Applied Engineering Technology (Boeing BETA Program)

Opportunity to join Boeing’s Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (BETA) Program

Do you enjoy taking things apart and figuring out how they work?
Do you have a passion for and dream of being a part of impacting the future of aerospace?

Boeing Saint Louis supports a wide variety of defense and commercial aircraft. Boeing’s need for Engineering Technicians has driven a partnership with Ranken Technical College. Currently the BETA program develops production engineering technicians through a combination of onsite courses and Boeing internship rotations. Upon graduation, qualifying BETA participants start full time with the company. This gives a pathway to leverage continuing education with Boeing to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at the qualifying University of your choosing.

At Boeing, our production engineering technicians utilize their skills in lean build, configuration management, advanced manufacturing design, tooling and equipment to define the plan for fabrication, assembly, delivery, post-production and modification of the most advanced aerospace products. Each day, you’ll work alongside experts in industrial engineering, production, quality, design, and supply chain roles to guide our products from design to delivery and beyond. Bring your ideas to Boeing and help shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.

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Does Applied Engineering Technology sound right for you?

It’s fun for you to work with tools and technology, and learning how to make something new.

You also like to draw and design things – your mind is both creative and analytical.

You want a stable, well-paying career that’s in high demand.

Does this sound like you? If so, Ranken and Boeing’s Applied Engineering Technology training could be the path to a successful and rewarding career. The hands-on experience that you’ll receive is unparalleled in the nation.

Interested in seeing more of our Advanced Precisions Machining facilities? Take an interactive 360° virtual tour of Ranken Technical College’s ADVANCED PRECISION MACHINING TECHNOLOGY department, where you’ll get hands-on experience using real equipment and tools.

 

Why choose Applied Engineering Technology at Ranken?

Building Systems Engineering student and instructor reviewing blueprints

Through Ranken and Boeing’s Applied Engineering Technology program, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in the design and construction of operating components for machinery to prepare you for your career at Boeing. You’ll be prepared for daily involvement in the coordination of engineers and machinists to improve innovation and efficiency through the use of machining, Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) programming, inspection/quality control, maintenance and machine tool building.

You’ll learn both the general skills that you need to get started in the field, and you’ll also be trained in specialties including CNC, CAD/CAM, inspection and quality control, engineering design and maintenance machining.

The program is provided in partnership with Boeing and follows the standards outlined by National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), an industry benchmark of manufacturing certification.

 

Interested in seeing more of our Manufacturing facilities? Take an interactive 360° virtual tour of Ranken Technical College’s MANUFACTURING departments.

Quick Stats

  • Location: Ranken St. Louis & Ranken-West (Troy, MO)

  • Day School Programs: Associate of Technology or Associate of Science

  • Potential Careers and Job Titles: Manufacturing Engineering Technician at Boeing

Questions? Contact Us!

Ethan T. Schmierbach

Adjunct Instructor, Evening School

AT in Precision Machining Technology,
Ranken Technical College
Certification:
Forklift Certification

Andrew Whitley

Assistant Dept Chair, Instructor - Full Time

BS in Mechanical Engineering,
Northern Illinois University
AS in Mechanical Engineering,
Triton College
Certifications:
Certified Tool & Die Engineer & Instructor,
Technology & Manufacturing Association
of Illinois
Certificate Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma,
University of Illinois at Chicago
Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program

Robert E. Wirtel

Adjunct Instructor, Evening School

Certifications:
Mazatrol Mill Programming
Mastercam, Fanuc, Mazak, Okuma Training

Douglas A. Ridenhour

Instructor, Adjunct, Evening School

AT in Electronics,
Linn Technical College
Certificate in Precision Machining Technology,
Ranken Technical College

Joseph B. Puglisi

Instructor, Full Time

AT in Precision Machining Technology,
Ranken Technical College
Certification:
NC3 Precision Machining Instruments
Certified Trainer
Mazatrol Smooth G Mill Programming

J.C. Owens

Department Chair & Instructor, Full Time

AA in Machine Tool Technology,
Mississippi Delta Community College
Certification:
Class 3 Journeyman Machinist and Tool Maker –
Ferguson Company In-house Apprenticeship
Mazatrol Mill Center Lathe and Smooth G Mill
Programming
Mastercam 2018 2D & 3D Programming, 2019
Power User, 2022 Multi-Axis Programming
NC3 Precision Measuring Instruments

Throughout the four-semester associate degree program, students will gain practical experience in Ranken’s machining shops as well as real-life production engineering experience through Boeing’s Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (BETA) Program. The curriculum includes mechanical and computer design, dimensioning, blueprint reading and fundamental tool making, as well as hands-on experience in basic hand tools and shop technologies. In addition, the program emphasizes the application of math principles in simulated shop situations. The program curriculum comprises various skills, including:

  • Interpret engineering drawings and apply mathematical principles that result in the creation of parts that meet industry applications.
  • Setup, calibrate, operate, and interpret results from industry-level tools and equipment.
  • Employ Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and 3D Modeling software to communicate technical information.
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to produce meaningful conclusions and recommendations.

By analyzing end product, constructing the parts, and maintaining various pieces of equipment on an ongoing basis, students are exposed to problem-solving skills and are trained to meet Boeing’s manufacturing engineering requirements. Instruction occurs on the latest state-of-the-art equipment.