Engineering Technician with VR Training (VR Headset v3 Included)

Are you a problem solver and a team player? Why not consider a career as an engineering technician? An engineering technician needs a practical understanding of engineering concepts to assist engineers and technologists in projects relating to research and development, implementation, or operation. This online engineering technician course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your career as an engineering technician quickly.

This advanced...

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18 Months / 340 Course Hrs
Open Enrollment
Offered in partnership with your preferred school

CSU Channel Islands

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Engineering Technician with VR Training (VR Headset v3 Included)

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Course code: GES7055

What you will learn

  • Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM
  • Inspection methods
  • Metallurgy and materials science
  • CNC controls and programming
  • Programmable logic control and programming
  • Electrical systems
  • Fabrication and assembly processes
  • Additive manufacturing processes
  • Composite processing
  • Product, process, and production design and management

How you will benefit

  • Prepare for a career as a tool and die maker, die maker, tool and die machinist, or toolmaker
  • Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job
  • You will receive a Meta Quest 3 VR Headset Kit enabling you to complete virtual reality simulations to enhance your learning experience
  • Here is an Overview of the Benefits of Virtual Reality to get a better understanding of the value this course provides
  • Option to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions

How the course is taught

  • Self-paced, online course
  • 18 Months to complete
  • Open enrollment, begin anytime
  • 340 course hours
  1. Abrasives
    1. Grinding Processes 201
    2. Grinding Safety 211
    3. Basic Grinding Theory 221
    4. Basics of the Surface Grinder 231
    5. Basics of the Cylindrical Grinder 232
    6. Basics of the Centerless Grinder 233
    7. Setup for the Surface Grinder 241
    8. Setup for the Cylindrical Grinder 242
    9. Setup for the Centerless Grinder 243
    10. Surface Grinder Operation 252
    11. Cylindrical Grinder Operation 253
    12. Introduction to Grinding Fluids 261
    13. Grinding Ferrous Metals 311
    14. Grinding Nonferrous Materials 321
    15. Grinding Wheel Materials 331
    16. Grinding Wheel Geometry 361
  2. Additive Manufacturing
    1. Introduction to Additive Manufacturing 111
    2. Additive Manufacturing Safety 121
    3. The Basic Additive Manufacturing Process 131
    4. Additive Manufacturing Methods and Materials 141
    5. Design for Additive Manufacturing 201
    6. Additive Manufacturing Materials Science 211
    7. Integrating Additive Manufacturing with Traditional Manufacturing 221
    8. Additive Manufacturing a Secondary Process 231
  3. Adhesives
    1. Intro to Adhesive Bonding 110
    2. Basics of the Bonding Process 120
    3. Intro to Adhesive Properties 130
    4. Types of Adhesives 140
    5. Surface Preparation 210
    6. Steps of Adhesive Application 220
  4. CNC
    1. Introduction to CNC Machines 201
    2. Basics of the CNC Lathe 211
    3. Basics of the CNC Mill 212
    4. Coordinates for the CNC Lathe 221
    5. Coordinates for the CNC Mill 212
    6. Basics of G Code Programming 231
    7. Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
    8. Control Panel Functions for the CNC Lathe 251
    9. Control Panel Functions for CNC Mill 252
    10. Offsets on the CNC Lathe 261
    11. Offsets on the CNC Mill 262
    12. Creating a CNC Turning Program 301
    13. Creating a CNC Milling Program 302
    14. Calculations for Programming the Lathe 311
    15. Calculations for Programming the Mill 312
    16. Canned Cycles for Lathe 321
    17. Canned Cycles for the Mill 322
  5. CNC Controls: Fanuc
    1. Fanuc Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
