HOBOKEN , N.J. – Dr. Wiley Larson, Director of the Space Systems Engineering Program at Stevens Institute of Technology's School of Systems and Enterprises, recently co-authored the paper, "The Art and Science of Systems Engineering." Written with NASA Chief Engineer Michael Ryschkewitsch and Systems Engineering Manager Dawn Schaible, the paper aims to provide a clear definition of the highly effective behavioral characteristics of the best systems engineers at NASA.
By documenting the capabilities that a systems engineer needs at NASA at each performance level, the authors sought to create a way to help develop and identify the future systems engineers of the field. Based on a survey of 21 senior systems engineers at NASA regarding desired behavioral characteristics and capabilities of space systems engineers, the paper (excerpted below) describes the behavioral characteristics in some detail and provides examples. It also provides a fully vetted and accepted list of capabilities required of space systems engineers, and describes seven key concepts that require finesse on the part of the space systems engineer. One example includes the balanced designs that apply the concept of "equal sweat" across interfaces, or finding and omitting gaps and overlaps. By summarizing the collective wisdom of some of NASA's best technical minds on the subject, including Michael Bay, Bill Gerstenmaier, Jack Knight, Ken Ledbetter, Gentry Lee, Michael Menzel, Brian Muirhead, John Muratore, Bob Ryan, Chris Scolese and Chris Williams, among many, the authors have provided an invaluable resource for developing systems engineering talent.
"Systems engineering at NASA, and throughout the aerospace industry is an art and a science, so anyone with the title systems engineer must be able to handle both technical leadership and systems management. In fact, both are critical to maintaining technical integrity throughout the development and operation of space systems. We place high value on technically competent systems engineers with diverse technical skills who are highly effective in leading teams and managing systems," the paper explains.
The authors go on to state, "We discussed the personal characteristics of many of NASA's best systems engineers to help aspiring systems engineers better understand the nature of the profession and what is expected of them. We also described selected aspects of designing aerospace systems to demonstrate the importance of the architecture, design and concept of operations to project success. We believe good systems engineers must understand and embrace the tenets of robust design and be able to participate in designing aerospace missions and systems."
For more information on this initiative, please contact Dr. Wiley Larson at wiley.larson@stevens.edu or go to www.stevens.edu/space to review the article in its entirety.
SSE is also launching the Space Systems Engineering Webinar Series, with the first Webinar hosted by Dr. Jerry Sellers, on "Understanding Orbits: The System Context for All Space Missions," (www.stevens.edu/space) on Monday, March 16, at noon EST, with an additional session added on March 18, at 1 p.m., due to the tremendous response. Participants must RSVP to sse@stevens.edu to participate online via Webex.
To learn more about the Space Systems Engineering Program at SSE, go to www.stevens.edu/space.
For more information, please contact: Beth DeFares, Director of Outreach and Communications, Babbio Center, Room 517; (201) 216-5362; Fax: (201) 216.5080; bdefares@stevens.edu.
About the School of Systems and Enterprises at Stevens Institute of Technology
The School of Systems and Enterprises (SSE) is the largest provider of Systems Engineering education and research to the U.S. federal government and defense-related industries worldwide. Utilizing an Open Academic Model, the School emphasizes global partnerships with industry, government, and academia, to provide highly relevant and rigorous degree programs. The SSE brings together faculty who are industry experts and practitioners, researchers, and academics, with students who are committed to learning, in a dynamic, diverse and engaged community.
About Stevens Institute of Technology
Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the leading technological universities in the world dedicated to learning and research. Through its broad-based curricula, nurturing of creative inventiveness, and cross disciplinary research, the Institute is at the forefront of global challenges in engineering, science, and technology management. Partnerships and collaboration between, and among, business, industry, government and other universities contribute to the enriched environment of the Institute. A new model for technology commercialization in academe, known as Technogenesis®, involves external partners in launching business enterprises to create broad opportunities and shared value.
Stevens offers baccalaureates, master's and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computer science and management, in addition to a baccalaureate degree in the humanities and liberal arts, and in business and technology. The university has a total enrollment of 2,150 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students, with about 250 full-time faculty. Stevens' graduate programs have attracted international participation from China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. Additional information may be obtained from its web page at www.stevens.edu.
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