The transporter chief (or transporter operator) is a crewmember stationed in one of the several transporter areas on a starship. On Starfleet vessels, this operator is usually a petty officer, ensign or lieutenant in the operations division. Romulans were notable to use the term transporter chief to designate the most senior transporter operator onboard. (RIS Bouteina) Enlisted subordinates of the transporter chief held the rating of transporter specialist.