The NASA/JPL Western Region Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) offers technical training courses in the fabrication, assembly and inspection of flight and ground support hardware. The center is located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The center was established in 1964, since then over 25,000 technicians, inspectors, engineers and quality engineers, from NASA, JPL, various government agencies, and private industry have been trained and certified. The MTTC also has satellite schools at each of the NASA/JPL Deep Space Network tracking stations in Goldstone, California - Madrid, Spain, and Canberra, Australia. The MTTC conducts classes primarily for the Western Region of the United States. The Eastern Region MTTC is located at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
| Certificate of Completion Only | 7 Hours | No Cost |
Counterfeit Parts Avoidance Training
Training is funded through NASA OSMS
| Initial Certification | Operator/Inspector | 40 Hours | $2250.00 |
| Instructor | 80 Hours | $3600.00 | |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Operator/Inspector | 8 Hours | $625.00 |
| Instructor | 8 Hours | $700.00 |
This course is generally offered once a month for both initial certification and recertification.
Polymeric Application on Electronic Assemblies course is designed to train operators and inspection personnel on the proper methods of applying polymeric materials in accordance with the requirements of NASA STD 8739.1A. This course sets forth the requirements for staking and conformal coating of printed wiring boards and electronic assemblies and is applicable to NASA programs involving staking and conformal coating application for flight hardware, mission critical ground support equipment and elements thereof.
Prerequisite: Vision exam
This prerequisite pertains to the NASA-STD-8739 series of courses, with
the exception of: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control - NASA-STD-8739.7
All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite
to training (certification and/or recertification). The vision requirements
may be met with corrected vision. Results of the examination shall be
maintained and available for review.
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 35.5cm (14 inches), Reduced Snellen 20/20, or
equivalent
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green blue, and yellow as prescribed
in Dvorine Charts, Ishihara Plates, or AO-HRR Tests
A copy of the vision exam must be forwarded to the NASA Western Region
Training Center prior to attending class.
| Initial Certification | Operator/Inspector | 32 Hours | $2300.00 |
| Instructor | 64 Hours | $3600.00 | |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Operator/Inspector | 16 Hours | $825.00 |
| Instructor | 16 Hours | $1050.00 |
This course is generally offered evey three (3) months for both initial certification and recertification.
The Surface Mount Technology course trains personnel in the fabrication and inspection of space flight hardware in accordance with NASA-STD-8739.2 and JPL standards. Various training aids are used to explain the underlying theory, approved materials, tools and procedures. Emphasis is placed on understanding instructions and performing quality workmanship. Students will assemble a printed wiring assembly (PWA). In the rework and modification portion, each student modifies a PWA from detailed instructions.
Prerequisite: Vision exam
This prerequisite pertains to the NASA-STD-8739 series of courses, with
the exception of: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control - NASA-STD-8739.7
All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite
to training (certification and/or recertification). The vision requirements
may be met with corrected vision. Results of the examination shall be
maintained and available for review.
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 35.5cm (14 inches), Reduced Snellen 20/20, or
equivalent
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green blue, and yellow as prescribed
in Dvorine Charts, Ishihara Plates, or AO-HRR Tests
A copy of the vision exam must be forwarded to the NASA Western Region
Training Center prior to attending class.
| Initial Certification | Operator/Inspector | 40 Hours | $1575.00 |
| Instructor | 80 Hours | $3600.00 | |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Operator/Inspector | 16 Hours | $625.00 |
| Instructor | 24 Hours | $1100.00 |
This course is generally offered the first and last week of each month. Recertification is offered monthly for either Operator/inspector (2 days) or Instructor (3 days).
This course trains personnel to fabricate and inspect flight and ground hardware in accordance with NASA STD 8739.3 requirements.
Technical illustrations, NASA/JPL documentation and instructor demonstrations of techniques are used to explain the underlying theory, approved materials and tools. Students fabricate a variety of solder joints representative of the technology.
Prerequisite: Vision exam
This prerequisite pertains to the NASA-STD-8739 series of courses, with
the exception of: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control - NASA-STD-8739.7
All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite to training
(certification and/or recertification). The vision requirements may be met with corrected vision.
Results of the examination shall be maintained and available for review.
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 35.5cm (14 inches), Reduced Snellen 20/20, or equivalent
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green blue, and yellow as prescribed in Dvorine
Charts, Ishihara Plates, or AO-HRR Tests
A copy of the vision exam must be forwarded to the NASA Western Region Training Center prior to attending class.
| Initial Certification | Operator/Inspector | 40 Hours | $1575.00 |
| Instructor | 80 Hours | $3600.00 | |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Operator/Inspector | 16 Hours | $650.00 |
| Instructor | 16 Hours | $850.00 |
This course requires certification in Soldered Electrical Connections as a pre-requisite. This course is generally offered bi-monthly for initial Certification and Recertification.
The Crimp, Cable & Harness course trains students in the methods and techniques required for the fabrication and inspection of reliable solderless connections, interconnecting cables and wire harness assemblies for space flight hardware, mission critical ground support equipment and elements thereof. It is in accordance with NASA STD 8739.4 requirements.
Prerequisite: Vision exam
This prerequisite pertains to the NASA-STD-8739 series of courses, with
the exception of: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control - NASA-STD-8739.7
All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite
to training (certification and/or recertification). The vision requirements
may be met with corrected vision. Results of the examination shall be
maintained and available for review.
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 35.5cm (14 inches), Reduced Snellen 20/20, or
equivalent
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green blue, and yellow as prescribed
in Dvorine Charts, Ishihara Plates, or AO-HRR Tests
A copy of the vision exam must be forwarded to the NASA Western Region
Training Center prior to attending class.
| Initial Certification | Operator/Inspector | 32 Hours | $1550.00 |
| Instructor | 64 Hours | $3100.00 | |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Operator/Inspector | 8 Hours | $735.00 |
| Instructor | 8 Hours | $850.00 |
This course is usually offered every three months for both initial Certification and Recertification but not in the same month. The Fiber Optic Terminations course trains personnel in the methods and techniques required to fabricate, test, and inspect reliable quality fiber optic terminations for space flight hardware, mission critical ground support, and elements thereof. This course provides the student with the theory and hands-on training to the requirements of NASA STD 8739.5.
Prerequisite: Vision exam
This prerequisite pertains to the NASA-STD-8739 series of courses, with
the exception of: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control - NASA-STD-8739.7
All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite
to training (certification and/or recertification). The vision requirements
may be met with corrected vision. Results of the examination shall be
maintained and available for review.
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 35.5cm (14 inches), Reduced Snellen 20/20,
or equivalent
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green blue, and yellow as
prescribed in Dvorine Charts, Ishihara Plates, or AO-HRR Tests
A copy of the vision exam must be forwarded to the NASA Western Region
Training Center prior to attending class.
| Initial Certification | Operator/Inspector |
4 Hours
|
$400.00
|
| Instructor |
12 Hours
|
$700.00
|
|
| Auditor |
6 Hours
|
$800.00
|
|
| Recert (Every 2 years) JPL employees | Operator/Inspector |
4 Hours
|
$300.00
|
| Instructor |
12 Hours
|
$700.00
|
|
| Auditor |
6 Hours
|
$800.00
|
This course is offered two or three times each month. For instructor training there is an initial one-day, one-on-one training with the ESD Instructor before becoming a student instructor of an actual class. This one-on-one training will be done before instructing a class.
This ESD Control class trains the student with methods to safely protect electronic devices and assemblies from the devastating effects of ESD. Included is a discussion of the ESD phenomenon including how ESD is generated and controlled. It includes specific ESD control requirements mandated by NASA, JPL, and industry, and addresses methods to safely protect electronic devices and systems during all phases of spacecraft development. Workstation audit techniques to verify ESD control policy compliance are also included. In-class demonstrations are performed. This class is a JPL requirement for all personnel who work with ESD-sensitive devices, assemblies and systems.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
Operator/Inspector | 32 Hours | $1900.00 |
| Completion of Training Refresher Certificate Only (Every 2 years) |
Operator/Inspector | 8 Hours | $700.00 |
The Flight Systems Mechanical Hardware course is intended to train personnel with various aspects of spacecraft assembly including torquing fasteners, JPL specifications, and other areas of concern. This course consists of lecture, discussion and hands-on lab work.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $750.00 |
| Instructor | 8 Hours | $1500.00 | |
| Completion of Training Refresher Certificate Only (Every 2 years) |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $550.00 |
| Instructor | 4Hours | $600.00 |
This course is offered monthly.
The Connector Cleaning course trains personnel in the proper method of identifying contamination of connectors and the proper methods of removing contamination.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $600.00 |
| Instructor | 8 Hours | $1,200.00 | |
| Completion of Training Refresher Certificate Only (Every 2 years) |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $600.00 |
| Instructor | 4 Hours | $650.00 |
This course is offered monthly.
The Connector CSFT/Mate & Demate & torquing course is designed to train and certify personnel in the proper techniques of mating and demating various types of connectors and Contact Separation Force Testing (CSFT). The course includes the proper method of torquing electronic assemblies.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $600.00 |
| Instructor | 8 Hours | $1200.00 | |
| Completion of Training Refresher Certificate Only (Every 2 years) |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $600.00 |
| Instructor | 4 Hours | $600.00 |
This course is offered three times per year.
Although the NASA STANDARD for Wire Wrap has been cancelled. JPL does offer a Wire Wrap class for those in industry who are still using this process. The Wire Wrap course is taught to the NHB 5300.4(3H) and JPL D-8208 documentation.
| One Time Only Completion of Initial Training Certificate |
Operator/Inspector | 2 Hours | $250.00 |
| Instructor | 4 Hours | $400.00 |
This course is offered monthly.
This course is a one time certification, which is required for any employee who handles or comes into contact with Flight hardware and equipment.
The Critical Hardware Handling course provides familiarization with the handling of flight and mission critical hardware. It is intended to cover basic procedures and precautions that are necessary when critical hardware is handled. Examples, mistakes and Lessons Learned are discussed.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
Operator/Inspector | 3 Hours | $300.00 |
| Completion of Training Refresher Certificate Only (Every 2 years) |
Operator/Inspector | 3 Hours | $300.00 |
This course is offered every three months.
