Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
The Pneumatic Engineering Technician A.A.S. degree program prepares individuals to perform high level research and design work utilized in the fluid power industry. Emphasis is placed on pneumatic system design, test and evaluation, problem-solving, business communications, system integration, computer-aided circuit construction and programmable logic controls. Pneumatic Engineering Technicians design, modify and specify motion controls for today's high-speed production equipment. The program will focus on improving pneumatic system efficiency through the integration of technology (pneumatics, PLC's, industrial controls and computers). Individuals with a high mechanical aptitude that enjoy working with their hands as well as their minds should consider this program. This individual must be a people orientated person.
Award Outcomes
Demonstrate teamwork.
Adhere to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (O.S.H.A.) safety guidelines and practices.
Identify components that are utilized in the fluid power industry.
Apply engineering concepts as they relate to fluid power applications.
Employ fluid power best-practices methods when troubleshooting and repairing fluid power systems.
Apply National Electrical Manufacturers Association (N.E.M.A.) and International Electrotechnical Commission (I.E.C.) electrical standards and practices as they relate to electrical concepts and equipment.
Design fluid power systems in accordance with National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and practices.
Utilize calculations as they relate to the design of efficient fluid power applications.
Examine engineering design practices as they relate to the transmission of power.
Develop programmable logic controller (PLC) programs using Boolean algebra methods and computer software applications.
Integrate electrical, programmable logic controller (PLC) and electronic hardware with motion control components.
Instrument fluid power systems.
Utilize data acquisition methods when analyzing fluid power application efficiency.
Incorporate human machine interface (HMI) technologies with fluid power applications.
Produce engineering drawings and schematics using American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and industry symbols and standards.
Use applied physics to investigate power transmission methods.
Collaborate with others to create a capstone project that utilizes the engineering portfolio concept.
Career Opportunities
The fluid power industry is one of the fastest growing technologies today. Pneumatic Engineering Technicians will find employment with industries in automation, material handling and processing, robotics, plant automation and fluid power distribution. These opportunities will exist in large and small companies in local as well as international markets. Jobs will include supervision, pneumatic engineering, inside and outside sales consultant and product development.