Technologist Advanced Manufacturing Program (TechAMP)
Engineers, who know systems and processes, are generally separated from operators, who are often only trained on specific machines. New manufacturing technologies, whether in robotics or digital production, are transforming factory floors. Advanced manufacturing requires workers with a technician’s practical know-how and an engineer’s comprehension of processes and systems. Companies that want to move into advanced manufacturing often struggle to find people who know how to integrate technologies to optimize the whole system, manage technological advances, and drive innovation.
We call this worker the “technologist.” As advanced technological manufacturing progresses, technologists will be essential in the adoption of next-generation factory systems. We believe that training programs for technologists can empower both incumbent and aspiring workers to be knowledgeable, productive, and adaptable contributors to a more robust US manufacturing economy (Liu & Bonvillian, 2024). MIT is excited to provide pathways for employees to advance in their careers, create training that allows companies to fill key roles, and build a workforce that will strengthen America’s industrial base.
Program Description
The Technologist Advanced Manufacturing Curriculum (TechAMP) is a IBAS-funded project (Industrial Base of Analysis and Sustainment) to develop a 12-month certificate program to bridge the gap between technicians and engineers by giving technicians a ladder to become shop-floor leaders.
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The target audience for this 12-month program is current technicians or operators with 3+ years of experience.
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The curriculum consists of online lectures by MIT faculty and staff, interactive virtual simulations, and hands-on labs that community college faculty will run at their colleges.
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Once developed, the content will be available for free and can be used modularly. However, only individuals who complete the entire program will be certified as technologists.
Program Structure
Curriculum Design
The curriculum design: The “hub” curriculum consists of a fundamental set of critical thinking modules (the why in manufacturing): process, systems, supply, and people. The hub is at the core of MIT’s manufacturing MicroMasters.
The curriculum also includes eight “spokes” that teach students “how” to do things like robotics, digital manufacturing, and CNC machining. We determined the spoke content by conducting interviews with defense-connected companies in New England to determine their skill needs.
What roles will technologists fill?
This list includes…
- Use classical/statistical process control techniques to detect and analyze changes and problems in operation and improve product quality.
- Employ efficient design of experiments to make recommendations on process optimization.
- Garner operational and process insights to make recommendations on design optimization.
- Optimize flow through a manufacturing system by applying qualitative observation and quantitative methods on production metrics. (Examples include: machine efficiency, production rate, process cycle times, bottlenecks, and accumulation.)
- Use lean manufacturing practices, 5S, and similar techniques.
- Decrease unnecessary inventory and stockouts using understanding of the operations, lead-times, flexibility, and capacity of suppliers.
- Effectively manage people and projects.
- Evaluate and apply new technologies or tools in their work.
Curriculum Snapshot
There will be a total of 4 Hubs and 8 Spokes. A full outline of the curriculum is available here –> TechAMP Curriculum Outline.
Hub 1 is Manufacturing Process Control. Here students will explain what a manufacturing process is, operate an interactive web simulation where they use injection molding to create gears to predetermined specifications, and engage in labs about manufacturing variation, using control charts, specification limits and process capability, root cause analysis, and hypothesis testing. They will apply DMAIC testing to improve a manufacturing process and use linear regression.
Spoke 1 is Mechatronics. In this spoke, students will learn programming, introductory and advanced electronics, advanced communication protocols, control theories and performance evaluations, and system integration and troubleshooting.
Simulations
A key learning opportunity for us is using interactive simulations to help students learn and understand complex and abstract concepts. Each Hub and six of eight Spokes will have an authentic simulation designed specifically for that topic. Below are mockups for the simulation about Statistical Process Control, showing dynamic interactivity with the graphs (in green).
Press
MIT has a long history in manufacturing, contributing to the invention of CNC machining and 3D printing, as well as demonstrating through research the vital link between domestic production and innovation. Dr. John Liu, a principal investigator and researcher at MIT, discusses the creation of the MIT MicroMasters® program focused on manufacturing to address workforce challenges in the industry. In fall 2025, MIT is launching the TechAMP program funded by the Department of Defense that targets experienced technicians and operators for leadership roles as technologists. Focused specifically on advanced manufacturing needs in the aerospace and submarine industries. the program will include online courses, simulations, and on-site labs designed to bridge the gap between technicians and engineers providing a pathway to higher education and formalized career advancement. This interview was part of the IMTS+ Creators Lounge which aims to advance the industry by sharing the stories and perspectives of community leaders and innovators regarding their passion projects, new technologies and innovations in the manufacturing technology sector.
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