Industrial Instrument Mechanic: PLC/DCS & Field Troubleshooter

Advansix; Virginia; On-site; USD 63,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking an Instrument Mechanic to install, calibrate, and maintain diverse instrumentation across a chemical plant environment. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, repair of PLC/DCS systems, and collaboration with manufacturers and technical support teams.

The engineer will update critical maintenance documentation, support 24/7 operations, and participate in planning, with a focus on safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Instrumentation is required.
• 2 years of experience in Instrumentation and Controls installation, troubleshooting, and repair in a Chemical Plant, Refinery, or similar Industrial environment.
• Experience with calibration and PM activities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation and systems.
• Perform and document instrument calibrations and PM activities.
• Interface with manufacturers, specialists, and technical support consultants.
• Update maintenance documentation for critical plant equipment.
• Provide daily support to plant operations to sustain 24/7 uptime.
• Read manuals, schematics, and P&ID’s; participate in planning and parts ordering.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Instrumentation repair

Instrumentation design

Self-motivated

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Associates Degree in Instrumentation

Tools

PLCs

DCS

Job description

Responsibilities:

· Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair:

o Electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic instruments and systems (i.e. transmitters, switches, analyzers, control valves, relays, etc.)

o Automated control systems (PLC/DCS), discrete input/output devices, communication systems, and computer workstations

o Wide variety of instruments including pH, conductivity, ultrasonic, guided wave radar, mass flow, pressure transducers, RTDs, nuclear levels, etc

o Chart recorders, digital displays, gauges

o Piping, tubing, and wiring connections, pneumatic control systems

o Low-voltage wiring systems

o Electric heating and HVAC controls

o Security and surveillance systems

o Instrument enclosures and wiring systems

· Performing and documenting instrument calibrations

· Performing and documenting preventive maintenance (PM) activities for instrumentation equipment.

· Supporting job plan and shop paper development.

· Interfacing with equipment manufacturers, specialists, and technical support consultants.

· Updating maintenance documentation for critical plant equipment.

· Providing daily support to all plant operations in order to continue 24/7 operations

· Performing scheduled and non-scheduled work orders

· Communicating with planners and ordering non-stock parts

· Looking up, reading, and understanding manuals, schematics, and P&ID’s

· Willing to work overtime when required

· Ability to perform physical tasks in an industrial plant environment including, but not limited to climbing ladders and performing confined space entries

· Willing and able to be trained and learn new technologies as the skills of an Instrument Mechanic advance with new technologies and applications

· Ability to work independently and in a multi-functional team environment

· Additional responsibilities as needed

Basic Qualifications:

· Associates Degree in Instrumentation

OR

· 2 years of experience in Instrumentation and Controls installation, troubleshooting, and repair in a Chemical Plant, Refinery, or similar Industrial environment

Additional Qualifications:

· Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills

· Working knowledge of PLCs, DCS, etc.

· Knowledge of instrumentation design, selection, repair techniques and performance assessment

· Well-rounded field experience applying good engineering practices to instrumentation repair work for a variety of typical process plant equipment

· Self-motivated and goal-oriented individual with proven success working independently and in a multi-functional team environment

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to lift and move objects that weigh up to 50 lbs., and exert up to 75 pounds pull

· Ability to wear protective equipment for extended periods such as hard hats, goggles, gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses, hot suits, etc.

· Ability to work with hazardous materials

· Ability to work alone and in isolated areas, work around hot surfaces and high temperatures

· Ability to work at elevated heights - greater than 50 feet, and in confined spaces with appropriate PPE

· Required to work on uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces and in adverse weather conditions (cold, hot, humid, rain, snow, etc.)

The hourly rate for this position is $46.52