Instrumentation & Controls Technician

Job Details

Sector(s)

Component Manufacturing & Research & Development; Construction; Operations & Maintenance

Median Pay

$64,103 per year

$31.00 per hour

Job Type

Mid-Level

Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements

Associate’s degree; 1–3 years of work experience

Alternate Titles

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

Brief Job Description

An instrumentation and controls (I&C) technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots instrumentation, control circuits, and other equipment used in the manufacturing of marine energy components. 

Education and Training Level 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
  • 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.

Job Profile

An I&C technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots instrumentation, control circuits, and other equipment used in the manufacturing of marine energy components. Because most of the marine energy industry is still in the technology-development stage, large-scale manufacturing facilities dedicated to marine energy component production do not yet exist to employ I&C technicians. As the industry develops and more manufacturing plants are built, I&C technician positions will be needed in the marine energy field.

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 marine energy facilities that control operational processes and record information. This monitoring and control equipment is part of the facility’s SCADA system. SCADA systems collect and process operational data to send alarms or notifications to employees. SCADA systems are not only used in marine energy facilities but also in manufacturing plants that build marine energy 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 conduct analysis with the test information to resolve design problems. They also calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems and 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 and identify and troubleshoot issues pertaining to SCADA systems
  • Review operator’s manuals and other established guidelines and ensure 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, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on I&C technician jobs, see: 

Resources