We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Paul Calhoun, MBSE Lead and tool expert at Leidos, to discuss his experiences with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and his journey with CATIA Magic. Below is a summary of the key insights from our conversation.

Paul Calhoun is an MBSE Lead at Leidos, responsible for supporting teams with questions about model-based systems engineering, specifically SysML and tool usage. As an industry expert, Paul plays a pivotal role in enabling complex system designs that align with client needs.

Why MBSE Matters?

MBSE is essential for us to manage the intricacies of complex systems and ensure that designs meet stakeholders’ expectations. It provides the necessary framework to translate user needs into successful system designs.

A Memorable Success Story

Reflecting on a notable achievement, Paul shared how his team won a government prize challenge with a \$1 million prize pool. Their investment of \$50,000 in MBSE paid off significantly, showcasing the impact of efficient modeling on project outcomes.

Why CATIA Magic?

Paul’s introduction to CATIA Magic was a turning point. He found the tool significantly easier and more efficient compared to previous tools. In his words, “I got more done in half an hour than I could usually get done in a day in anything else I’d ever used.” This ease of use allowed him to achieve project objectives more effectively.

CATIA in Action:

One recent project that highlighted the importance of CATIA Magic was the design of an undersea vehicle. Paul emphasized that without CATIA’s systems engineering tools, the project wouldn’t have progressed, illustrating the critical role CATIA played in the success of the project.

What is his Favorite Features?

When asked about the specific features of CATIA Magic that stand out in his daily work, Paul praised its layout and efficiency. The tool’s capability to quickly model complex systems and visually demonstrate how everything fits together is key to his success.

The Future of CATIA Magic:

Looking ahead, Paul envisions further advancements, such as the ability to paste an entire model in SystemLV2 textual syntax and generate a visually appealing, fully functional model. This innovation would further streamline workflows and increase productivity for engineers like Paul.

We extend our thanks to Paul Calhoun for his time and valuable insights into the world of MBSE and CATIA Magic.

MBSE ModelBasedSystemsEngineering CATIAMagic SystemsEngineering EngineeringTools Leidos InnovationInEngineering SystemsModeling DigitalEngineering EngineeringEfficiencyTechInnovation FutureOfEngineering SystemsArchitecture