Instrumentation & Controls Technician

Position Title

Instrumentation & Controls Technician

Alternate Titles

Controls technician, industrial instrumentation technician, supervisory control and data acquisition technician, controls electrician, electronics mechanic, and protection and communication technician

Job Description

An instrumentation & controls (I&C) technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots instrumentation, control circuits, and equipment associated with a hydropower generation facility, such as valves, pumps, motors, and generators.

Education and Training Description

Employers typically look for candidates with one of the following education backgrounds:

• An associate’s degree in electronics, instrumentation, or a related field
• Electronic or instrumentation training at a recognized trade or technical school
• Military training equivalent to either of the above two backgrounds
• A high school diploma and equivalent work experience as an electrician or other type of electrical, mechanical or industrial technician.

I&C technicians typically receive 1–3 months of on-the-job training. With more work experience and knowledge of electric codes and other relevant codes and standards, I&C technicians can advance to more senior positions. Certifications in industrial instrumentation can lead to a higher salary and make an applicant more attractive to employers.

I&C technicians also need a minimum of 1–3 years of direct hands-on experience in instrumentation, programmable logic controllers, and computer systems. These technicians also need knowledge of the National Electric Code and National Bureau of Standards Transmitter calibration and tolerance standards. I&C technicians need to also develop the ability to interpret installation specifications, wiring schematics, instrument drawings, and component diagrams and to operate diagnostic equipment (such as multimeters, calibrators, and oscilloscopes).

Job Profile

I&C technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation, control circuits, and equipment associated with a hydropower generation facility, such as valves, pumps, motors, and generators.

I&C technicians determine how to install manufacturing equipment and machinery by interpreting installation specifications, wiring schematics, instrument drawings, and component diagrams. Based on these interpretations, they mount, wire, and program these devices. They then test their installations with diagnostic tools to make sure their installations are working correctly.

I&C technicians also install monitoring and control technologies on equipment in hydropower plants that control operational processes and record information. This monitoring and control equipment is part of the plant’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. SCADA systems collect and process operational data to send alerts or notifications to employees. SCADA systems are not only used in hydropower plants but are also used in manufacturing plants that build hydropower components. SCADA systems provide information on industrial and operational processes that help technicians and engineers manage their systems more safely and efficiently.

In addition to performing installations, I&C technicians also perform maintenance on manufacturing equipment and SCADA systems by routinely calibrating and testing instruments and devices. They conduct periodic system tests, set up equipment, and evaluate how the equipment and systems perform under simulated conditions. I&C technicians then analyze the test information to resolve design problems. They also calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems. I&C technicians will additionally write reports and record data on testing techniques, equipment, and specifications.

I&C technicians ensure that all equipment and systems meet regulatory and compliance standards. For example, they make sure the electrical components they work on meet National Electric Code and National Bureau of Standards Transmitter calibration and tolerance standards.

I&C technicians typically:

• Read and interpret installation specifications, diagrams, and plans
• Mount, wire, program, and test instrumentation and control equipment
• Assemble, test, and maintain circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, knowledge of electronics, and technical manuals
• Ensure proper operation of SCADA systems and identify and troubleshoot issues pertaining to the SCADA system
• Review operator’s manuals and other established guidelines, ensuring equipment and information systems are operated in accordance with established guidelines
• Work with control engineers to improve manufacturing equipment and system performance.

Job Skills

I&C technicians typically need:

• Communication skills. I&C technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers and others. They also need to clearly convey problems to engineers.
• To be detail-oriented. I&C technicians must pay attention to detail when assembling, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic and electrical mechanical systems.
• Math skills. I&C technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Mechanical skills. I&C technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand.
• Writing skills. I&C technicians write reports about on-site construction, design problems, or testing results. Their writing must be clear and well organized to convey the information in the reports.

More Information

For more information on I&C technician jobs, see: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians.

Resources

• ZIPPIA: What Is an Instrument and Controls Technician?
• ZipRecruiter: What Is an Instrumentation and Controls Technician and How to Become One