Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Job description

Position Purpose

The Instrumentation & Electrical Technician will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a reciprocating engine-based power generation facility consisting of multiple engine-generator units and associated balance-of-plant systems. This position will be responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, calibrating, repairing, and improving electrical, instrumentation, controls, and automation systems associated with engine-generator packages, plant auxiliaries, emissions control systems, switchgear, motor controls, PLCs, SCADA/HMI systems, and plant protective devices.

The I&E Technician will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, OEM representatives, and contractors to support commissioning, startup, routine maintenance, forced outage response, and long-term reliability of the facility.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, testing, calibration, and repair of plant instrumentation, electrical systems, and control systems associated with engine-generator units and balance-of-plant equipment. Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation including pressure, temperature, level, flow, vibration, speed, gas detection, emissions monitoring, and other process measurement devices. Support maintenance and troubleshooting of engine control systems, generator control systems, PLCs, remote I/O, HMIs, SCADA systems, communication networks, and associated control panels.

Troubleshoot and repair electrical circuits, control wiring, motor controls, solenoids, actuators, relays, switches, transmitters, sensors, and field devices. Support electrical maintenance on low, medium, & high voltage equipment, which may include switchgear, motor control centers, breakers, transformers, protective relays, generators, exciters, battery systems, UPS systems, and DC control systems. Perform inspection, testing, calibration, and functional checks on control valves, actuators, dampers, sensors, transmitters, and safety interlock devices.

Participate in root cause analysis, corrective action development, reliability improvements, and preventive/predictive maintenance planning. Perform work in accordance with company safety policies, electrical safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, environmental requirements, and plant operating procedures. Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, OEM technicians, and engineering support personnel as required.

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and properly document maintenance activities in the CMMS.

Work Environment

Ability to work around operating engines, rotating equipment, energized electrical equipment, elevated noise levels, heat, cold, and other industrial plant conditions while following all required safety procedures. Ability to work in industrial environments including engine halls, electrical rooms, control rooms, outdoor equipment areas, and construction or commissioning areas.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background

High School Diploma/GED is required. Technical school, trade school, military training, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in instrumentation, electrical, controls, automation, or power generation preferred. 4 years of progressive experience as as an I&E technician, electrical technician, controls technician, or similar role in power generation, industrial manufacturing, data center power systems, utilities, oil and gas, chemical processing, or other heavy industrial environments.

Experience with electrical systems up to 34,500 Volts Experience with engine-generator systems, reciprocating engines, turbines, power generation equipment, or large industrial electrical systems preferred. Experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motor controls, instrumentation loops, and industrial control systems required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Strong understanding of electrical safety, lockout/tagout, energized work controls, arc flash hazards, and safe troubleshooting practices. Demonstrated experience and knowledge at reading process flow diagrams and control and instrumentation diagrams and interpreting manufacturer's manuals and drawings Ability to troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation, and control system problems using drawings, meters, loop calibrators, diagnostic software, OEM tools, and plant operating data.

Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, loop sheets, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, control narratives, and OEM technical manuals. Working knowledge of transmitters, RTDs, thermocouples, pressure switches, flow meters, level devices, vibration sensors, gas detection, actuators, control valves, relays, solenoids, and motor controls. Working knowledge of PLCs, distributed I/O, industrial communication networks, HMIs, SCADA systems, and control system troubleshooting.

Understanding of generators, switchgear, synchronization, load sharing, protective relays, excitation systems, transformers, MCCs, UPS systems, batteries, and DC control systems preferred. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong communication with Operations and Maintenance leadership. Ability to support a high-availability facility where equipment reliability, response time, and documentation accuracy are critical.

Strong attention to detail and ability to perform precision work on electrical, instrumentation, and control systems. Ability to prioritize work, respond to changing plant conditions, and support troubleshooting during forced outages or abnormal events.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

Must hold a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record to maintain minimum company required insurance coverage. OSHA, NFPA 70E, electrical safety, arc flash, lockout/tagout, first aid/CPR, and site-specific safety training preferred or required after hire.

Physical Requirements

The job can be physically demanding involving movement of heavy equipment and carrying materials up and down stairs. Candidates should be able to lift a 50-lb load. Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access platforms. Ability to wear required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, arc-rated clothing, and respiratory protection where required.