I & C Technician

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Central Utilities Plant (CUP) seeks an Instrument & Controls Electrician to oversee instrumentation, control systems, CEMS, and associated computer systems ensuring reliable operation.

Duties include diagnosing, repairing, calibrating, maintaining, and installing microprocessors, PLCs, DCS, pneumatic controls, field instrumentation, and related control systems; tuning PID loops to optimize plant performance.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent and at least 3 years experience in a power generation or central utility plant environment.
• Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician License preferred per the posting.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation and control equipment.
• Install and program PLCs, DCS, and PID loops to optimize plant performance.
• Test and adjust electrical and pneumatic I/O devices; maintain control documentation and regulatory logs.
• Coordinate and monitor contractors; track spare parts and inventories.
• Ensure safe work practices and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC programming

DCS systems

VFDs

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician License (preferred)

Tools

Field instrumentation calibration tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Posting Description

INSTRUMENT & CONTROLS ELECTRICIAN, Central Utilities Plant (CUP), is responsible for overseeing the daily technical activities related to instrumentation, control systems, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and computer systems that support the reliable and continuous operation of the Central Utilities Plant (CUP). Ensures all instrumentation and control equipment is maintained within design parameters and in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures while performing all work safely. Responsibilities include diagnosing, repairing, calibrating, maintaining, and installing microprocessors, distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), pneumatic controls, field instrumentation, and associated control systems; troubleshooting electronic circuitry, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and process control equipment; developing and implementing PLC logic, microprocessor programming changes, and Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) loop tuning to optimize plant performance. The technician performs testing and adjustments of electrical and pneumatic input/output devices, maintains control documentation and regulatory logs, coordinates and monitors contractors, tracks spare parts, tools, consumables, and inventories, and maintains the plant, workshop, and work areas in a clean and safe condition. Identifies workplace hazards, implements safe work practices, collaborates with MIT departments to support CUP operational goals, and, if properly trained to do so, provide support for high voltage switching within plant as safety person.

Job Requirements

• REQUIRED : High school diploma or equivalent and minimum of three years of experience in a power generation or central utility plant within an academic, hospital, marine, or industrial environment. Valid driver's license.
• PREFERRED : Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician License.

Availability

Must be available to work extended hours, including shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions.

Working Conditions

Must be able to move 50 pounds and remain in a stationary position for extended periods. Work may be performed on ladders, scaffolds, and other above ground locations. Required to wear CUP-issued safety rated uniforms and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, dust masks, ear protection, protective suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment. May be required to work with hazardous materials.

8/7/2026