Initial Development of a Roadmap for Digital Engineering Simulations Curriculum

This paper describes the context and approach for a research task developing a digital engineering (DE) simulation environment. The purpose of the simulation environment is to create a learning platform that can be used to help students attain higher levels of proficiency in critical digital engineering skills beyond what is possible in a traditional classroom setting. This task leverages the existing literature in the community and builds on the extensive digital engineering research portfolio of the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC). The initial research results are described within. This research is funded by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). The goals are the development of DE simulations for teaching DAU students and the development of an accompanying set of teachable modules that will significantly enhance the capabilities of DAU students who complete the DAU training in the evaluation and acquisition of complex systems from a broad range of domains including cyber resilience, AI systems, and weapon systems. The architecture of the DE simulation is developed in a manner that allows adaptability and extensibility into other disciplinary areas beyond the engineering, acquisition, and sustainment areas. In addition, the team aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on DE and systems engineering education through this research.