    2. Fanuc Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
    3. Fanuc Mill: Entering Offsets 260
    4. Fanuc Lathe: Entering Offsets 265
    5. Fanuc Mill: Locating Program Zero 270
    6. Fanuc Lathe: Locating Program Zero 275
    7. Fanuc Lathe: Program Execution 285
    8. Fanuc Mill: Program Storage 310
    9. Fanuc Lathe: Program Storage 315
    10. Fanuc Mill: First Part Runs 320
    11. Fanuc Lathe: First Part Runs 325
  6. CNC Controls: Haas
    1. Haas Mill: Classic Control Panel Overview 250
    2. Haas Lathe Classic Control Panel Overview 256
    3. Haas Mill Classic Controls: Entering Offsets 260
    4. Haas Lathe Classic Controls: Entering Offsets 265
    5. Haas Mill Classic Controls: Locating Program Zero 270
    6. Hass Lathe Classic Controls: Locating Program Zero 275
    7. Haas Mill Classic Controls: Program Execution 280
    8. Hass Lathe Classic Controls: Program Execution 285
    9. Haas Mill Classic Controls: Program Storage 310
    10. Hass Milll Classic Controls: Program Storage 320
    11. Haas Lathe Classic Controls: First Part Runs 325
  7. Hass Controls: Mazak
    1. Mazak Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
    2. Mazak Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
    3. Mazak Mill: Locating Program 270
    4. Mazak Lathe: Locating Program 275
    5. Mazak Mill: Entering Offsets 280
    6. Mazak Lathe: Entering Offsets 285
    7. Creating EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Mill 286
    8. Creating EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Lathe 287
    9. Creating a Mazatrol Progrm for the Mill 288
    10. Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Lathe 289
    11. Mazak Mill: Program Execution 290
    12. Mazak Lathe: Program Execution 295
    13. Mazak Mill: Program Storage 310
    14. Mazak Lathe: Program Storage 315
    15. Mazak Mill: First Part Runs 320
    16. Mazak Lathe: Frist Part Runs 325
  8. Composites
    1. Safety for Composite Processing 115
    2. Overview of Composite Processes 120
    3. Traditional Composites 125
    4. Advanced Thermoset Resins for Composites 130
    5. Advanced Materials for Composites 135
    6. Intro to Lay-up and Spray-up Molding 140
    7. Intro to Compression Molding 170
    8. Surface Finishing Composites 190
    9. Vacuum Bagging Technique: Single-sided Bagging 230
    10. Composite Inspection and Defect Prevention 240
    11. Repair Methods for Composites 250
  9. Electrical Systems
    1. Electrical Units 101
    2. Safety for Electrical Work 111
    3. Introduction to Circuits 201
    4. Introduction to Magnetism 211
    5. DC Circuit Components 221
    6. NEC® Overview 231
    7. AC Fundamentals 241
    8. Electrical Instruments 251
    9. Electrical Print Reading 261
    10. DC Power Sources 271
    11. AC Power Sources 281
    12. Introduction to Semiconductors 283
    13. Conductor Selection 291
    14. Series Circuit Calculation 301
    15. Parallel Circuit Calculations 311
    16. Battery Selection 321
  10. Fasteners
    1. Introduction to Assembly 101
    2. Intro to Fastener Ergonomics 130
    3. Properties for Fastener 200
    4. Safety for Assembly 211
    5. Introduction to Fastener Threads 221
    6. Overview of Threaded Fasteners 231
    7. Tools for Threaded Fasteners 235
    8. Overview of Non-Threaded Fasteners 241
    9. Understanding Torque 245
    10. Threaded Fastener Selection 255
  11. Hydraulics and Pneumatics
    1. The Forces of Fluid Power 201
  12. Inspection
    1. Basic Measurement 101
    2. Calibration Fundamentals 111
    3. Basics of Tolerance 121
    4. Blueprint Reading 131
    5. Hole Standards and Inspection 141
    6. Thread Standards and Inspection 151
    7. Surface Texture and Inspection 201
    8. Interpreting Prints 231
    9. Introduction to GD&T 301
    10. Major Rules of GD&T 311
    11. Inspecting a Prismatic Part 321
    12. Inspecting a Cylindrical Part 331
    13. Advanced Hole Inspection 341
    14. Inspecting with Optical Comparators 351
    15. Inspecting with CMM's 361
