Instrument Mechanic - Chesterfield

Colonial Group; 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:
• Electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic instruments and systems (i.e. transmitters, switches, analyzers, control valves, relays, etc.)
• Automated control systems (PLC/DCS), discrete input/output devices, communication systems, and computer workstations
• Wide variety of instruments including pH, conductivity, ultrasonic, guided wave radar, mass flow, pressure transducers, RTDs, nuclear levels, etc
• Chart recorders, digital displays, gauges
• Piping, tubing, and wiring connections, pneumatic control systems
• Low-voltage wiring systems
• Electric heating and HVAC controls
• Security and surveillance systems
• 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