics summer camps at Catlin Gabel School, serving as lead instructor for 2 weeks and assistant instructor for 2 weeks. • Taught groups of 10-15 middle school students basic engineering principles using Lego EV3, emphasizing teamwork and cooperation in building a Rube Goldberg machine. • Supervised and facilitated students' projects, which involved integrating sensors and motors to create a collaborative sequence. • Served as a chaperone for Catlin Gabel's Sauvie Island Farm Camp for a week, ensuring the safety and well-being of camp participants while fostering a positive and inclusive environment. • Demonstrated real-world engineering problem-solving through collaborative teaching and mentoring, promoting STEM education and teamwork among students.

• Joined the Baja SAE team as a freshman and assumed the role of suspension tech lead in sophomore year following team leadership restructuring. • Collaborated closely with senior team members on their capstone projects, gaining practical experience in suspension design and vehicle dynamics. • Managed and mentored senior team members, developing valuable leadership and project management skills. • Acquired advanced engineering knowledge and skills outside the traditional classroom environment, accelerating learning curve. • Contributed to the team's success by applying theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering challenges, preparing for future academic and professional endeavors.

• Planned and conducted 4 weeks of Lego robotics summer camps, leading instruction for groups of 10-15 middle school students. • Taught fundamental engineering principles using Lego EV3, focusing on collaborative problem-solving and teamwork. • Guided students in constructing a Rube Goldberg machine, integrating sensors and motors to create sequential stages. • Facilitated an immersive learning environment, fostering teamwork and cooperation among students. • Demonstrated real-world engineering concepts through hands-on projects, inspiring students to apply STEM skills creatively.

• Collaborated with team members to design, build, and program a competitive robot within strict time constraints, adhering to FRC rules and regulations. • Assumed various roles within the team, including mechanical design, electrical wiring, programming, and strategy development, fostering a multidisciplinary skill set. • Participated in regional and district competitions, applying problem-solving skills and adapting strategies in dynamic and high-pressure environments. • Engaged in community outreach initiatives, promoting STEM education and inspiring future generations through demonstrations and workshops. • Developed teamwork, communication, and leadership skills through collaboration with mentors, peers, and industry professionals, contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture.