MICHAEL OLSON
Altoona
Summary
Field systems and instrumentation technician with 9+ years supporting mission-critical electronic, communications, and control systems in live operational environments. Experienced in troubleshooting, calibrating, aligning, configuring, and maintaining field-deployed equipment across RF, power, control, and data subsystems. Proven ability to work independently, restore service, train operators and technicians, and document work in regulated, safety-critical environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Specialist (Network/Systems Administration)
SASMO
Johnston, IA
08.2023 - Current
- Serve as the primary systems administrator supporting organizational communications, networks, and mission-critical IT and technical equipment
- Configure, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite communications systems supporting operational connectivity
- Perform link testing, signal verification, and uptime monitoring; coordinate with higher-tier support to validate end-to-end connectivity and resolve outages
- Provide hands-on technical support for networked systems; maintain domain-joined endpoints and troubleshoot user connectivity issues
- Track vulnerabilities and apply patches and updates to maintain system security and operational readiness
- Manage equipment lifecycle replacement; recommend replacement components and systems based on obsolescence and mission requirements
- Maintain asset accountability and readiness using automated systems; ensure equipment status, location, and ownership data is accurate
- Designed and maintain a Power Apps-based trouble ticketing and asset tracking system logging serial numbers, locations, faults, corrective actions, and operational metrics
- Provide operator training and technical guidance; respond to user inquiries and develop practical troubleshooting procedures
Radio COMSEC Repairer & Section Lead (94E)
Camp Dodge, IA
04.2015 - Current
- Lead and supervise a communications and electronics maintenance section of 7 technicians (authorized up to 19), responsible for equipment readiness, safety, and technical performance
- Assign and oversee troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance activities across radio, RF, power, and control systems
- Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs on receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, power systems, and field cabling
- Install, terminate, and test wiring harnesses, connectors, antennas, and electronic assemblies
- Verify equipment operation through functional and acceptance testing and authorize systems for return to service
- Train and mentor technicians and users on equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and safety procedures
- Maintain service records and repair documentation for accountability and compliance
Electronics Worker (WG-09) / Technical Instructor
Camp Dodge, IA
06.2020 - 08.2023
- Installed, maintained, calibrated, aligned, and repaired electronic and communications equipment in fixed, semi-fixed, and mobile environments
- Performed organizational-level troubleshooting and repair on receivers, amplifiers, intercom systems, intrusion detection systems, control devices, and associated electronics
- Conducted alignment and tuning of electronic equipment; replaced defective switches, relays, transistors, wiring harnesses, potentiometers, motors, and electronic assemblies
- Diagnosed equipment failures using schematics, block diagrams, and technical manuals to determine root cause and corrective action
- Used electronic test equipment including multimeters, signal generators, frequency meters, watt meters, and system test sets to verify operation and performance
- Performed periodic preventive maintenance, inspections, and functional testing to ensure equipment readiness
- Determined whether equipment could be repaired at the organizational level or required higher-level maintenance
- Inspected equipment prior to issue and turn-in; documented deficiencies, repairs, and component shortages
- Served as an instructor at a technical schoolhouse, training personnel on electronics theory, troubleshooting methodology, calibration, alignment, and safe operation of communications and control equipment
- Developed and delivered hands-on instruction, evaluated student performance, and ensured technicians met qualification standards prior to field assignment
- Worked safely around high-voltage electronics, mobile equipment, and outdoor field conditions
Equipment & Operations Support
Tasteful Dinners
Ankeny, IA
05.2015 - 03.2022
- Perform preventive maintenance on ovens, refrigeration units, vehicles, and washing systems
- Maintain equipment availability under tight production schedules
Computer Clerk & Assistant (GS-07)
Iowa Army National Guard - Joint Force Headquarters
Johnston, IA
04.2020 - 06.2020
- Provided Tier 1/Tier 2 help-desk support for Joint Force Headquarters personnel
- Troubleshot hardware, software, and user account issues to restore workstation functionality
- Assisted with imaging, configuration, and deployment of user systems
- Documented trouble tickets and resolutions in accordance with organizational procedures
- Supported continuity of operations by minimizing downtime for mission-essential staff
Education
Advanced Individual Training – Radio Communications Security Repairer (94E)
U.S. Army Ordnance Center of Excellence
Fort Gordon, GAC++ Certificate - undefined
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
High School Diploma -
Ankeny Centennial High School
Ankeny IASkills
- Instrumentation & Field Systems
- Analog & digital signal troubleshooting
- Field wiring, connectors, grounding, and power
- Equipment startup & commissioning
- Preventive & corrective maintenance
- System test sets
- Functional & acceptance testing
- Operations & Support
- Technical documentation
- Asset tracking & lifecycle management
- Excel & Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
- CompTIA Security+
- Active SECRET Security Clearance (DoD)
- Army Basic Leader Course (BLC)
- Army Advanced Leader Course (ALC)
- C++ Certified
Timeline
IT Specialist (Network/Systems Administration)
SASMO
08.2023 - Current
Electronics Worker (WG-09) / Technical Instructor
06.2020 - 08.2023
Computer Clerk & Assistant (GS-07)
Iowa Army National Guard - Joint Force Headquarters
04.2020 - 06.2020
Equipment & Operations Support
Tasteful Dinners
05.2015 - 03.2022
Radio COMSEC Repairer & Section Lead (94E)
04.2015 - Current
C++ Certificate - undefined
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
Advanced Individual Training – Radio Communications Security Repairer (94E)
U.S. Army Ordnance Center of Excellence
High School Diploma -
Ankeny Centennial High School