Technical LeadershipIN THE INSTRUMENTATION FIELDBY: JESSE BOURGEOIS

What is my definition of Technical Leadership?

Technical Leadership in my own words, is the ability to

plan and organize a strategy capable of producing a solid

and easy work flow. Technical leaders should

engage with their team and be the motivational force

that drives them to do their best work efficiently and

correctly.

Key components to a successful Technical Leader Competent in a specialized area, analytical ability, and

the ability to use appropriate tools and techniques

Understanding what is needed to get the job done; understanding the physical operation

Hands-on activity with basic product or process knowledge; producing the actual products a company is designed to produce

COMMUNICATION skills! I believe this is the major skill ANY leader needs to have.

Lets Talk Instrumentation!!What is an Instrument?

An instrument is a device that measures, monitors and controls a

process. They collect data for different scientific measurements and control

process variables within a production, laboratory, or manufacturing area.

(Not the musical one lol, The industrial one!)

Types of Instruments Electrical Electronic Mechanical Hydraulic Pneumatic Electro-Mechanical

Key duties of an

Instrumentation Technician Calibrating,

installing, programming, troubleshooting, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment

Education and Experience Required

Associates degree in Instrumentation, Electronics or Electrical Technology.

0-5 years experience, depending on technician level.

Becoming a Technical

Leader in the Instrumentatio

n FieldExperience is the main attribute that a person need to become a successful technical leader in the instrumentation and electrical field. Once a person has enough experience in this field (8-10 years minimum) they can then begin to work on their leadership skills in acquiring a higher position that would be considered a technical leader.

Education can definitely jump start a career as a technical leader in the instrumentation field but will also require in-field, hands-on experience to truly understand the task at hand in order to lead and guide others.

A technical leader in the instrumentation field could acquire several different positions including:

Lead Technician

Supervisor of Operations

Electrical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer

Facilities Engineer

Technical Leadership Positions

Technical Leaders in the instrumentation field need to be able step up and assist fellow technicians when they are stumped or unsure about a task that has to be completed.

Knowing the work that is at hand can help a Technical Leader guide and lead his fellow technicians to complete a task at hand correctly.

A technical leader in the instrumentation field is the superior that figure that technicians look toward when they need guidance.

Duties of a Technical Leader in Instrumentation

The effects of successful Technical Leadership in the Instrumentation

Field

Gained respect as a leader from fellow employees

Increased Production

Improved quality of work Happier employees and

customers!

Less Stress in the work environment

Supportive Reasoning behind my theories!!

I have worked now as an Instrumentation Technician at NASA Stennis Space Center for 5.5 years now. I have an Associates degree from Pearl River Community College in Instrumentation and Electronics Technology. The previous slides that you have seen were created on what an Instrumentation Technician is, how to acquire a instrumentation position and the theories of what I think a technical leader in my field should be. The theories and statements come form my experience working and seeing what attributes my current leaders have and also what they don’t have. I have learned a lot from what they do and I believe that will help me in the future when I reach the point in my career where I will have the opportunity become a Technical Leader myself.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my power point I have created. I hope this will give you a better idea of the instrumentation field, the roles we perform and the skills I believe a technical leader should have in order to strive in this industry.