Instrument and Controls Technician (Instrument and Controls Tech)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansDescription
Install, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial instrumentation and control systems, including sensors, analyzers, control valves, and PLC/DCS/SCADA, to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations. Assist engineers with control system design changes, testing, and commissioning across process and manufacturing facilities.
- • Calibrate and verify pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments using calibrators, dry-wells, and multimeters.
- • Perform loop checks and functional tests from field devices to PLC/DCS/HMI.
- • Read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring schematics, and I/O lists to plan work.
- • Install, terminate, and label instrument wiring, tubing, and conduit per standards.
- • Configure and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, and SCADA/HMI under engineering direction.
- • Maintain and repair control valves, positioners, actuators, and pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
- • Test and adjust transmitters, analyzers, and signal conditioners for 4-20 mA, HART, and Foundation Fieldbus signals.
- • Diagnose faults using diagnostic software, portable calibrators, oscilloscopes, and data recorders.
- • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on instrumentation and control equipment.
- • Commission new instruments and control systems and document as-built changes.
- • Implement and verify safety instrumented functions and interlocks; assist with proof testing.
- • Apply and verify control loop tuning parameters with guidance from control engineers.
- • Ensure compliance with electrical, process safety, and environmental regulations and site standards.
- • Maintain spare parts inventories, calibration records, and CMMS work orders.
- • Generate calibration certificates, test reports, and change-management documentation.
- • Coordinate with operations and maintenance to schedule outages and perform lockout/tagout.
- • Fabricate and install instrument stands, impulse lines, sample systems, and junction boxes.
- • Maintain and validate gas detection systems and process analyzers.
- • Verify grounding, shielding, and signal integrity to minimize noise and interference.
- • Support industrial networks and field communications, including Ethernet, fieldbus, and serial links.
- • Apply basic cybersecurity and account management practices on control systems per policy.
- • Support startups, shutdowns, and process troubleshooting to restore control functionality.
- • Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for control-related events.
- • Train operators and maintenance staff on instrument operation and basic care.
- • Specify replacement instruments, materials, and components to meet service conditions.
- • Execute quality control checks and follow ISO or GMP documentation where applicable.
- • Work safely in hazardous areas and maintain intrinsically safe and explosion-proof equipment.
- • Review vendor manuals and consult with engineers to resolve technical issues.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
