Stay current on the latest from America Makes.*
*Submission is for announcements only and does not include the bi-weekly members-only newsletter, AM Digest.
Chart of digital skills for digital engineering in the high-skill workforce.
Problem
Aerospace technology problems such as high-velocity systems are complex, and solutions to these issues need innovation driven by diversity. The aging Aerospace and Defense (A&D) workforce and the lack of supply of fresh domestic talents now critically endanger workforce sustainability. Nearly 27,000 positions are currently open in A&D areas, and demand for security-sensitive, position-qualified aerospace professionals is continuously rising as legacy prime contractors and new commercial space exploration companies are competing for the same talent pool.
Objective
The purpose of the project is to meet the goals of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) digital engineering strategy which are to 1) formalize the development, integration, and use of models to inform enterprise and program decision-making; 2) provide an enduring, authoritative source of truth; 3) incorporate technological innovation to improve the engineering practice; 4) establish a supporting infrastructure and environments to perform activities, collaborate, and communicate across stakeholders; and 5) transform the culture and workforce to adopt and support digital engineering across the life cycle.
Technical Approach
The project effort is supported by the Aerospace and Defense Associate Degree Program of Western Tech (2-year technical college), El Paso Community School Program, Workforce Solutions Borderplex, El Paso Chamber of Commerce, and Youngstown Business Incubator to provide a comprehensive ecosystem for the design center. Western Tech is training 20 minority and veteran A&D technicians during the project period. As part of project outreach activities, El Paso Community School Program is reaching out to 200 participants in grades 9-12. The proposed Digital Engineering Aerospace and Defense Systems Design Center (DEDC) in El Paso and in Youngstown, modeled after the aerospace industry design environment, is providing an 18-month-long industry-immersive authentic design experience to undergraduate and graduate engineering students.
Project Participants
Project Principal
Other Project Participants
- Western Tech
- El Paso Community School Program
- Workforce Solutions Borderplex
- El Paso Chamber of Commerce
- Youngstown Business Incubator
Public Participants
- U.S. Department of Defense
