An alien technologies officer (sometimes nicknamed the A-T officer) is a billet in the United Federation of Planets Starfleet and other starfaring governments. The billet is an interdisciplinary one, combining the aptitudes and interests of archaeologists, sociologists, art historians, engineers and linguists, among other specialties. Alien technologies officers may be assigned to vessels of any size. They are often included in the crew of combat support tenders and other support craft.