Generational Crossroads
Hi Everyone,
Raytheon appealed to the rank and file to cultivate critical systems engineering skills by influencing college curricula.
See attachment for comparison of typical STEM education to Systems Engineering training. Active
Meanwhile, here are some articles to share with students about Raytheon's role in the recent Top Gun Movie.
A starring moment for the F/A-18
It's an awesome multirole aircraft, one former pilot said.
Raytheon Wins $325 Million to Repair US Navy ATFLIR Pods
Raytheon Wins $325 Million to Repair US Navy ATFLIR Pods
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, McKinney, Texas, is awarded $325,000,000 for a firm-fixed-price contract for...
Please consider adding radio science, model-based engineering (MBE), and coding to your curricula.
Solar Solutions -
Providing unique, energy-efficient products for renewable energy.
I want you to see a summary of the skills needed for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) so that you can explain it to professors and students.
There are light beam pulses (microwaves) that are pointed at the ground out of the side of an airplane. The plane receives backscatter reflections of these light beam pulses. SAR uses this information to form a map of the territory being scanned.
Theory of Synthetic Aperture Radar
The skill set requires some analytical geometry, physics of light, physics of motion, synchronized timing of electronic signals, signal processing, image processing, etc.
We can use many features of laserpositioningsystem.com project as a precursor for SAR training because it uses a laser distance meter to point at the landscape to form a map of the local geometry.
This is what can be done in a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) with some engineers of the trade.
Please share with this professors that will join our discussion.
Please Contact me to have discussion on Systems Engineering Cultivation
I compare typical STEM training to Systems Engineering training below in a chart. We should discuss the contrasts.
Discussion excerpts:
Comparing Systems Engineering Training to STEM Training
It has been nearly a year since I started working at Raytheon. I am working on both optical pods and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. The optical pods are what was featured on the F/A-18 Super Hornet in the latest Top Gun movie.
There are three reasons I am contacting you about some generational crossroads occurring at Raytheon:
- Raytheon management,
- As a consequence, I developed a PPT that outlines a plan to cultivate the radio sciences, model-based engineering, and coding skills
a. PPT is entitled "Cultivating Systems Engineering Skills for the Future.PPT"
b. I developed a blog to describe engineering and entrepreneurship: Laser Positioning System | Measurement in 3 dimensions for real-time and repetitive robot control.
c. I reference the blog to provide tangible examples of engineering and entrepreneurship
d. I defined a "Lab before Lecture Approach" where professionals develop kits to assist instructors to introduce technology to the classroom with a goal to guide students to the industry. e. The blog demonstrates technology without compromising company classified information
f. I am suggesting the formation of a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) as training grounds for cultivating Systems engineers at Raytheon - I shared this PPT with some peers here in Raytheon who have similar convictions.
Best,
Jerry
System Synthesis Using Computer Models.pdf
Our assignment is to cultivate critical skills needed for Raytheon’s future by influencing college curriculums.
I am highlighting some critical skills needed for Raytheon’s future, and I am suggesting some ways to achieve them. I compare the skills developed in a typical STEM education vs. an improved proposed approach using Systems Engineering for Civilian Applications (SECA).
Synthesis of a preliminary design is done with a computer model.
Here are some quotes from Systems Engineering Specifications:
(Mil Std 499A Para 10.2.4) Synthesis.
” Sufficient preliminary design shall be accomplished to confirm and assure completeness of the performance and design requirements allocated for detail design. The performance, configuration, and arrangement of a chosen system and its elements and the technique for their test, support, and operation shall be portrayed in a suitable form such as a set of schematic diagrams, physical and mathematical models, computer simulations, layouts, detailed drawings, and similar engineering graphics.
(EIA-632)
Requirement 5—Technical Effort Definition
The developer shall define a technical effort that is in accordance with the process implementation strategy.
Typical STEM education stops short of using this important skill set.
Comparing SECA* to STEM Training Methods
| PURPOSE | PLAN | PREPARATION | PRACTICE | PROGRESS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SECA* | Solves Societal Issues(National Science Foundation, NSF) | Examples:Real-time Robot controlRenewable Energy | DFMACOTS preferredo Low costo Time to marketo QualitySpecification development | Methodology well definedo Milestones/Taskso GANTT charts/o Balance cost, schedule, qualityo Revolving Action Item list(RAIL)Design Trade Study of optionsDesign Synthesis: Computer Modelo JPL SynthesisExampleo Real - time robot Synthesis Example | Verify solution meets societal need(NSF) |
| STEM | Competitions to encourage skillsExamples:FIRST Robotics CompetitionsDARPA Robotics Challenge | Competition goals and rulesLimited to Competition ScopeSiloed backgrounds | Methodology not well defined | Schedule driven decisionsAction ItemsNo synthesis using computer models | Test to competition goals and rules |
Subject: Roadmap Charts for SECA vs STEM Training Methods
Lunch and Learn Title: Using Systems Engineering in Civilian Applications (SECA)
Purpose: Cultivating the next generation of leaders in systems engineering
Approach:
- Use Five P’s of Progress phases in a “road map” to contrast typical STEM education/Makerspace (top down/3D printed/ custom made) with SECA/DFMA approach (bottom up/use of pre-existing/standard parts).
- Offer tangible example how industry can inform/train students of skills needed for the future
a. Introduction of Networked Improvement Community (NIC) from Carnegie Foundation
b. Use SECA approach in schools to train Junior engineers at Raytheon as volunteer leaders in pedestrian projects - Use renewable energy project to demonstrate tangible benefits of SECA vs STEM/Makerspace approach in education.