Publication

Atlas 1.1: The Theory of Effective Systems Engineers, describes the common roles, positions, patterns, skills, and characteristics of systems engineers, the common values they provide, and the organizational context that could support or inhibit their effectiveness.

Whenever Atlas is presented, there are many questions about how to take the theory and apply it in practice. As the Helix team has continued to collect data and has worked with and received feedback from organizations that are using and reviewing Atlas as a mechanism to improve their systems engineering workforce development, the team has captured approaches that may facilitate and potential pitfalls that may inhibit these improvements. This document provides attributed examples from the organizations that have publicly shared insights on their use of Atlas, as well as other lessons learned the team has gathered over the five years of the project.

This document contains:

•  An overview of Atlas 1.1, for reference
• Examples of organizations which have utilized Atlas
• Detailed guidance for individuals to help them use Atlas and
• Detailed guidance for organizations to support their use of Atlas.

Individuals can use this guide to understand and assess their own knowledge, skills, and abilities; understand and analyze their own career paths; and link the two to develop plans and paths for growth. Organizations will be able to clear and consistent definitions for systems engineering and the value that systems engineer provide; clear and consistent expectations on the roles systems engineers play within the organization; clear and consistent expectations on the knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and cognitions of systems engineers; and career path recommendations and supporting initiatives that enable the growth and development of the systems engineering workforce.

By using Atlas, the Helix team believes that organizations can better provide their systems engineers with the information and tools needed to grow and develop into an effective workforce. With this information, the Helix team believes that any individual or organization can implement Atlas as appropriated for themselves and without specific support from the team. However, if you have additional questions on implementation or if you would like assistance on implementing Atlas in your organization, please contact the Helix team at helix@stevens.edu.