NIST GRANT FINAL REPORT
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE OVERVIEW

Our Mission: We serve as statewide liaisons to business, industry, and the educational 

system, providing support for economic development by representing the driver industries in 

the state.

Represented Industries:

 Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing

 Agriculture

 Allied Health

 Construction

 Clean Energy

 Education

 Global Trade & Supply Chain Management

 Homeland Security – Emergency Management

 Information & Computing Technology

 Marine Manufacturing & Technology
As one of 10 Centers of Excellence in Washington State, the Center of Excellence for 

Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing serves as a honest, trusted broker of 

information within industry and education, focusing on the aerospace and advanced 

manufacturing industry sector. 

The Center is responsible for:

 Engaging employer and labor representatives from strategic industries in 

identifying both industry needs and student needs.

 Identify industry skill standards and industry-based certifications.

 Facilitate the creation of model programs of study that prepare students for 

careers in strategic industries.

 Coordinate with industry assistance organizations to connect businesses with 

needed services.
Timeline: How We Got Where We Are Today

November , 2012

• Boeing approached the Center of Excellence (CoE) relating future workforce needs for entry level candidates with the 

knowledge, skills and abilities to do the work in measurement science.

• During our ACAT (Aerospace Curriculum Alignment Team) meeting in November, Jason Koehn made a presentation to 

representatives from Washington State Community and Technical Colleges, workforce development councils, labor, 

government and industry leaders relating this need and the KSA’s involved.

January-March, 2013

• Working with Boeing, the CoE set up a tour of the Boeing Metrology Labs

• The CoE set up a tour of three community & technical college labs: North Seattle College, Olympic College and Lake 

Washington Institute of Technology

April 2013

• Working with Boeing, the CoE was able to identify and contact other industry partners in the Puget Sound region that were 

seeing needs in their workforce for future entry level candidates with the KSA’s in measurement science

May 2013

• The CoE convened a Measurement Science Technician DACUM workshop with subject matter experts from local industry that 

included Boeing, Fluke Corporation, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Lockheed Martin, CimTech, Greysam Industries, and 

Northrup Grumman. Also, attending this DACUM as observers were faculty and deans from at least six colleges in the region 

that have manufacturing programs in place and have an interest in expanding their training capabilities

Winter, 2014

• The CoE was made aware of the NIST grant and , working with industry partners from the DACUM, submitted , what would 

become, a successful grant application in the spring of 2014.

August 2014

• The CoE was awarded the NIST grant; work began with faculty and deans along with our industry partners

Fall/Winter 2015/2016

• Article submitted to the Standards in Engineering Journal; copy included in our written final report.
**Tan indicates most critical skills

Most critical skills

Math specific to 

Measurement Science

A

Basic Lab Skills

B

Test Equipment 

Operations

C

Technical 

Communications

D

Apply math to interpret 

specifications & tolerance

A1

Read Blue-prints and 

schematics

B1

Operate digital multimeters, oscillators etc

C1

Career Readiness

D1

Convert units

A2

Recognize abnormal 

behavior of measurement

B2

Apply appropriate 

standards

C2

Social/Professional ethics

D2

Calculate complex 

tolerances

A3

Basic Soldering

B3

Use electronic test 

equipment

C3

Microsoft Office products

D3

Make use of applied 

algebra and geometry

A4

Conduct basic set-ups 

(cables, adaptors etc)

B4

Use ancillary equipment 

appropriately

C4

Written English

(ATA Standard)

D4

Apply basic math to 

problem solving

A5

Use wide range of hand 

tools safely

B5

Set-up process control 

operations

C5

Communicating at 

appropriate level

D5

Apply basic ratio formulas 

and statistical concepts

A6

Operate frequency 

counters and signal 

generators

C6

Conducting computerbased information search

D6

Set-up and perform 

automated measurements

C7

Applying GDT symbols to 

data

D7

The Preferred Demonstrated Skill Sets required of the typical Measurement Science Technician
The Preferred Knowledge Base for Measurement Science Technicians

(Tan items denote elements where a depth understanding is required)

The Expression of 

Units of 

Measurement

A

Core 

Measurement 

Science 

Technology

B

‘Uncertainty’ in 

Measurement 

Science

C

Measurement 

Science 

Fundamentals

D

Technical 

Communications

E

Applied 

Mathematics for 

Measurement 

Science

F

Data Integrity

G

Measurement 

units & 

conversions

A1

Basic Mechanics

B1

Basics of 

Uncertainty 

Analysis

C1

Measurement 

Theory & 

Techniques

D1

Reading & 

Comprehending 

Technical Writing

E1

Geometry & 

Algebra – basic 

functions

F1

Basics of Data 

Integrity

G1

SI and English 

units of 

Measurement

A2

Simple and 

complex AC/DC 

Circuits

B2

Error + Correction 

relationships

C2

Why Calibrate?

(Traceability, 

Repeatability, 

Reliability)

D2

Writing Cogent 

Technical Reports

E2

Statistical 

concepts and 

their applications 

in Measurement 

Science

F2

Data Recording 

formats and 

norms

in Measurement 

Science

G2

Basics of 

Electrical, 

Mechanical, 

Optical & 

Chemical systems

B3

Guardbanding 

Techniques

C3

Vocabulary of 

Measurement 

Science

D3

Basics of 

Technical 

Communications

(Terms, glossary 

etc)

E3

Concept of 

significant Digits 

as it applies to 

Measurement 

Science

F3

Basic Computer 

Operations

B4

TAR/TUR/TR

C4

Basics of 

Calibration 

Procedures

D4

MS Office tools 

for data 

presentation

E4

Role of 

Environmental 

Factors in the 

measurement 

process

C5

Basic Standards 

(NIST etc.,)

D5

Assessing the 

knowledge level 

of customers 

(internal and 

external)

E5

Typical 

Laboratory 

Hazards

D6

Communicating 

clearly at the 

customer’s level

E6

Quality Standards 

ISO, ASME etc

D10

The History of 

Measurement

D11
Main Duties Primary Tasks 

(Purple = most challenging: Green = most commonly performed tasks: Tan = both common and challenging)

Making 

Accurate & 

Repeatable 

Measurements

A

Set up Measurement 

Processes 

A1

Work according to 

Safety SOPs in the 

lab

A3

Read & understand 

technical procedures

A5

Apply Measurement 

Science vocabulary 

in all work

A7

Use MBD and other Measurement 

Science strategies

A9

Read and 

Comprehend 

Performance Specs

A2

Follow Calibration 

S.O.P.s

A4

Calibrate equipment 

according to S.O.P.s

A6

Care & Handle Lab 

Equipment safely

A8

Interpreting, 

Documenting & 

Communicating 

Test Results

B

Communicate test 

results accurately

B1

Communicate 

effectively with 

customers

B3

Gather data from 

measurements

B5

Document results 

(O.O.T. Conditions 

etc)

B7

Analyze nonconforming data

B9

Assess 

measurement 

results (OOT, 

SOOT, Limited 

use)

B11

Apply Measurement 

Units accurately

B2

Educate customers 

on process and 

results 

interpretation

B4

Certify or reject test 

instruments based 

on results

B6

Report data results 

in various formats 

(text, graphs, charts, 

numbers)

B8

Communicate 

results to customer’s 

declared need 

B10

Use Excel to 

calculate 

Measurement 

Results 

B12

Researching & 

Applying 

Measurement 

Science 

Knowledge

C

Calculate Basic Test 

Accuracy Ratios

C1

Choose Standard 

Base UUT 

Specifications

(T.A.R./T.U.R.)

C2

Apply the Basic 

Principles of 

Traceability in the 

Measurement 

Process

C3

Identify Potential 

Sources of 

Measurement Error

C4

Use G.D.T. to 

interpret Blue Prints

C5

Research 

Specifications 

and 

Measurement 

Issues

C6 

Trouble 

Shooting, 

Adjustment & 

Repair

D

T.S. and Repair a 

range of instruments

D1

Adjusting test 

instruments to 

perform within 

manufacturer’s 

specs

D2

Applying Basic T.S. 

approaches to 

Measurement & Test 

Equipment

D3

Apply Basic I.T. 

knowledge to 

problem solving

D4

Incorporating 

Quality Systems

E

Follow Standard Quality Assurance S.O.P.s 

of the company on all work

E1

The Work Profile of the typical Measurement Science Technician
 Develop course curriculum with industry subject matter experts’ input that can be 

embedded into advanced manufacturing/aerospace programs

 Develop a series of courses that can be included in a short term certificate that can 

be adopted at any of the state’s community and technical colleges

 Create curriculum that will be easily recognizable (common certificate with course 

titles/objectives) so that industry hiring managers are able to clearly identify the 

training when it appears on resumes

 Increase the number of community and technical college students that are 

qualified to fill job openings in measurement science/precision 

measurement/metrology within local companies

 Provide professional development opportunities for Design Team faculty to attend 

industry-led conferences and seminars for exposure to workplace best practices

OUR GOALS
Short Stackable Certificate in Measurement Science

MEAS 101, entitled Fundamentals of Measurement Science, is a 5-credit common 

course designed to measure core competencies. Students then have an option for 

an additional 5-credit course (including lab credits) in either machining or 

electronics. 

MEAS 101 

Fundamentals 

of Measurement 

Science 5 cr.

(Required)

Pre-rMEAS 101 

Fundamentals of 

Measurement Science 3 

cr.

(Required)requisites 

(TBD) for Math and 

Science (I-Best model)

Optional 

Track: 

Measurement 

Science in 

Machining 

Optional 

Track: 

Measurement 

Science in 

Electronics
MEAS& 101 TOPIC: Fund of Measurement Sci CREDIT/HRS: 5CR 30/40(Lec/Lab) 

PURPOSE: Provide an introduction to the foundation knowledge and skills in measurement science that are 

required to prepare for an entry level position in Manufacturing and/or related fields.

OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students should reliably/correctly be able to:

1. Demonstrate safe practices and situational awareness typical of a manufacturing environment.

2. Successfully apply and/or use fundamental concepts, tools, equipment and basic principles of 

measurement science to include:

2.1 Recall or recognize terms, definitions, facts, ideas, materials, patterns, sequences, methods, and 

principles, as applied to metrology and measurement science.

2.2 Comprehend descriptions, communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions, regulations, 

standards, etc. as applied to metrology and measurement science.

2.3 Use applied math to solve measurement related problems.

2.4 Correctly interpret technical illustrations and documents for specifications, measurements, 

tolerances, etc. (“Specmanship”)

2.5 Select and use precision measuring and test equipment to inspect parts and devices to confirm 

they conform to specifications; inspect parts and devise to confirm they conform to specifications.

2.6 Demonstrate familiarity with applicable standards, including the concept of traceability as it applies 

to materials, calibration, and finished products.

2.7 Use Excel for data collection, analysis and presentation of information.

2.8 Identify non-conforming materials, tools, etc. and initiate resolution.

2.9 Identify and describe a measurement problem.

2.10 Translate a measurement problem to measureable quantities.

2.11 Estimate whether a quantity is measureable under certain conditions.

3. Demonstrate attention to detail, personal integrity, interpersonal skills, and effective communication in a 

classroom and laboratory environment.

Sample of Course Overview for Fundamentals of Measurement Science
Sample of Course Overview for Electronics Measurement

MEAS& 102 TOPIC: Electronics Measurement CREDIT/HRS: 5 (30/50 Lec/Lab) 

PURPOSE: Provide application of the foundational knowledge and skills in measurement science, with a 

focus on Electronics, that are required to prepare for an entry level position in Manufacturing 

and/or related field.

OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students should reliably/correctly be able to:

1. Demonstrate safe practices and situational awareness typical of a manufacturing 

environment.

2.Successfully apply the appropriate concepts and principles related to electronics 

measurement theory and practice to include:

1. The selection, use and operating principles of the applicable test equipment.

2. Communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions, regulations, standards, 

etc. 

3. Applied math and statistics to document measurement.

4. Interpretation of technical illustrations and documents for specifications, 

measurements, and tolerances, etc. (“Specmanship”)

5. Select and use precision measuring and test equipment to inspect parts and 

devices to confirm they conform to specifications.

6. Inspect circuitry to confirm they conform to specifications.

7. Show familiarity with applicable standards, including the concept of 

traceability.

8. Compose reports using Excel and other industrial software for data collection, 

analysis and presentation of information.

9. Identify and document out of tolerance results.

10. Judge whether a quantity is measureable under situational conditions.

3. Demonstrate attention to detail, personal integrity, interpersonal skills, and effective 

communication.
Sample of Course Overview for Mechanical Measurement

MEAS& 103 TOPIC: Mechanical Measurement CREDIT/HRS: 5 CR (20/60) Lec/Lab

PURPOSE: Provides an application of the foundational knowledge and skills in measurement 

science, with a focus on Mechanical Measurement, to prepare for an entry level 

position in Manufacturing and/or related fields.

OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course students should reliably/correctly be able to:

1. Demonstrate safe practices and situational awareness typical of a manufacturing environment.

2. Successfully apply the appropriate concepts and principles related to mechanical measurement theory 

and practice in a classroom/laboratory environment to include:

2.1 Interpret technical drawings and apply inspection tools and techniques to verify the acceptability 

of machined parts. 

2.2 The use of surface plate layouts and the coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

2.3 Familiarity with standards applicable to manufactured parts.

2.4 Familiarity with the concepts of traceability as applied to calibration.

2.5 Proper use of computer software used in quality management.

2.6 Non-conforming instruments, finished parts and assemblies, and initiate resolution.

2.7 The selection, use and operating principles of mechanical measurement tools and test equipment.

2.8 Communications, reports, tables, diagrams, directions, regulations, standards.

2.9 Use applied math and statistics to document measurement.

2.10 Interpretation of technical illustrations and documents for specifications, measurements, 

tolerances, etc. (“Specmanship”)

2.11 Inspect parts and assemblies to confirm they conform to specifications.

2.12 Apply appropriate standards, including the concept of traceability as it applies to mechanical 

measurement.

2.13 Compose reports using Excel and other industrial software for data collection, analysis and 

presentation of information.

2.14 Identify and document out of tolerance results.

2.15 Judge whether a quantity is measureable under situational conditions.

3. Demonstrate attention to detail, personal integrity, interpersonal skills, and effective communication.
Communication Outcomes

 A grant webpage has been created on the COE website; our NIST grant 

plays a pivotal part on that webpage. 

http://www.coeaerospace.com/grants

 The curriculum that has been developed will also be put on the COE 

website on the Curriculum Resources page ; this curriculum page is 

essentially open source, so anyone within a educational system can 

request an account password and log-on.

 We have been approached by Standards Engineering to submit an article 

about our grant and its outcomes. That article has been submitted and we 

are awaiting final notice of a publication date.

 Our industry representative from Boeing recently attended an exploratory 

meeting in Cleveland on the topic of a national certification standard for 

measurement science. After reviewing the more basic “fundamentals of 

measurement science” approach taken with our CTC’s in a presentation 

submitted by the COE, the group thought it best to follow a similar course 

and begin looking at a measurement science certification that could be 

stacked on (or a prerequisite for) other existing certifications. Included 

reps from NIMS and Association for Manufacturing Technology.
Future Project Expansion Ideas

 Further expansion of the course overviews that includes an in-depth syllabi 

for each course; separate certificate in Measurement Science earned 

through the participating colleges; a listing of pre-requisites for each of the 

courses that were developed

 Provide a pathway to incumbent workers who have experience in 

Measurement Science; such a pathway would allow them to earn a 

certificate or degree to validate that work experience;

 Develop two to three stackable certificates leading to a 2-year AAS or AAS-T 

degree to be implemented at Washington Community or Technical Colleges

 Work with industry partners and certification bodies to create a nationally 

industry recognized certification available through training

 Provide training for community and technical college faculty, led by industry 

leaders, that continues to help them enhance their knowledge, skills, and 

abilities towards curriculum enhancement and teaching techniques in 

measurement science
EVALUATION

EXTERNAL EVALUATION PROCESS

Surveys were designed by the external evaluator; all data were collected 

and analyzed by the external evaluator and data were aggregated to 

protect confidentiality

Surveys were sent to all project participants to obtain their input on:

 Quality of the process for curriculum design

• Quality of the curriculum developed by the project

• Suggestions for improvement of the curriculum

• Potential impact on students

.
QUALITY

OF THE

C

M

URRICULU

DESIGN

PROCESS

Excellent 40.0%

Good 60.0%

Fair 0.0%

Poor 0.0%

Please rate the quality of the curriculum development 

“A strong team of faculty from diverse measurement science related fields 

was gathered, facilitation was made available, the time-frame was 

challenging but reasonable, and the goals were reasonably clear.” 

Curriculum Design Team Member

“I came away with great respect for all my colleagues involved ... both for 

what they added to this project, and for what they do every day in their 

profession.”

Curriculum Design Team Member

Quality of the Curriculum Design Process
QUALITY

OF THE

CURRICULU

M

Criteria

Completely 

meets the 

criteria

Somewhat 

meets the 

criteria

Does not meet 

the criteria 

very well

Does not 

meet the 

criteria at all

Includes knowledge of the principles and concepts of measurement science, 

including various levels of measurement science terminology, definitions of 

common metrology terms and units of measure.

80% 20% 0% 0%

Includes basic knowledge of measurement and uncertainty concepts. 80% 20% 0% 0%

Provides students with the ability to make accurate, precise and repeatable 

measurements with general purpose electrical test and measurement 

equipment.

80% 20% 0% 0%

Contains appropriate hands-on projects for each level of training. 40% 60% 0% 0%

Please indicate the degree to which the curriculum developed by the project meets the following criteria:

Quality of the Curriculum
IMPACT ON

COLLEGES, 

STUDENTS, 

WORKFORC

E

EDUCATOR

S

“Assuming schools can move forward with providing instruction to 

the curriculum generated, the grant will have come a long way to 

providing industry with a better skilled workforce, and with 

providing workers with skills to get better jobs.”

“Manufacturing programs students will have a better idea of how 

crucial measurement science is to all of these disciplines. 

Additionally, the measurement science courses might well serve as 

a "Intro to Manufacturing" career exploration opportunity for high 

school students.”

Impact on Colleges, Students, Workforce

from the Educators perspective
IMPACT ON

COLLEGES, 

STUDENTS, 

WORKFORC

E

INDUSTRY

“Measurement science is the fabric of manufacturing and technology. 

Without a pipeline of qualified entry-level candidates to fill positions in 

industry, we are at risk of reduced quality products, lower efficiencies, and 

increased safety risks. By providing our future technical workforce with the 

necessary skills related to measurement science, we are arming them with 

the tools they need to be successful.”

“This grant will give students a practical knowledge that can be used by any 

manufacturing, engineering or construction trade.”

“The primary impact to the workforce will be an immediate improvement 

of the measurement skills of associates seeking employment.”

Impact on Colleges, Students, Workforce

from Industry perspective
THE DESIGN TEAM

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESIGN TEAM:

David Cunningham, Education Consultant/Workshop Facilitator

Robert Monroig, Curriculum Designer

Terryll Bailey, External Evaluator

Craig Seybold/Faculty, Olympic College

Dennis Lewis/Faculty, North Seattle College

Jeff Purdy/Faculty, Shoreline College

Stan Jirak/Faculty, Everett Community College

Peter Welty & Dennis Candelaria/Faculty, Lake Washington Institute of Technology
OVERSIGHT INDUSTRY PARTNERS GROUP

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS; THEIR CONTRIBUTION 

WAS INVALUABLE

Jason Koehn, The Boeing Company

Jeff Gust, Fluke Corporation

Kelly Anderson, Lockheed Martin

Andrew Balasa, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard

Mark Foxworth, Greysam Industrial Services

Steve Kidd, CimTech

Kristina Hayek & AJ Schuehle, Hexcel Corporation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information on this grant funded project, please contact:

Mary Kaye Bredeson, Executive Director

425-388-9987

mbredeson@everettcc.edu

Sue Bradshaw, Project Director

425-388-9196

sbradshaw@everettcc.edu