Instrument & Controls Technician

Ameresco; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Instrument and Controls Technician to join their innovative team. This remote position involves significant travel to support commissioning projects for renewable natural gas and landfill gas-to-energy power generation plants. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in instrumentation and controls, ensuring the successful startup of cutting-edge energy solutions. With a commitment to safety and collaboration, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy initiatives while working in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you are passionate about renewable energy and possess the necessary skills, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in instrumentation and controls commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.

Responsibilities

• Commission and start up renewable natural gas plants.
• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing on control panels.
• Provide technical support for mechanical and control system troubleshooting.

Skills

Instrumentation and Controls

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Education

Associate’s degree in a controls-related discipline

Tools

PLC Programming Software

Rockwell Software Studio5000

GE iFIX HMI Software

Electrical Test Equipment

Instrumentation and Controls Design Software

Job description

Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions delivered to clients throughout North America and Europe. Our solutions range from upgrades to facility’s energy infrastructure to the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants combined with tailored financial solutions. We foster an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and forward-thinking culture that thrives with innovation, diversity of thought, and inclusion. We are excited with all that the future holds for our industry, planet, and communities.

Ameresco's Alternative Fuels team is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Instrument and Controls Technician to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in commissioning and starting up renewable natural gas (RNG) plants and landfill gas-to-energy power generation plants. This position requires a strong background in construction, loop checks, and commissioning, with specific experience in renewable natural gas or power generation. NOTE: This is a remote position that will require the ability to travel extensively (up to 50% or more) to support commissioning projects as needed.

Responsibilities:

1. Communicate regularly with the manager regarding any encountered or expected issues with schedule, work scope, or the need for additional resources to solve problems.

2. Embrace Ameresco’s strong safety culture during all work activities. This includes following all Ameresco safety protocols, including the use of PPE, LOTO practices, hot work permitting, safe work habits, etc.

3. Travel to vendor shops to perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) work on control panels and other vendor supplied equipment.

4. Use electrical test equipment to perform I/O verification checks on discrete and analog control circuits from the PLC cabinet to the field device. Determine the root cause of, and provide corrective action for, any lack of continuity or function.

5. Verify the function of discrete and analog valves. Configure, test, and tune valve actuators and positioners.

6. Assist with the setup, configuration, commissioning, and troubleshooting of plant servers, process networks, HMI graphics, PLC's, site internet service, VPN tunnels, and plant data historians.

7. Update P&IDs, control panel drawings, and other drawings and schematics as needed according to the commissioning drawing revision procedures.

8. Provide technical support for mechanical and control system troubleshooting.

9. Assist with plant performance testing activities and oversee work provided by sub-contracted vendors and commissioning personnel.

10. Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associate’s degree in a controls-related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

2. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in instrumentation and controls commissioning in an industrial setting.

Additional Qualifications:

1. Proven experience in renewable natural gas or power generation projects.

2. Strong knowledge of instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and HMI.

3. Proficiency in instrumentation and controls design software and tools.

4. Loop check experience.

5. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

6. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

7. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and lead cross-functional teams.

8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

9. Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

10. Experience with Rockwell Software “Studio5000” software is preferred.

11. Understanding of the proper and safe use of multimeters, loop calibrators, and HART communicators is preferred.

12. Experience with using plant HMI workstations to test and troubleshoot field equipment is preferred.

13. Experience with using PLC programming software to test and debug PLC code and I/O systems is preferred.

14. Understanding of the safe use of basic hand and power tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, cordless drills, torque wrench, etc.)

15. Ability to read and understand P&IDs, control panel schematics, and electrical one-line diagrams is preferred.

16. Physical ability to bend, reach, climb, and lift 45 pounds without assistance.

17. Ability to perform all assigned activities in accordance with Ameresco standards and written procedures, in a timely manner, and with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

18. High level of competency with a laptop computer, Windows operating system, MS Word, MS Excel, PDF editors (e.g., BlueBeam).

19. Experience with GE iFIX HMI software preferred.