The majority of operations technicians work in the aerospace industry, where they install, operate, calibrate, and maintain high-tech communications equipment consoles. An operations technician is also in charge of the operation and maintenance of various types of equipment that is used to launch, position, track, and evaluate planes and spacecraft. These technicians could also be used to record and interpret the data collected by this equipment. An operations technician is a crucial member of a flight readiness team, as they may be called upon to troubleshoot launch and flight failures.
An operations technician is frequently a necessary component of the development of new spacecraft and aircraft. Airplanes, helicopters, missiles, and rockets are among the machines that these specialized technicians work on. They’re also used for a variety of projects in a variety of ways. They are not only used to build, test, and maintain space and aircraft components, but they are also used to assemble, maintain, and test these vehicles.
The most common places to hire an operations technician are companies that specialize in the development and construction of aircraft or space vehicles. This type of craft is usually built for a private airline or a government agency by these specialized organizations. Research, development, production, and marketing are all areas where operations technicians can work. Precision shop drawings and scale models of proposed vehicles are assigned to some technicians. Others may collect data, take measurements, or conduct laboratory tests with the help of specialized instruments.
An operations technician may be tasked with preparing reports and cost estimates for pending and proposed projects. Many technicians work as consultants or field representatives for manufacturers, providing technical support and advice to customers. Technical writers are used by other operations technicians to assist in the publication of catalogs and technical manuals.
An operations technician will frequently receive specialized training in specific types of equipment, such as engine, electrical, or computer components. Often, these specialized technicians will spend years developing small, one-of-a-kind parts for use in spacecraft. Some technicians specialize in a specific system type, such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic systems. An operations technician can also pursue certification in aircraft instrumentation or landing gear mechanisms.
Operations technicians, regardless of the type of equipment they specialize in, usually work as part of a team under the supervision of engineers or scientists. The majority of routine tasks are performed by technicians, allowing scientists and engineers to focus on more complex tasks. Operations technicians work long hours, including weekends and holidays, and are sometimes forced to relocate to a new city or country after a project is completed.