The military uses precision instruments and equipment to perform a variety of functions. Some precision instruments are used to measure distance, pressure, altitude, temperature, underwater depth, and other physical properties. Other types of precision equipment include photographic and imaging equipment such as cameras, projectors, and film processing equipment. All of these items have many sensitive mechanisms which require regular attention to stay in good working order. Precision instrument and equipment repairers maintain and adjust these delicate items. They may specialize by the type of equipment that they work on.
What They Do
Precision instrument and equipment repairers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Calibrate and repair instruments used in aircraft
- Calibrate measuring instruments such as, barometers, thermometers, and telemeters
- Adjust and repair weapon aiming devices such as range finders, telescopes, and periscopes
- Diagnose and repair problems in all types of cameras and photo processing equipment
- Repair watches, clocks, and timers
- Calibrate electrical test instruments
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include math, science, electronics, and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to solve mechanical problems
- Ability to use repair tools
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice in repairing precision instruments and equipment. Training length varies depending upon specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Calibration and repair of precision measuring instruments
- Use of blueprints and schematics
- Test and repair of cameras and darkroom equipment
- Test and repair of aerial sensor equipment
Work Environment
Precision instrument and equipment repairers usually work in repair shops on land or aboard ships.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian precision instrument and equipment repairers work in a variety of industries that use precision instruments and equipment. They may work for manufacturing firms, airlines, machinery repair shops, photographic labs, or engineering firms. Civilian precision instrument and equipment repairers perform duties similar to military repairers. Depending on their specialty, they may also be called instrument mechanics, calibration specialists, camera repairers, or photographic equipment technicians.
