Instrumentation Technician Job Description 

Job Title: Instrumentation Technician 

Department: Maintenance 

Reports to: Maintenance Leader 

Supervises: None 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly Paid 

Date: 08/2016 

SUMMARY 

The InstrumentationTechnician coordinates and executes maintenance electrical functions safely in the facility so the plant equipment and services perform at maximum levels and minimize unscheduled interruption of the plant operation.  This position also trains other junior level craft persons on electrical maintenance procedures and best practices and supports mechanical activities as needed.  Strong knowledge of troubleshooting programmable logic controllers, electrical systems, and process control systems is required.   

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Ensures operation of machinery and electrical equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements on drives, backup power systems, motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and other electrical related  systems; following diagrams, sketches, operations manuals, manufacturer's instructions, and engineering specifications 

• Maintains electrical control software in support of programming for the facility 

• Troubleshoots and makes minor program modifications to HMIs, PLCs, Servos, and other electrical systems 

• Provides daily support to the production line and makes timely and appropriate decisions when an emergency or breakdown occurs so that production interruption is minimized 

• Supports maintenance technicians and assists with mechanical work as needed. 

• Identifies opportunities for improving process controls and instrumentation and executes implementation with engineering support as needed.  

• Diagnoses electrical problems and determines how to correct them, checking schematics, repair manuals, and parts catalogs as necessary 

• Uses the manufacturing communications network effectively 

• Follows the plant safety process and ensures that good safety habits are instilled in the other craft labor.  

• Maintains an awareness of all safety issues within area of responsibility, and responds with appropriate urgency to correct safety issues identified.  

• Designs program safety into the electrical systems.  

• Ensures compliance with the electrical Arc Flash and Lock, Tag, Try (LTT) safety initiatives 

• Assists with contract electrical installations or repairs in the facility 

• Provides direction for downtime and shop work for electrical activities with respect to work requests, downtime lists and assigned projects 

• Trains others on electrical maintenance procedures and best practices 

• Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing technical publications; establishing professional and intercompany networks 

• Regular onsite attendance  

• Performs other related duties consistent with the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

The employee should hold the following abilities: 

• Verifiable and sustained authorization to work in the United States 

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English 

• Must learn new controls technologies and systems as required through out plant. 

• Must pass the written test and place at the designated level for this job classification. 

• Must attend internal and external training Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it 

• Identifies complex problems and reviews related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions 

• Determines the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job 

• Determines how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes 

• Installs equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications 

• Improves the performance of others; to show or help others to learn how to do something 

• Gathers, analyzes and interprets information to understand problems and identify and opportunities; draw conclusions and generates alternatives; chooses a course of action based on facts; and ensures buy-in and understanding of the resulting decisions 

• Demonstrates a strong self-awareness of one’s strengths, development needs and the impact of one’s own behavior on others; and consistently takes action to be better 

• Works effectively and cooperatively with others; establishes and maintains good working relationships 

• Persistence in the face of obstacles 

• Accepts feedback and deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations 

• Sets high performance standards for self, team and others; assumes accountability for delivering all performance expectations; always knows and adjusts to what’s expected; and monitors status of performance delivery against expectations 

• Requires little or no supervision, and operates both safely and with a sense of urgency 

• Accepts change and considerable variety in the workplace 

COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPENTENCIES 

The employee must be able to: 

• Navigate SAP Work Order System proficiently 

• Troubleshoot and make minor PLC program modifications at a basic and verifiable level 

• Utilize a PC to routinely take online coursework, check emails, PeopleSoft (paycheck and benefits information portal) 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE 

The employee should have the following: 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent 

• Two year associates degree in electrical technologies or equivalent  

• Minimum 3 years relevant industrial electrical maintenance experience  

• Requires proficiency exam at a passing score to demonstrate understanding of the following areas: 

• Programmable Logic Controllers:  PLC components, I/O Systems, instructions, PLC programming, communication protocols, drivers, power supplies, expansion/retrofits, and system development  (Allen Bradley Suite preferred) 

• Electrical Systems: servos, variable frequency drives, measuring systems, DC circuits, batteries, transformers, AC circuits, DC equipment/controls, three-phase systems, wiring, DC shunt motors, control relays, across-the-line starters, limit switches, electronic switching and electrical energy and power relationships 

• Process Control Systems: speed and rotation sensors, human machine interfaces, control loop operations, data transmission, PID controller/loop tuning, final control elements, process modeling, instrumentation, measurement level detectors, and transducers 

• Electrical Maintenance: voltmeters, ammeters, watt meters, digital meters; schematics and symbols; short circuits, reversible motors, current probes, and relays 

• Safety:  First aid for shock victims, National Electrical Code, static electricity, grounding, double-insulated tools, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - 70e, and hazardous electrical locations 

• Electronics:  Analog and digital devices  

• Mechanical Systems:  Pneumatic control systems, air-piloted valves, and hydraulics 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The employee should possess the ability to: 

• Pass drug screen at prior to employment 

• Pass pre-employment physical 

• Work in extreme weather conditions – inside and outside temperatures 

• Work around various oils, lubrications, raw materials without adverse physical reaction 

• Working from heights 

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs and ladders frequently to reach point of repair 

• Ability to work in a confined space if necessary 

• Use shop and hand tools appropriately using finger dexterity and grip control 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. 

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.   

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.