    16. In-Line Inspection Applications 381
  13. Lean
    1. Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
    2. Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
    3. Total Productive Maintenance 141
    4. 5S Overview 151
    5. Intro to Six Sigma 171
    6. Troubleshooting 181
    7. SPC Overview 211
    8. Metrics for Lean 231
    9. Process Flow Charting 241
    10. Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
    11. Management Tools: Product and Process Design 275
    12. Six sigma Goals and Tools 310
  14. Manual Machining
    1. Manual Mill Basics 201
    2. Engine Lathe Basics 211
    3. Manual Mill Setup 231
    4. Manual Mill Operation 251
    5. Engine Lathe Operation 261
    6. Holemaking on the Manual Mill 271
    7. Threading on the Engine Lathe 311
    8. Taper Turning on the Engine Lathe 311
  15. Materials
    1. Introduction to Physical Properties 101
    2. Introduction to Mechanical Properties 111
    3. Introduction to Metals 121
    4. Introduction to Plastics 131
    5. Introduction to Ceramics 141
    6. Introduction to Composites 151
    7. Introduction to Metal Manufacturing 180
    8. Classification of Steel 201
    9. Essentials of Heat Treatment of Steel 211
    10. Hardness Testing 221
    11. Ferrous Metals 231
    12. Nonferrous Metals 241
    13. Thermoplastics 251
    14. Thermosets 261
    15. Exotic Alloy 301
  16. Mechanical Systems
    1. Forces of Machines 121
  17. Metal Cutting
    1. Safety for Metal Cutting 101
    2. Cutting Processes 111
    3. Overview of Machine Tools 121
    4. Basic Cutting Theory 201
    5. Band Saw Operation 211
    6. Introduction to Metal Cutting Fluids 221
    7. Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
    8. Speed and Feed for the Mill 311
    9. Hard Turning 315
    10. Cutting Tool Materials 321
    11. Machining Titanium Alloys 325
    12. Carbide Grade Selection 331
    13. ANSI Insert Selection 341
    14. Lathe Tool Geometry 351
    15. Drill Tool Geometry 371
    16. Impact of Workpiece Materials 391
  18. Motor Controls
    1. Relays, Contractors, and Motor Starters 201
    2. Control Devices 211
    3. Distribution Systems 221
    4. Limit Switches and Proximity Sensors 231
    5. Introduction to Electric Motors 301
    6. Symbols and Diagrams for Motors 311
    7. Logic and Line Diagrams 312
    8. DC Motor Applications 321
    9. AC Motor Applications 322
    10. Specs for Servomotors 330
    11. Solenoids 331
    12. Timers and Counters 340
    13. Reversing Motor Circuits 341
    14. Photonic Semiconductor Devices 355
    15. Photoelectric and Ultrasonic Devices 365
    16. Reduced Voltage Starting 370
    17. Solid-State Relays and Starters 375
    18. Deceleration Methods 380
    19. Acceleration Methods 385
  19. PLC's
    1. Introduction to PLCs 201
    2. Hardware for PLCs 211
    3. Basics of Ladder Logic 221
    4. Numbering Systems and Codes 222
    5. PLC Input and Outputs 231
    6. Basic Programming for PLCs 241
    7. PLC Counters and Timers 251
    8. Networking for PLCs 261
    9. Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280
    10. PLC Diagrams and Programs 300
    11. Overview of PLC Registers 305
    12. PLC Program Control Instructions 310
    13. Math for PLCs 320
    14. Sequencer Instructions for PLCs 330
    15. PLC Installation Practices 340
  20. PLCs: Siemens
    1. Basics of Siemens PLCs 200
    2. Siemens PLC Hardware 210
    3. Numbers, Codes, and Data Types for Siemens PLCs 220
    4. Siemens PLC Communication 230
    5. Siemens PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
    6. Siemens Human Machine Interfaces 250
    7. Siemens SIMATIC Modular PLCs 260
    8. Siemens PLC Programming Concepts 270
    9. Basic Ladder Diagram Programming for Siemens PLCs 280
    10. Basic Function Block Diagram Programming for Siemens PLCs 290
    11. Ladder Diagram Timers and Counters for Siemens PLCs 300
    12. Function Block Diagram Timers and Counters for Siemens PLCs 310
    13. Additional Ladder Diagram Instructions for Siemens PLCs 320
