Imperial weapons technician
Those serving in the Imperial Military who were responsible for the operation of the Galactic Empire's various weapon systems found on capital ships, within military installations, and aboard battle stations were known as Imperial weapons technicians. They were also referred to as Imperial gunners or Imperial engineers. Those stationed on the Death Star and DS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station often called them Death Star gunners.
Role
These Imperial weapons technicians, by other names Imperial gunners or even Death Star gunners, were the operators of turbolasers and ion cannons found on the Galactic Empire's capital ships and within military bases. This included the first and second Death Star, where the most skilled gunners also took control of the battle stations' planet-destroying superlasers, carefully monitoring their immense energy output. Many gunners were initially recruits in the Imperial Navy's piloting program, but were either still undergoing training or were past their peak performance. Despite this, Imperial weapons technicians still possessed the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use these powerful weapons. Turbolasers required teams of gunners to operate, who kept a close watch on the weapons' recharge cycles and heat levels while simultaneously acquiring and locking onto targets. Imperial weapons technicians were also responsible for operating the four gravity well projectors that were installed on the experimental Imperial Interdictor.
Equipment
The standard uniform for Imperial weapons technicians consisted of a black jumpsuit made from energy-shielded material, along with black durasteel gloves, positive gravity pressure boots, and large, specialized, black helmets that were commonly referred to as "jawbone helmets." These helmets featured slit-like visors equipped with polarized lenses, designed to protect the technicians' eyes from the intense flashes of light produced by turbolaser and superlaser fire. However, many gunners found that these visors restricted their overall field of vision. The helmets also incorporated sensors for tracking enemy fighter craft, as well as a comlink to facilitate precise coordination, aiming, and firing.
Some gunners were also seen wearing quilted black jackets over their standard jumpsuits. Those assigned to experimental projects, such as the Imperial Interdictor under the command of Admiral Brom Titus, could be identified by their light grey jumpsuits adorned with golden yellow Imperial crests. As a sidearm, Imperial weapons technicians were issued a blaster pistol.
Behind the scenes
During the filming of the superlaser firing sequence in the original 1977 Star Wars film, officially titled Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, the two weapons technicians shown huddled within the laser cannon conduit were played by Industrial Light & Magic modelmakers Grant McCune and Joe Johnston. During the production process, the gunners' distinctive headgear was given the nickname "beetle helmet."
Furthermore, Rian Johnson, the director of Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi, made a cameo appearance as a weapons technician in the 2016 Star Wars Anthology film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
A specialized version of the imperial weapons technician, wearing a winter coat, is featured as a minifigure in the 2018 LEGO Star Wars set 75257, known as "Imperial Conveyex Transport," where they are depicted operating a gun on a 20-T Railcrawler conveyex transport.