What does an instrument mechanic do?
Instrument mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real instrument mechanic resumes:
- Lead the planning and coordination of QC instrumentation and software qualification to be compliant with best practices.
- Hire to provide repair and calibration of process control systems such as controllers, transmitters and static measuring devices.
- Test and repair automatic transfer switches.
- Work perform in an ISO certify, FDA audit cGMP facility.
- Complete functional checksof emergency interlock systems, gas monitors, and ISO instrumentation.
- Work with Siemens S7and Allen Bradley PLC's, troubleshooting input and output signals.
- Operate articulated boom lifts, scissor lifts, fork trucks, mobile and bridge cranes.
- Make all necessary setting of switches and controls and verify the proper flow rates are used for sampling.
- Design, configure and graphically represent control loops on Bailey LAN 90 DCS systems relative to their respective I/O.
- Process, control, and trouble shooting of A/B 5000 DCS systems and tuning pneumatic and electronic control schemes.
- Task would involve working on large scale cranes, dust collector, bag houses, and large scale furnaces.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Instrument mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Instrument Mechanics are proficient in Test Equipment, Flow Meters, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Communication skills, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of Instrument Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Test Equipment, 11%
Repair and calibrate instrumentation and test equipment Work along with engineers to effectively deliver work orders for test vehicles
- Flow Meters, 10%
Calibrate flow meters and flow recorders every six months for state inspection.
- HVAC, 9%
Total maintenance of HVAC systems running Johnson control Metasys and Siemens Apogee computer systems.
- Transmitters, 7%
Hired to provide repair and calibration of process control systems such as controllers, transmitters and static measuring devices.
- Control Valves, 6%
Designed and put in to operation the plant valve shop for repair of in-house automatic control valves.
- PLC, 5%
Maintain filter operations varying from PLC programming to Instrumentation maintenance.
Most instrument mechanics use their skills in "test equipment," "flow meters," and "hvac" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential instrument mechanic responsibilities here:
Color vision. One of the key soft skills for an instrument mechanic to have is color vision. You can see how this relates to what instrument mechanics do because "electrical and electronics installers and repairers must be able to identify the color-coded components that are often used in electronic equipment." Additionally, an instrument mechanic resume shows how instrument mechanics use color vision: "service calls out in colorado, utah, and nm brake repairs alignments on truck and trailers"
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform instrument mechanic duties is communication skills. Instrument mechanics responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics installers and repairers work closely with customers, so they must listen to and understand customers’ descriptions of problems and explain solutions in a simple, clear manner." Instrument mechanics also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "repaired suspension, frames and brakes on trucks and commercial vehicles enhanced communication skills from first-hand customer service experience"
Physical stamina. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of instrument mechanics is physical stamina. This skill is critical to many everyday instrument mechanic duties, as "some electrical and electronics installers and repairers must stand at their station for their full shift, which can be tiring." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "established safety procedures, inspected work environments for overall physical and environment safety measures were being followed. "
Technical skills. For certain instrument mechanic responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "technical skills." The day-to-day duties of an instrument mechanic rely on this skill, as "electrical and electronics installers and repairers use a variety of mechanical and diagnostic tools to install or repair equipment." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what instrument mechanics do: "used technical manuals, bulletins and written directives in the performance of inspections. "
Troubleshooting skills. Another crucial skill for an instrument mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "troubleshooting skills." A big part of what instrument mechanics relies on this skill, since "electrical and electronics installers and repairers must be able to identify problems with equipment and systems and make the necessary repairs." How this skill relates to instrument mechanic duties can be seen in an example from an instrument mechanic resume snippet: "performed instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. "
The three companies that hire the most instrument mechanics are:
- Merck3 instrument mechanics jobs
- Mallinckrodt2 instrument mechanics jobs
- Clearwater Paper1 instrument mechanics jobs
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Compare different instrument mechanics
Instrument mechanic vs. Facility supervisor
A Facility Supervisor is responsible for maintaining an organization's facilities' safety and security to ensure smooth and efficient business operations. Facility Supervisors monitor the adequacy of inventories and handle the budget to purchase materials and equipment for operations. They inspect machinery and schedule maintenance repairs for defective components to avoid potential hazards and operational delays. A Facility Supervisor must have excellent leadership and organizational skills to assist the staff in their inquiries and concerns, delegate tasks, and implement policies and protocols for everyone's strict compliance.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an instrument mechanic are more likely to require skills like "test equipment," "flow meters," "transmitters," and "control valves." On the other hand, a job as a facility supervisor requires skills like "customer service," "safety procedures," "osha," and "plumbing." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Facility supervisors earn the highest salaries when working in the media industry, with an average yearly salary of $58,164. On the other hand, instrument mechanics are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $73,680.On average, facility supervisors reach similar levels of education than instrument mechanics. Facility supervisors are 3.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Instrument mechanic vs. Flight chief
The electrical supervisor oversees electricians' performance, training them for the repair and maintenance of equipment. They are responsible for enhancing their skills to create and design electrical operating systems in order to prevent malfunctions causing electric short circuits or shock. They also initiate the monitoring of electrical equipment. They are to help electricians install electrical equipment in establishments and homes, following standard safety protocols imposed by the state. When a defect is observed, they can quickly troubleshoot and start repair.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real instrument mechanic resumes. While instrument mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "test equipment," "flow meters," "hvac," and "transmitters," flight chiefs use skills like "safety program," "emergency situations," "logistics," and "training programs."
Flight chiefs earn higher levels of education than instrument mechanics in general. They're 5.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Instrument mechanic vs. Electrical supervisor
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an instrument mechanic is likely to be skilled in "flow meters," "control valves," "manometers," and "switches," while a typical electrical supervisor is skilled in "preventive maintenance," "osha," "electrical code," and "nfpa."
Electrical supervisors earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $92,489. Comparatively, instrument mechanics have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $73,680.Most electrical supervisors achieve a similar degree level compared to instrument mechanics. For example, they're 1.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Instrument mechanic vs. Body shop manager
Even though a few skill sets overlap between instrument mechanics and body shop managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an instrument mechanic might have more use for skills like "test equipment," "flow meters," "hvac," and "transmitters." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of body shop managers require skills like "dealership," "customer service," "customer satisfaction," and "insurance adjusters. "
Body shop managers reach similar levels of education compared to instrument mechanics, in general. The difference is that they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of instrument mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
