Instrument, Controls, & Electrical Technician

Computers

• Proficiency with Windows OS functions, including display settings, internet connectivity, application installations, updates, device management, services, and BIOS.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, with knowledge of cell formulas, table management, and basic Macros and VBA scripting.
• Familiarity with basic computer hardware, with the ability to replace or upgrade items like hard drives and RAM.

Networking

• Basic understanding of networking systems and components, such as switches, firewalls, and ports.
• Knowledge of protocols like Modbus/TCP, Ethernet IP, and serial communications, and understanding of their components like registers and watchdog timers.
• Experience with IP subnetting, including setting and changing IP addresses and subnets to ensure conflict-free communication.

Instrumentation

• Advanced knowledge of instrumentation types (pressure, temperature, level, flow) and their measurement principles, installation, and application methods.
• Understanding of basic math and physics as applied to instrumentation (e.g., thermal mass flow, density calculations).
• Expertise in configuring and deploying advanced instrumentation such as Rosemount multivariable flow meters and radar/ultrasonic level transmitters.
• Valve identification, troubleshooting, and diagnostics utilizing different methods dependent on valve type, installation, and process application
• Process Safety Management (PSM), environmental, and quality control competency  (IEC 61511, PHA, PSSR, etc.)
• Ability to identify and implement optimal instrumentation testing and calibration methods and actively search for ways to improve proof-test coverage.
• Extensive experience in all forms of HART communication (wired, wireless, HART over serial), including various methods of troubleshooting.  

Controls/Automation

• Knowledge of basic Distributed Control System (DCS) hardware and networking components (e.g., controllers, I/O cards, backplanes, KVM’s, nodes, operator workstations, thin clients)

• Skills in navigating and diagnosing DCS software, including tag management, alarm limits, and loop status checks.
• PLC networking, configuration, and troubleshooting experience with an understanding of ladder logic diagrams, relay and contacts, timers, delays, and related components.
• Experience with Process Control Standard Design (PCSD), including troubleshooting Function Block Diagrams (FBD), Logic Gates, Boolean Logic, or Structured Text.
• Understanding of key DCS parameters such as Process Variable (PV), Set Point (SP), and Current Value (CV).
• Familiarity in evaluating PID tuning parameters, automatic or cascade control loops, and Sequential Function Charts (SFC’s)
• Knowledge of virtualization platform environments and their system components (virtual machines, data clusters).

Electrical

• Comprehensive understanding of circuit breakers, fuses, grounding, and industrial electrical standards.
• Skilled in installing, troubleshooting, and repairing Motor Control Center (MCC) components.
• Experience in configuring and troubleshooting MCC digital communication protocols (DeviceNet, Profinet, Profibus).
• Competence in Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) installation, setup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in reading and implementing electrical codes, schematics, and diagrams.
• Understanding of single and three-phase motor electrical principles, with full-circuit troubleshooting skills.

Common Activities

System Monitoring and Diagnostics

• Regularly monitor system performance using DCS and PLC software to ensure optimal operation.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with equipment and network connections using advanced instrumentation techniques.

Network Configuration and Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot first layer network systems, including updating IP configurations to resolve communication issues.
• Assist in maintaining secure and efficient data communication within the plant network infrastructure.

Instrumentation & Electrical

• Install and configure new electrical control devices and related items, such as VFDs and MCC components, ensuring compliance with design specifications and safety standards.
• Set up advanced instrumentation devices, such as control valves, Coriolis flow meters, and radar level transmitters.

Control Systems

• Evaluate and assist in modifying control systems and parameters (e.g., PID tuning) to optimize process performance.
• Utilize Function Block Diagram (FBD) and Sequential Function Charts (SFC) for troubleshooting