    14. Additional Function Block Diagram Instructions for Siemens PLCs 330
    15. Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs 340
    16. Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs 350
    17. Siemens Safety Integrated for Factory Automation 360
  21. Quality
    1. ISO 9001:2015 Review 122
    2. Approaches to Maintenance 131
    3. Process Design and Development 133
    4. Process Design and Development 134
    5. Production System Design and Development 136
    6. Equipment/Tool Design and Development 137
  22. Robotics
    1. Automated Systems and Controls 216
    2. Network Integration for Robot Workcells 376
  23. Safety
    1. Introduction to OSHA 101
    2. Ergonomics 102
    3. Personal Protective Equipment 111
    4. Noise Reduction and Hearing Conversation 121
    5. Respiratory Safety 131
    6. Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
    7. SDS and Hazard Communication 151
    8. Bloodborne Pathogens 161
    9. Walking and Working Surfaces 171
    10. Fire Safety and Prevention 181
    11. Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
    12. Hand and Power Tool Safety 201
    13. Safety for Lifting Devices 211
    14. Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
    15. Confined Spaces 231
    16. Environmental Safety Hazards 241
    17. Machine Guarding 271
  24. Shop Essentials (Applied Mathematics)
    1. Math Fundamentals 101
    2. Applied and Engineering Sciences 110
    3. Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
    4. Units of Measurement 112
    5. Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
    6. Manufacturing Process Applications: Part II 125
    7. Algebra Fundamentals 141
    8. Geometry: Triangles 161
    9. Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
    10. Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
    11. Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
    12. Trigonometry: Sine Bar Applications 221
    13. Statistics 231
    14. Concepts of Calculus 310
  25. Supervisor Essentials
    1. Essentials of Leadership 100
    2. Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
    3. Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
    4. Basics of Manufacturing Costs 140
    5. Conflict Resolution Principles 150
    6. Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
    7. Team Leadership 160
    8. Manufacturing Management 180
    9. Personal Effectiveness 190
    10. Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
    11. Performance Management and the Law 230
  26. Welding
    1. Welding Safety Essentials 101
    2. PPE for Welding 111
    3. Welding Fumes and Gases Safety 121
    4. Electrical Safety for Welding 131
    5. Introduction to Welding 141
    6. Introduction to Welding Processes 151
    7. Math Fundamentals for Welding 161
    8. Geometry Fundamentals for Welding 171
    9. Material Tests for Welding 201
    10. Welding Ferrous Metals 211
    11. Welding Nonferrous Metals 212
    12. Overview of Weld Types 221
    13. Overview of Weld Defects 222
    14. Welding Symbols and Codes 231
    15. Fabrication Process 232
    16. Electrical Power for Arc Welding 241
    17. Introduction GMAW 251
    18. Introduction SMAW 252
    19. Introduction to FCAW 261
    20. Introduction to GTAW 262
    21. Overview of Soldering 271
    22. Thermal Cutting Overview 281
    23. Oxyfuel Cutting Applications 282
    24. Plasma Cutting 283
    25. Introduction to Automation 291
    26. GMAW Applications 301
    27. Advanced GMAW Applications 302
    28. BB.SMAW Applications 311
    29. FCAW Applicationsm321
    30. GTAW Applications 331
  27. Workforce Essentials
    1. Essentials of Communication 115
  28. Virtual Labs/Simulations (optional)
    1. Safety Awareness in Manufacturing
    2. Fire Safety
    3. 5S and Hand Tool Identification
    4. Inspecting Outer Diameters I
    5. Inspection Outer Diameters II
    6. Inspecting Groove Width
    7. Inspecting Thread Sizes
    8. Inspecting Inside Diameter
    9. Inspecting Depth
    10. Establishing Datums

