Ryan Blackwood
About Ryan Blackwood
Ryan Blackwood is an Equipment Manager at LAIKA, LLC, with a background in engineering and a history of service in the US Army. He founded A3D Technologies and has diverse interests in travel, architecture, and technology.
Work at LAIKA
Ryan Blackwood has been serving as the Equipment Manager at LAIKA, LLC since 2017. In this role, he oversees the maintenance and operation of equipment essential for the production of animated films. His responsibilities include ensuring that all machinery is functioning optimally, which is crucial for the studio's creative processes. LAIKA is known for its innovative stop-motion animation techniques, and Ryan's expertise contributes to the studio's ability to produce high-quality animated features.
Military Background
Before his career in the private sector, Ryan Blackwood served in the US Army as an Automated Test System Operator Maintainer from 2004 to 2007. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he gained valuable experience in equipment maintenance and operational support. This role provided him with a solid foundation in technical skills and problem-solving, which he has applied throughout his subsequent career.
Education and Expertise
Ryan Blackwood has a diverse educational background. He studied Electrical Engineering at Portland State University and attended El Camino College, where he focused on Architecture and Business from 2010 to 2014. His education has equipped him with a broad skill set that includes technical knowledge in engineering and insights into design and business practices. Additionally, he has taken classes in various subjects, enhancing his versatility in multiple fields.
Previous Experience at Lockheed Martin
Ryan Blackwood worked at Lockheed Martin in two distinct roles. He served as a Test Engineer from 2013 to 2014 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and later as a Flight Test Control Engineer from 2014 to 2015 at Patuxent River NAS, Lexington Park, Maryland. In these positions, he contributed to the testing and evaluation of advanced aerospace systems, gaining experience in high-stakes engineering environments.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ryan Blackwood founded A3D Technologies, a company dedicated to designing and manufacturing large format 3D printers. This venture reflects his commitment to innovation in manufacturing and product design. Through A3D Technologies, he actively seeks new team members, investors, and collaborators, aiming to advance projects in the 3D printing industry.