Operations technicians work in the aerospace industry, installing, operating, calibrating, and maintaining sophisticated equipment for launching, positioning, tracking, and evaluating aircraft and space vehicles. They also record and interpret data and troubleshoot failures. They specialize in different types of equipment and may work in research, development, production, marketing, or technical writing. They work in teams under the supervision of engineers or scientists and may have to move frequently for work.
Most operations technicians work in the aerospace industry performing tasks such as installing, operating, calibrating and maintaining highly sophisticated communications equipment consoles. An operations technician is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of various types of equipment used to launch, position, track, and evaluate aircraft and space vehicles. In addition, these technicians can also be used to record and interpret data obtained with this equipment. An operations technician is an important part of a flight readiness team, which may be needed to troubleshoot launch and flight failures as well.
An operations technician is often an indispensable part of the development of new spacecraft and vehicles. These specialist technicians typically work on planes, helicopters, missiles and rockets. They are also utilized in many different ways for various types of projects. Not only are they used to build, test and maintain the components needed for space and aircraft, but they are also used to assemble, maintain and test these vehicles.
Companies specializing in the development and construction of aircraft or space vehicles are the most common places to hire an operations technician. These specialist organizations are usually contracted to build this type of vessel for a private airline or government agency. Operations technicians can work in all areas of this industry, including research, development, production and marketing. A few technicians are assigned to make precision drawings and scale models of proposed vehicles. Others may use specialized instruments to gather information, take measurements, or perform laboratory tests.
Sometimes an operations technician will be tasked with preparing reports and cost estimates for proposed and ongoing projects. Many technicians are employed as consultants or field representatives for the manufacturer, who provide technical assistance and advice to customers. Other operations technicians are used as technical writers to help publish technical catalogs and manuals.
Often, an operations technician obtains special training in certain types of equipment, such as engine, electrical, or computer components. These expert technicians often spend many years developing small, unique parts for use in space vehicles. Some technicians choose to specialize in a specific type of system, such as an electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic system. An operations technician may also train to be an expert in aircraft instrumentation or landing gear mechanisms.
Regardless of the specific type of equipment they may specialize in, operations technicians generally work with a team under the supervision of engineers or scientists. Technicians perform most routine tasks, allowing scientists and engineers to use their advanced training for more complex tasks. Operations technicians often work long hours, including weekends and holidays, and sometimes have to move to a different city or country to find employment after a project is completed.
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