Hypersonics Technicians

Job duties for hypersonics technicians vary by their educational background, employer, job title, and other factors. For example, a technician may be asked to conduct tests using wind tunnels, flight simulators, and modeling software to develop special scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engines that can function at high speeds or conduct research on heat shields made of titanium or nickel-based alloys that can be used at speeds of slightly above Mach 5. Others conduct research to improve the maneuverability of hypersonics weapons in flight, test and construct complex hypersonic test apparatus, or develop surveillance systems and defensive weapons to identify and stop hypersonic weapons. Other focus entirely on commercial applications for hypersonics technology.

Regardless of their job titles, most technicians perform the following tasks: test hypersonics systems or other technology under simulated operational conditions; collect data and write reports that summarize their findings; conduct further testing based on feedback from engineers and scientists; fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment; build and maintain test facilities such as wind tunnels and launch pads; maintain inventories of parts and other mechanical components to ensure that the testing and manufacturing of products stays on schedule; test the performance of electronic, electrical, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment; calibrate and otherwise maintain scientific or technical equipment; document technical design details; and create estimates of technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.