Hypersonics Technicians

Some technicians are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers; Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace; Transport Workers Union of America; United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; American Federation of Government Employees; or the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Technicians can also join professional associations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), which describes itself as the “world’s largest aerospace technical society . . . with nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 95 corporate members.” The AIAA—which offers membership categories for high school and college students and current technicians and engineers—provides scholarships and competitions for students, a Professional Virtual Career Fair, continuing education opportunities, and other resources.

There are also associations that represent technicians and engineers in specific disciplines. Examples include the American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (which has an Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society), Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, and SME (which represents manufacturing professionals).

Other useful organizations include the National Defense Industrial Association, Society of Women Engineers, American Indian Science & Engineering Society, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. SpaceTEC and other organizations provide certification. ABET accredits engineering technology education programs.