What does an instrument and controls technician do?

An instrument and controls technician is responsible for checking and inspecting the condition of production equipment and machinery, ensuring its stability to support business functions and manufacturing processes. Instrument and control technicians study schematics and blueprints of system components to assemble parts and analyze its features for measurement. They also resolve system failures and write resolution reports to prevent the reoccurrence of downtime that may pose risks to the production, avoiding operational delays and potential hazards within the premises.
Instrument and controls technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real instrument and controls technician resumes:
- Supervise and manage several environmental ECAS annual, monthly and weekly reports in cooperation with regional CEMS manager for federal compliance.
- Project consist of two Siemens 501F gas turbines, one Siemens steam turbine, and a WDPF DCS.
- Install and programme VFD's and Softstarts.
- Build new operator panels for CNC controllers.
- Develop new screens for the water treatment plants HMI's system.
- Install, repair and replace electrical motors, VFD and motor controls.
- Work from various heights via platforms, scaffolds, ladders or man-lifts.
- Qualify and maintain electrical skills in accordance with OSHA low voltage standards.
- Maintain GMP training necessary to perform work in a GMP regulate environment.
- Train the SCADA operators to monitor and make changes to the process though SCADA.
- Commission Siemens T3000 DCS including creating operator control interfaces, processing DCS change request.
- Air, water, steam and oil pressure systems, volume, HVAC dampers systems.
- Ensure proper calibration of emission monitors to comply with DHEC, EPA and OSHA regulations.
- Lead CNC electrical wiring and primary testing for this recognize leader in robotic cutting systems.
- Work side by side with commissioning agents to ensure each building meet certain leer standards.
Instrument and controls technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Instrument And Controls Technicians are proficient in Control Systems, Electrical Equipment, and Process Control. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Communication skills, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Instrument And Controls Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Control Systems, 12%
Set up/utilized testing equipment, performed testing on performance monitoring equipment, supervisory equipment and control systems.
- Electrical Equipment, 7%
Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on all electrical equipment.
- Process Control, 5%
Performed calibrations and troubleshooting of process control and measurement systems as relating to nuclear instrumentation and controls.
- Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Optimize plant preventative maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory requirements, and corporate maintenance philosophy.
- Test Equipment, 4%
Coordinated and maintained all test equipment and reactor plant instrumentation in proper calibration and operational readiness as Divisional Instrumentation Technician.
- Transmitters, 4%
Pulled and corrected missing instrument wiring, Re-tubing incorrectly tubed process Flow Transmitters and Pressure Differential Transmitters.
"control systems," "electrical equipment," and "process control" are among the most common skills that instrument and controls technicians use at work. You can find even more instrument and controls technician responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. Many instrument and controls technician duties rely on communication skills. "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers and others," so an instrument and controls technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways instrument and controls technician responsibilities rely on communication skills: "serve as point of contact for complex performing control systems programming tasks, modbus/serial communications configuration, and point-to-point controls troubleshooting. "
Math skills. Lastly, "math skills" is an important element of what an instrument and controls technician does. Instrument and controls technician responsibilities require this skill because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks." This resume example highlights how instrument and controls technician duties rely on this skill: "interpret mathematical calculations pertaining to electrical equipment, instrument ranges, calibration errors and tolerances. "
See the full list of instrument and controls technician skills
The three companies that hire the most instrument and controls technicians are:
- West Fraser78 instrument and controls technicians jobs
- New York Power Authority6 instrument and controls technicians jobs
- Jacobs Enterprises6 instrument and controls technicians jobs
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Instrument and controls technician vs. Technical testing engineer
A technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers. Your main job is to test various components and features of the product to identify and resolve technical issues. Other duties include organizing and conducting training for junior team members, creating test environments, and identifying the root cause of technical issues.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an instrument and controls technician are more likely to require skills like "control systems," "electrical equipment," "process control," and "test equipment." On the other hand, a job as a technical testing engineer requires skills like "test results," "schematics," "test procedures," and "test data." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Technical testing engineers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $93,229. Comparatively, instrument and controls technicians tend to make the most money in the energy industry with an average salary of $71,218.On average, technical testing engineers reach similar levels of education than instrument and controls technicians. Technical testing engineers are 0.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Instrument and controls technician vs. Engineering associate
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that instrument and controls technician responsibilities requires skills like "electrical equipment," "process control," "electrical systems," and "hand tools." But an engineering associate might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "java," "cad," and "c++."
Engineering associates may earn a higher salary than instrument and controls technicians, but engineering associates earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $88,950. On the other hand, instrument and controls technicians receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $71,218.engineering associates earn higher levels of education than instrument and controls technicians in general. They're 5.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Instrument and controls technician vs. Assembly & test technician
An assembly & test technician works at manufacturing facilities where they are in charge of assembling product components and subjecting them to various tests, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their organization of employment, it usually includes understanding diagrams and project requirements, establishing and implementing test parameters, operating tools and equipment, maintaining records, and producing detailed reports. There are also times when they must coordinate with quality control teams, working together in a joint effort to improve production processes and results.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, instrument and controls technicians are more likely to have skills like "control systems," "electrical equipment," "process control," and "preventative maintenance." But a assembly & test technician is more likely to have skills like "mechanical assembly," "aerospace," "dexterity," and "calipers."
Assembly & test technicians earn the best pay in the transportation industry, where they command an average salary of $47,194. Instrument and controls technicians earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $71,218.assembly & test technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to instrument and controls technicians. Specifically, they're 3.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Instrument and controls technician vs. Technician
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Types of instrument and controls technician
Updated January 8, 2025











