STEM Systems Engineering Technology: Closing the MBSE Modeling Gap through Community Colleges
Abstract
Approved for Public ReleaseSystems Engineering Technology: Closing the MBSE Modeling Gap through Community CollegesSystems Engineering is the manner by which a complex engineered system is effectively managed throughout the project life-cycle. Model-Based SystemsEngineering (MBSE) is a digital subset of systems engineering that provides significantly better efficiency, improves quality, and shortens the development life-cycle. MBSE exchanges the myriad of documents used to describe the system with an authoritative sourceof truth digital model. While the demand for MBSE savvy practitioners grows, universities have been unable to supply enough engineers skilled in MBSE techniques. In fact, few university-level Systems Engineering degrees include MBSE as part of the curriculum. IDEA has developed and is currently providing a Systems Engineering Technology (SET) degree at Calhoun Community College in Huntsville,Alabama with plans to deploy across the nation. The SET concept is based onthe Computer Aided Design technician degree that began in the 1980#s. Our objective is to create a new skill set in digital engineering and manufacturing methods and processes through the creation and deployment of the SET Associate of Applied Science degree. SET was specifically created for community college students to become proficient in the MBSE Systems Modeling Language using popular modeling software tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler.The lack of a sufficient digital engineering workforce is severely limiting the US industrial effort to incorporate Industry 4.0 and the US Navy is no exception. The creation of rapidly deployed technical specialists through the SET project will introduce this new skill set to the marine industrial sector to incorporate the digital engineering transformation more quickly. In addition, a new, accessible career pathway to bring the community college student directly into high technology, high-paying careers will aid not only the students but the overall US economy. SET provides a new career pathway for promising students often underrepresented in STEM fields who may feel inadequately prepared for a career in engineering due to limited resources, need or desire to remain local, or fear of advanced math and science gateway courses. Through outreach into high schools describing the opportunities afforded by this innovative STEM career, SET can illustrate a comprehensive work/earn/learn program that appeals to these underrepresented students just beyond the target population for university recruiting.Through this initiative, five student cohorts will begin their new navy careers as systems modelers in the expanding discipline of digital engineering. Beginning with community colleges near Alabama/Mississippi Gulf Coast marine engineering communities, IDEA will deploy six custom courses designed to integrate with existing computer curricula as a concentration in systems engineering technology. By partnering with the US Navy STEM initiatives, IDEA can engage the marine engineering sector more credibly and create a pathfinder to test the demand for systems modeling practitioners. As the pathfinder matures on the Gulf Coast, industry and government affiliates in the Northeastern US marine engineering communities can build upon the expected success of their colleagues in the south. The SET curriculum is scalable and may be deployed in full to other willing academic institutions with ongoing support provided by IDEA. SET is preparing a new generation of students who may otherwise be underrepresented in STEM fields to employ digital engineering techniques to more effectively and efficiently maintain our nation#s defensive superiority.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412150
Entities
People
- Christopher Crumbly
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy