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Mr. Ian Symington

Abstract

NAFEMS’ Professional Simulation Engineer Program - How is it being utilized by industry?

In today’s extremely competitive market place, organizations are constantly exploring ways they can achieve a competitive edge. In recent years, there has been a move towards education and training to ensure that engineers are working at their optimum.


In 2013, NAFEMS launched the Professional Simulation Engineer (PSE) programme. The foundations of PSE are built on over 1500 competence statements that describe the knowledge, skills and behaviours that NAFEMS believes are required in order to carrying out engineering analysis safely and efficiently. PSE can be used as either a framework for professional development or as an independent verification of competence through certification. 

Over the past two years, NAFEMS has seen significant interest at corporate level in the use of PSE as a method to assure the competence of staff. Some companies are interested in using PSE to recognise technical experts, while others are using PSE to make sure that everyone with access to engineering simulation tools has a basic set of core competencies. 

This presentation will deliver an overview of the Professional Simulation Engineer programme before focussing on the PSE certification. A case study detailing how PSE has become embedded within one of the world’s largest suppliers of photolithography systems will be presented. The case study will demonstrate how PSE was adapted to meet the requirements of this manufacturer.


About the Speaker

Ian Symington holds a 1st Class Masters Degree in Engineering (MEng) from the University of Durham and is a chartered engineer (CEng) registered with the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE).  

Ian has spent the last thirteen years of his career working in the field of engineering analysis and simulation. During his career Ian has had the opportunity to work for companies involved in the creation and support of engineering simulation tools, as well as for companies using engineering tools on a daily basis to design and validate engineering products, including a 5 year period working in the UK Nuclear industry where competency management was a key issue.

In his current role, Ian helps to guide the direction of NAFEMS technical activities. This involves working closely with fourteen different technical working groups and the Professional Simulation Engineer Board which provides the strategic direction for the PSE.

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