Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
The Fluid Power Engineering Technician A.A.S. degree program prepares individuals to perform high level research and design work. Emphasis is placed on system design, test and evaluation, problem-solving, business communications, system integration, computer-aided circuit construction and programmable logic controls. Technicians design, modify and specify motion controls for today`s high speed production equipment. The program will focus on improving system efficiency through the integration of technology (hydraulics, 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
Career Opportunities
The fluid power industry is one of the fastest growing technologies today. Technicians will find employment with industries in automation, material handling and processing, heavy equipment, 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, engineering, inside and outside sales consultant and product development.