Hypersonics Technicians

High School

Recommended high school classes include physics, mathematics (especially algebra, trigonometry, and calculus), chemistry, computer science (especially programming, computer-aided design, data analytics, and artificial intelligence), writing, speech, and shop.

Postsecondary Education

A minimum of an associate’s degree in engineering technology (ET), an ET specialty (such as electrical engineering technology), materials science, or a related field is required to become a hypersonics technician. Because the field is so competitive, many people earn bachelor’s degrees in one of the aforementioned fields. (In some settings, those who earn a bachelor’s degree may be known as technologists rather than technicians.) Students augment their education by participating in internships, cooperative education opportunities, and/or part-time jobs at an employer that develops hypersonic technology.

Some people train for the field by participating in an apprenticeship program in electronics, engineering technology, or a related field. Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov for information about apprenticeships.

The U.S. military also provides training to aspiring technicians, although those who pursue this route will need to augment their education with classes or certificates in hypersonic technology. Here are a few of the occupational paths that you can receive training for in the U.S. armed forces. Visit TodaysMilitary.com to learn more.

• electrical instrument and equipment repairer
• flight engineering technician
• precision instrument and equipment repairer
• software developer
• space operations specialist
• weapons maintenance technician

Certification

A growing number of colleges and universities (including the University of Colorado Boulder, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) have launched certificate programs in hypersonics technology. These programs are a good way to explore the field without investing in a four-year degree. Contact schools in your area to learn about available options.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education (CE) classes is a great way to keep your skills up to date and learn about new developments in hypersonics technology; CE credits may also be required to renew one’s certification. These educational opportunities are offered by colleges and universities, professional associations, and online learning platforms (such as edx). Here are some examples of classes offered by these entities:

• Hypersonic Performance and Design (Purdue University)
• Hypersonics—from Shock Waves to Scramjets (edx, in cooperation with the University of Queensland)
• Hypersonic Aerodynamics (University of Alabama in Huntsville)
• Hypersonic Applications: Physical Models for Interdisciplinary Simulation; Hypersonics: Test and Evaluation; Hypersonic Flight Vehicle Design and Performance Analysis (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

Finally, student members of the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics can participate in bimonthly seminars with hypersonic experts and biannual forums that feature academic and industry leaders in hypersonics. The consortium lists educational opportunities that are offered by postsecondary institutions and other providers on its Web site, https://hypersonics.tamu.edu.