Technician Career Development Program

[TCDP Overview]  [TCDP Current Programs]

Policy

It is the policy of the NASA Langley Research Center to provide a level of employee development and training necessary to meet the Center's research mission.

Purpose

The Aerodynamics, Aerothermodynamics, and Acoustics Competency (AAAC) conducted a comprehensive analysis of its workforce and determined skill gaps exist in the technician workforce in the areas of instrumentation, systems and controls, and advanced measurement and test techniques. To address this issue, AAAC sanctioned a pilot training program to provide technicians with an opportunity to enhance their current knowledge and ability and to develop potential skills to meet the changing work requirements. The purpose of this developmental program is to: Provide technicians with an opportunity to enhance their technical skills so that they can carry out selected functions and responsibilities to assume some of the roles currently held by researchers, instrumentation engineers and test engineers. Bridge knowledge gap that currently exists. Enhance career opportunities for technicians. Improve the quality of work life for technicians and engineers. The purpose is consistent with the goals of the Wind Tunnel University. The current targeted functions for development include Facility Instrumentation, Optical Instrumentation & Measurement Integration, and Systems Controls. Other Functions will be added as needed to fulfill the Center's mission.

Program Goal

The goal of the Technician Career Development Program (TCDP) is to create more satisfying and rewarding work opportunities for both the technician and test engineering workforce while meeting the changing technical needs of Langley Research Center. This goal will be accomplished when the following evidences of success are achieved. Trained technicians in every major facility and complex that can autonomously conduct tests in support of research programs. Facility staff fully capable of operating and maintaining all of their facility and model instrumentation systems. A core group of facility technicians possessing a level of working expertise in a specialized test technique and are able to identify, procure, configure, operate and maintain the advanced instrumentation systems. In addition with the accomplishment of the above three goals it is expected that: Instrumentation and DAS engineers will perform 90 percent development of advanced test techniques. At least 50 percent of the test engineers have a significant responsibility for research activities. The Technician Career Development Program is not currently accepting applications. For details the TCDP program, please visit the Overview Section, or for details on the TCDP classes themselves, please visit the Current Programs Section