The Lifting Devices, Safety and Orientation course is designed to train lifting devices operators in accordance with the NASA-STD-8719.9, JPL and OSHA operational and safety requirements. Lifting Devices Operators must successfully complete the Lifting Devices Operator Orientation Course before receiving certification in hands-on training on any specific lifting devices.
Lifting Devices operators maybe responsible for handling critical space flight hardware and associated non-flight support hardware. These loads are moved during fabrication, assembly, test and pre-launch operations and care must be taken to insure the safety of all personnel and equipment.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
Operator/Inspector | 4 Hours | $300.00 |
This ongoing course is designed to train environmental chamber owners and operators to the functional and operational requirements for environmental chambers and to protect deliverable hardware and personnel during chamber operations. An Environmental Chamber is defined as any enclosure or device, including attached equipment, capable of creating a temperature, vacuum, pressure, humidity and/or gaseous environment that can be used for the purpose of stressing, testing, characterizing, baking-out or verifying a deliverable product.
Note: Environmental chamber operators must successfully complete this course before receiving hands-on training and certification for a specific environmental chamber. Hands-on training and certification will be conducted by designated Environmental Test Laboratory (ETL) personnel.
| Completion of Initial Training Certificate Only |
QA Engineer/Inspector/Auditor | 8 Hours | $800.00 |
| Completion of Training Refresher Certificate Only (Every 2 years) |
QA Engineer/Inspector/Auditor | 8 Hours | $800.00 |
This course is generally offered once a quarter for both initial certification and recertification.
The pre-requiste for this course is certification in " Electrostatic Discharge - ESD Control". The "ESD Control Auditor" course is intended for Quality Assurance Engineers, Inspectors and PQA Auditors who will perform ESD audits at JPL, CalTech or supplier facilities. The ESD Control Auditor class is generally offered once per quarter.
the course is divided into two parts; a four-hour class in a group environment limited to six people and a subsequent "field demonstration of proficiency" under the one-on-one supervision of the ESD Control Engineer or his representative. The field demonstration will be scheduled separately in conjunction with an actual ESD audit. The classroom curriculum includes:
Each student will receive "ESD Control Auditor" certification upon:
ESD Control Auditor Certification is valid for two years.
| Initial Certification | Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) | 5.5 Days | $1950.00 |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) | 3 Days | $1450.00 |
| Initial Certification / Recertification (Every 2 years) | Certified IPC Trainer (CIS)Non-Modular | 5 Days | $1650.00 |
| Initial Certification | Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) | 5.5 Days | $2900.00 |
| Recertification (Every 2 years) | Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) | 3 Days | $1700.00 |
Prerequisites: All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite to J-STD-001ES training. The vision requirements may be met with corrected vision. Results of the examination shall be maintained and available for review.The vision tests shall be administered by a qualified examiner, accepted by the User, using standard instruments and techniques. The following are minimum vision requirements:
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50.
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 355.6 mm (14 inches) or reduced Snellen 20/20, or equivalent.
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green, blue, and yellow colors as prescribed in Dvorine Charts, Ishihara Plates or AO-HRR Tests.
The instructor for this class is a Certified IPC Master Trainer trained to instruct operators, technicians, inspectors, engineers, and trainers. Students will be evaluated on their mastery of the J-STD-001 material through tests that include both open-book and closed book tests. Upon successful completion of the training, students will receive a Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) certificate or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certificate.
| Initial Certification/ Recertification (Every 2 years) | Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) | 3 Days | $1200.00 |
| Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) | 3 Days | $1,650 |
IPC-A-600 Standard describes the preferred, acceptable, and non-conforming conditions that are either externally or internally observable on unpopulated printed boards. Visual illustrations and photographs are presented in each situation related to specific requirements.
The instructor for this class is a Certified IPC Master Trainer trained to instruct operators, technicians, inspectors, engineers, and trainers. Students will benefit by having a consistent understanding of the visual quality acceptance/rejection criteria, and will receive tools for the evaluation of visual features and/or anomalies. Upon successful completion of the training, students will receive a Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) certificate or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certificate.
NASA/JPL Western Region - Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)
4800 Oak Grove Dr
MailStop 83-204
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
(818) 354-6730
The certificate of completion of training is valid for two years from the last certification. Students must start a "Recertification" training class within two years of the last certification. Beyond this two year period, students must enroll in an initial "Certification" training class.
Prerequisite: Vision Exam
This prerequisite pertains to the NASA-STD-8739.3 series of courses, with the exception of: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control, NASA-STD-8739.7.
All students must meet the following vision test requirements as a prerequisite to training (certification and/or recertification). The vision requirements may be met with corrected vision. Results of the examination shall be maintained and available for review.
Far Vision: Snellen Chart 20/50
Near Vision: Jaeger 1 at 35.5cm (14 inches), Reduced Snellen 20/20, or equivalent
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish red, green, blue and yellow as prescribed in Dvorine Charts, Ishihara Plates, or AO-HRR Tests
A copy of the vision exam must be forwarded to the NASA-JPL Western Region - Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center prior to attending class.
