Engineering Competition Teams

Each year, Union’s Aero Team designs, builds, and flies a custom remote-controlled aircraft for the international SAE Aero Design competition—facing off against over 100 university teams worldwide. From aerodynamics and CAD modeling to electronics and final flight tests, students tackle every phase of the aircraft’s construction and pre-competition testing. It's hands-on, high-stakes engineering that blends classroom theory with real-world pressure. Along the way, team members sharpen technical and leadership skills, connect with industry pros, and often land internships or jobs !

Sustainability statement from the team: The Union Aero Team integrates sustainability into both design and execution. We strive to reduce environmental impact through careful material selection, efficient manufacturing practices, and lightweight, power-conscious systems. By re-evaluating designs each year, we limit unnecessary waste and extend the life of reusable components. Our approach emphasizes engineering solutions that are not only high-performing but also responsible and resource-aware.

Union’s Baja Team designs and builds a rugged, single-seat off-road vehicle to compete in SAE’s international Baja SAE series—where student-built cars tackle brutal terrain, steep climbs, and a grueling four-hour endurance race. Using a standardized engine, teams focus on innovation in suspension, drivetrain, and chassis design to outperform the competition. Along the way, students gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, fabrication, project management, and real-world problem-solving under pressure.

Sustainability statement from the team: The Union Baja SAE team is committed to sustainable engineering practices. We actively reuse parts from previous vehicles and optimize design to minimize material waste. When new purchases are necessary for the development of the car, we make them thoughtfully, prioritizing durability and efficiency while considering environmental impact. With the support of Union’s machinists, we also recycle old parts, giving materials a second life in new projects.

Union College Rocket Club (UCRC) brings together students across majors to explore the thrill of rocketry—from 3D modeling and payload design to hands-on building, fabrication, and launching. UCRC recently chartered as an official section under the National Association of Rocketry and held their first local launch event recently. The team is getting ready to participate in the 2026 Battle of the Rockets competition.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering students at Union have spent the last 2.5 years launching the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) club, applying for professional recognition and completing their probationary first year. But that is not all they’ve been up to! After a roughly 20-year hiatus, Union College has registered to compete in the 2026 Upstate NY-Canada regional Student Steel Bridge Competition. The competition involves timed construction of individual bridge pieces that meet specific dimension requirements. Designs need to support 1500lb and 2500lb weights that are added at specific bridge sites.