Exploration of the Training, Educational Experiences, and Technical Competencies of Entry-level Manufacturing Engineers in the Commercial Space Industry

Abstract

The commercial space industry is facing a shortage of qualified workers due to the aging and retirements of the workforce and the inability to find qualified candidates. To explore the training, educational experiences, and technical competencies of entry-level manufacturing engineers, the researcher interviewed eight manufacturing engineers at entry- and expert-levels in the commercial space industry for their experiences and perspectives on the skills and competencies needed for entry-level manufacturing engineers. The major findings from this study are the need for communication skills application, the importance of using mentoring as a teaching tool outside of formal education and training experiences, and the ability to present data in order to tell a story. Educators can prepare manufacturing engineers for the workforce in the commercial space industry with the result of this study.