What does an Instrument Technician do?
Published 3 min read
An instrument technician installs, repairs, and maintains industrial instruments and control systems. They work with a variety of devices, including sensors, gauges, controllers, and recorders. Instrument technicians often have an associate's degree in instrumentation technology.
Instrument Technician job duties include:
- Read and interpret electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic drawings and schematics.
- Install, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair a variety of electronic and electromechanical instruments and systems.
- Perform preventive maintenance on instruments and systems.
- Keep accurate maintenance records.
- Assist in the development of new instrumentation and control systems.
- Interface with computer systems for data acquisition and analysis.
- Train other technicians and users on the use and care of instruments and systems.
- May specialize in a particular type of instrument or system.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Instrument Technician Job Requirements
An Instrument Technician is responsible for installing, calibrating, repairing and maintaining all types of electronic and electrical instruments. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, oil and gas, and power generation. Instrument Technicians typically have an Associate's degree in Instrumentation Technology or a related field, although some jobs may only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many Instrument Technicians are certified by professional organizations such as the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). In addition to formal education and certification, Instrument Technicians must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work independently.
Instrument Technician Skills
- Instrumentation
- PLC
- SCADA
- HMI
- DCS
- Calibration
- Troubleshooting
- Maintenance
- Installation
- Commissioning
- Loop Checking
- Documentation
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How to become an Instrument Technician
Instrument technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and calibrating the scientific instruments used in research laboratories and other settings. They typically have an associate's degree or certificate in instrumentation technology.
Becoming an instrument technician typically requires completing an associate's degree or certificate program in instrumentation technology. These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in electronics, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Instrument technicians may also need to complete on-the-job training to learn specific skills related to the instruments they will be working with. After completing their education and training, instrument technicians can become certified through organizations such as the International Society of Automation.
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