ToolingU-SME

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course requires basic computer skills, including the ability to open and manage windows, navigate websites, and perform common online tasks such as downloading files, completing forms, and using web-based tools.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 12 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online. The following materials will be shipped to you approximately 10 business days after enrollment:

  • Meta Quest 3 VR Headset Kit (headset, 2 controllers, case, and elite strap)

Material Fees are non-refundable upon registration.

Please note: Due to the high cost of the VR Headset Kit, it will not ship until 10 days after your start date.

Engineering technicians work in industrial and manufacturing plants and assist engineers with research and development, quality control, or design.

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of an engineering technician in the United States is $63,191 per year.

According to Manufacturing.org, advanced manufacturing refers to the use of innovative technologies to create new and existing products.

No.

These are just a few of the advanced manufacturing skills you will learn in this course:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Understanding various manufacturing techniques like CNC machining, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and automation.
  • Industrial Automation Systems: Knowledge of PLC programming and robotics, a skillset that is becoming increasingly important.
  • Mechatronic Systems: Understanding the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems is valuable in advanced manufacturing.

Yes, this course has one lesson on Lean and one lesson on Quality. The lessons focus on ISO 9001, process design and development, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma.

Traditional manufacturing relies on manual or mechanical processes that have been used for decades (e.g., lathes, mills, welding).

Advanced manufacturing uses innovative technology like automation, robotics, CNC machines, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and AI.

Example for an engineering technician:

  • Traditional: An engineering technician uses a manual lathe to cut a metal rod to size, measuring by hand with calipers.
  • Advanced: A technician uploads a CAD file into a CNC machine, which automatically cuts the metal rod to exact specs using digital controls, then inspects it using a laser scanner.

This covers three different types of CNCs, as well as basic programming and program execution on the machines. The course also provides a module on manual machining, so the learner will have versatility in this evolving industry.

This course will prepare you for an early-career role, such as a junior engineering technician, engineering assistant, or engineering technician.

Yes, this course covers the manufacturing trends of additive manufacturing, composites, and robotics.

These are just a few of the concepts taught in this course that would help you qualify for an entry-level advanced manufacturing role:

  • Operating Machinery and Equipment: Familiarity with various types of equipment, including hand tools, robots, and automated systems.
  • Understanding Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of production methodologies, quality control procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Basic Technical Knowledge: Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the ability to read blueprints and schematics.

The skills learned in this course can help prepare you for coursework as a CNC programmer, senior engineer technician, automation/controls technician, or quality assurance specialist.

After you register, you will receive 18 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

The course includes the Meta Quest 2 headset with the two controllers, a carrying case, and the Elite Strap.

If there are issues with the simulations, you can contact a student advisor and/or access the VR Help Center in the Learning Management System, which includes documentation, videos, and guides to assist with any issues.

If there are any issues with the hardware, you should contact Meta for assistance.

You do not need to have any prior experience with VR technology to take the course. However, if you do not have any experience with VR, we have a Virtual Reality Navigator, a comprehensive guide with tutorials, games, glossary, and best practices in the virtual world.

You do not have to return the headset and accessories once you complete the course, it is included in the cost of this program.

Using virtual reality in learning has many benefits. Here is a link to a document summarizing the many benefits.

For this course, only the 10 labs/simulations are delivered through virtual reality. However, there is an option to complete the simulations on the web.

You have the option of completing the labs in a web browser (Chrome recommended)

  • Mobile App: Android and Apple
  • Network bandwidth: A broadband internet connection is required for larger images, audio, video, interactive components, and Virtual Labs.
  • Screen resolution: The minimum screen resolution recommended is 1024 x 768 pixel
  • Ram: 8 GB is the minimum recommendation
  • Graphic Card: Not required but will increase performance of Virtual Labs

This particular VR experience is only compatible with Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3.

Technical support is provided through the robust Hemp Center available in the Learning Management Systems.

If you experience motion sickness or discomfort while using VR, there is an option to complete the labs in a web browser (Chrome recommended).

To access the VR content, you will need to download a specific app from the Meta Quest store. The information for this will be provided upon enrollment.

There is no interaction with instructors and other students in the VR environment.

We have a Virtual Reality Navigator, a comprehensive guide with tutorials, games, glossary, and best practices in the virtual world that can help you get started.

You have the option of completing the labs using virtual reality or web-based simulations. If the VR equipment breaks or malfunctions, you can complete the labs using the web-based versions.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

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