Summary

The Instrument Technician is responsible for maintaining all process instrumentation and controls throughout the facility to ensure safe operating practices. This individual wires, troubleshoots, repairs, calibrates, and maintains equipment to minimize downtime. The Instrument Technician frequently collaborates with engineers and electricians to complete work assignments accurately.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspects instruments periodically and adjusts calibration to ensure functioning within specified standards.
• Troubleshoots systems including, but not limited to instrument air dryer systems, electrical interlock systems, boiler controls, etc.
• Selects, installs, calibrates, and checks sensing, telemetering, recording instrumentation and circuitry; develops specifications for nonstandard apparatus, characteristics of equipment under test, and capabilities.
• Sketches, builds, and modifies jigs, fixtures, and instruments; verifies dimensional and functional acceptability of devices fabricated by team members.
• Verifies accuracy of gauges and measuring instruments such as pressure, pH, flow, temperature, and valves; documents failure rates on specified equipment
• Controls parameters in processes and/or systems by using a programmable logic controller (PLC).
• Runs conduit, installs instruments, and bends stainless steel tubing as needed.
• Develops preventative maintenance (PM) documentation; performs PM and corrective maintenance on test apparatus and peripheral equipment.
• Operates test apparatus during test cycle to produce, regulate, and record effects of actual or simulated conditions such as vibration, stress, temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration, etc; prepares graphs and/or written reports to communicate test results.
• Maintains a safe working environment by complying with all rules and regulations, and continuously practices safety while performing duties. Actively participates in the Respirator Program.
• Wears the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hard hat, hearing protection, respirator, fire-retardant clothing, gloves, etc. as required. May be required to wear additional PPE based on specific job duties.

Typical Education

• High School Diploma or GED (General Education Degree)

Relevant Experience

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience; Journeyperson card preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years experience and/or training in a manufacturing or chemical plant.
• Knowledge of basic physics and chemistry; intermediate math skills with the ability to accurately measure and take readings.
• Knowledge of entire pieces of equipment including, but not limited to process control, motors, final control elements, electronics, industrial networks, signaling standards, fluid dynamics, etc.
• Knowledge of 4-20mA control signals; ability to read and interpret proportional, integral, derivative (PID) controller.
• Ability to work independently or under minimal supervisor; a team player, and ability to work with multiple disciplines.
• Ability to read and understand all equipment and machinery manuals; ability to conduct research as needed.
• Required to operate a forklift, and/or other equipment as needed; valid driver’s license required.
• Required to maintain reliable, regular attendance.

Other Information

• This job requires the ability to work in excess of eight hours per day, off-duty hours, and weekends to reach operational goals and compliance requirements.
• This individual must have the ability to operate a front-end loader, forklift, and/or other motorized equipment.
• Job duties may require the ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, bend, stoop, reach, lift, grip, push, pull, move and/or carry equipment which may be in excess of 50 pounds.
• Working in this plant operations environment requires the use of safety equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, hard hat, face shield, respiratory protective equipment, and uniforms.
• This individual may be subject to variations in noise levels and temperature changes due to weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, this individual is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Loose fitting clothing, open toe/heel shoes and the wearing of contact lenses are not permitted.