The Propulsion Technician is responsible for the testing or building function to support the development of propulsion systems such as internal combustion engines, hybrid and electric propulsion technology and advanced control systems. To enable consistency and accuracy in build/test, measurement, methodology and technology, the propulsion technician is responsible for enabling the execution of development plans which fulfil the internal customer’s and facility’s requirements for quality, cost and time, whilst adhering to safe systems of work and risk management. The propulsion technician carries out a range of specialist tasks in a controlled environment in order to develop, improve or create new propulsion technologies. The Propulsion Technician plays a proactive role in development build or test delivery, taking responsibility for creating, editing, first line data analysis and quality validation, providing an essential link between the propulsion development function and engineers.
The Propulsion Technicians is the source of technical leadership within their specific functional area and will support and engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders such as engineers, suppliers, external agencies and organisations to provide consistent build, development and quality assurance of the propulsion system.
Current Delivery Involves:
On-programme is the learning phase for Apprentices to apply the academic theory to their own organisations and role, and to capture the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed on the programme and in the workplace. To achieve this, Apprentices need to complete off the job training during the on-programm phase of their Apprenticeship, this can be tracked and monitored through our e-portfolio
Core Knowledge
A Propulsion Technician must know:
The statutory and organisation health and safety policies, procedures and regulations that must be adhered to in a propulsion environment
The risk assessment process, procedures and documentation used within their own area of responsibility.
How to communicate effectively, listen, question, support and mentor others.
The relevant internal and external quality standards and procedures that apply to the design, development and manufacture of propulsion systems.
The principles and purpose of quality auditing.
The core engineering principles such as mathematics, science, mechanical and electrical/electronic applications relevant to their specialism
The importance of developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in order to meet all the relevant requirements, i.e. legal & code of practice.
How to prioritise their own and their/team’s workload to ensure that targets are met and to ensure effective use of resource/equipment
The various data collection systems used and their formats.
The principles and application of Measurement Systems Analysis methods and techniques.
How to analyse and interpret first line data accurately in order to, validate quality, draw conclusions, provide recommendations and communicate with others in a recognised format.
The use, benefits and applications of continuous improvement techniques and methods for engineering (such as Kaizen and Six Sigma).
The importance for organisations to manage and monitor supplier performance ensuring that cost, service, quality and sustainability objectives are being achieved and their responsibilities in that process
How to produce accurate, effective and concise plans, presentations and analysis of graphs/charts, process and lessons learnt documents.
The Internal and external audit compliance requirements (such as TS16949 and ISO 14001)
Core Skills
A Propulsion Technician must be able to:
Manage risk and the application of Health and Safety within their area of responsibility
Communicate effectively, listen, question, support and mentor others, whilst promoting an attention to detail throughout the propulsion development process
Manage checks on test or build systems and problem solve where issues arise
Demonstrate critical and analytical reasoning, robust planning and task co-ordination
Lead the setting up of equipment and ancillary systems used for build or test and where applicable carry out any required modifications
Ensure instrumentation captures high quality data in a systematic and repeatable way
Carry out checks, measurement and calibration activities following approved procedures and processes
Comply with internal processes and procedures to ensure equipment is fit for purpose, maintained correctly and in calibration
Monitor and validate test or build data quality
Implement proposals for test or build plan modifications based on quality and quantitative data
Prioritise test or build output to maximise efficient use of specialist equipment
Manage all internal and external customer needs throughout test or build execution
Develop procedures and processes necessary to meet all relevant standards and requirements, i.e. legal & code of practice
Guide and develop other team members
Create internal test or build instructions and process documents.
Support the development of proposals to develop new/alternative technologies
Behaviours
A Propulsion Technician must be able to demonstrate the following behaviours:
Personal Responsibility & Compliance: Complies with statutory and organisational health & safety regulations and policies at all times. Accepts responsibility for their work load with a responsible approach to risk. Continually demonstrates a high level of motivation and resilience when facing challenges
Working Effectively in Teams: Create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with the team and a wide range of internal, external and connected stakeholders. Maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all business relationships.
Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Maintain effective partnerships with suppliers and customers through the company processes to achieve sound objectives.Open and honest clear communication using appropriate methods. Always demonstrating a positive and respectful attitude.
Quality & Problem Solving: Strong desire to ensure that the root cause of a problem is identified and addressed, continually seeks opportunities to improve quality, speed and efficiency whilst also demonstrating technical leadership.
Continuous Personal Development. Reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seeks opportunities to develop, adapt to different situations, environments or technologies and have a positive attitude to feedback and advice
Typical examples of occupational roles include:
Battery Build and Test Technician; Emissions Test and Analysis Technician; Engine Test Technician; Powertrain Technician; Product Analysis and Verification Technician; Engine Build and Process Technician
Starts
Enrolment
Delivery
Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering
Level 4 PropulsionTechnician Apprenticeship Standard
EAL
Level 5 and level 6 Apprenticeship Standards
Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering
Full-time employment
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.