What Organizations Gain
Engineering managers and technical leaders use this program to:
- Establish a common systems engineering language and approach across teams
- Improve requirements quality, architecture decisions, and lifecycle execution
- Reduce downstream integration, verification, and validation issues
- Strengthen technical leadership and accountability across the SE lifecycle
- Support workforce development with a recognized certification pathway
Learning Objectives
Your teams will learn to:
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Qualify for INCOSE ASEP/CSEP certification through Academic Equivalency
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Translate stakeholder needs into clear, testable requirements
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Apply systems thinking to complex product and platform development
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Architect systems, subsystems, and interfaces with traceability
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Plan and execute effective verification and validation strategies
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Manage cost, schedule, risk, and technical tradeoffs across the lifecycle
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Collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines and functions
Core Curriculum Topics
The baseline curriculum covers the breadth of systems engineering practices recognized by INCOSE, including:
- Introduction to Systems Engineering
- System Requirements Definition
- Functional Analysis and Specifications
- System Architecture and Integration
- Decision Analysis and Trade Studies
- Verification and Validation
- Engineering Specialties and Lifecycle Considerations
- Systems Engineering Management
- Technical Reviews, Risk, and Quality Management
- Team Dynamics and Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customization Options
Organizations can tailor the program to meet specific technical and business objectives, including:
Program Structure
- Adjusted duration (40–56+ hours)
- Live online, on-site, or blended delivery
- Cohort-based or role-segmented learning
Applied & Project-Based Learning
- Company-specific case studies
- Team-based projects aligned to active programs
- Extended collaboration hours for architecture, trade studies, or reviews
- Structured preparation for lifecycle presentations and decision reviews
Contextualization
- Alignment to your products, systems, and lifecycles
- Industry-specific emphasis (aerospace & defense, semiconductors, medical devices, automotive, energy)
- Integration with existing engineering processes, digital tools, or MBSE initiatives
This program is designed for organizations with teams involved in complex system development, including:
- Systems and subsystem engineers
- Software and hardware engineering teams
- Engineering managers and technical leads
- Program and project managers
- Cross-functional teams supporting product development and delivery
It is especially valuable for organizations seeking a scalable, consistent systems engineering foundation that supports both operational performance and professional credentialing.
How is this program customized for our organization?
Caltech customizes this program based on your organization’s goals, engineering context, and workforce needs. Options include adjusting program length, emphasizing specific lifecycle phases, incorporating your products or systems, and tailoring exercises to your industry and operating environment.
What is the typical size and duration of a corporate cohort?
Corporate cohorts typically range from 10 to 40 participants. Program duration is commonly 40 to 56 hours, though extended formats are available when organizations include project-based learning or additional collaboration time.
Can the program be tailored to our products, systems, or lifecycle?
Yes. Many organizations tailor the program to reflect their product architecture, system-of-systems context, development lifecycle, and engineering processes. This helps participants apply systems engineering methods directly to real work.
Do you offer project-based or applied learning options?
Yes. Organizations may add project-based learning, team exercises, or lifecycle presentations. These options are often used to reinforce requirements development, architecture trade studies, integration planning, or verification and validation strategies.
Where is the program delivered?
Programs may be delivered live online, on-site at your location, on Caltech’s campus, or in a blended format. Delivery is selected based on team distribution, schedule, and learning objectives.
Who teaches the program?
Instruction is led by Caltech CTME engineering instructors and experienced practitioners with backgrounds in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, medical devices, automotive systems, and energy infrastructure. Instructors are selected based on relevance to your industry and program goals.
Does this program support INCOSE certification for participants?
Yes. The curriculum aligns with INCOSE knowledge areas, and organizations may choose to include assessments that support INCOSE Academic Equivalency, allowing eligible participants to apply for ASEP or CSEP certification without a separate knowledge exam.
How does this differ from the public Systems Engineering Fundamentals course?
Corporate programs are tailored, cohort-based, and contextualized for your organization. Unlike public courses, corporate offerings can incorporate company-specific content, extended collaboration, applied projects, and delivery formats designed for teams. Some clients take the public course as a pilot for evaluation.
We’ve previously worked with Caltech or have a company-specific program—how do we find it?
If your organization has an existing or prior Caltech Systems Engineering program, please contact execed@caltech.edu with using your your business email address, and note your company name and inquiry. Our team will help route you to the appropriate program or representative.
How do we get started or request a tailored proposal?
To explore options or request a consultation, submit an inquiry: Custom Program Inquiry. A Caltech CTME program leader will work with you to understand your needs and recommend an appropriate program structure.
