Instrument Operations Technician

United States Careers; Arkansas; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Messer is hiring an Instrument Operations Technician for our plant operations. The role focuses on instrument and control system maintenance, basic electrical troubleshooting, and safe operation of plant tools in Arkansas and surrounding areas.

Ideal candidates will have basic maintenance experience, familiarity with CMMS (SAP), and a plan to obtain ISA Level 1 certification within two years of hire. This position emphasizes safety, reliability, and on‑call readiness.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in process plant operations or maintenance.
• Experience with instrumentation and controls, or electrical systems.
• ISA Level 1 certification to be obtained within two years of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies, attend meetings, and monitor contractors.
• Set up and operate tools and equipment safely; prioritize work.
• Calibrate process analyzers and instrument controls; document checks.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, control valves, and process control systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems and confirm zero energy (LOTO).
• Assist in shutdowns, start-ups, and production state changes.

Skills

Math basics

PC proficiency

Teamwork

Independent work

Mechanical aptitude

Hazard awareness

Electrical troubleshooting

P&IDs & PFDs

Preventive maintenance

Forklift/Crane/Manlift

ISA Level 1 cert

Technical degree

Education

HSD or GED

Two-year technical degree

Military training

Tools

CMMS SAP

Job description

Job Summary:

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In addition to having prior experience related to basic process plant operations, the ideal candidate will have prior experience and basic skills in maintenance and troubleshooting in one or both of the following: 1. process instrumentation and controls; 2. electrical equipment.

Why Messer?

Messer is the world's largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.

The true strength of Messer is our people-at every level and in every role.

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.

Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.

Principal Responsibilities:

Safety

• Understand and adhere to company safe work policies;participate in operations, maintenance and safety meetings
• Apply the hazardous work permit (HWP) process, lockout-tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation procedures as required for company and contractor personnel.
• Follow management of change (MOC) procedures for all changes to process and operating procedures.
• Direct and monitor contractors.
• Reliability and Maintenance
• Support plant inventory management efforts.
• Set up and safely operate all tools and equipment necessary to perform assigned work.
• Effectively prioritize and schedule all work activities.
• Perform and document process and product analyzers calibration checks.
• Instrumentation & Controls (Once Certified):
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of instrumentation and control valves.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of process control systems.
• Electrical (Once Certified):
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of electrical systems.
  • Perform LOTO and confirm zero energy.

Process Operation and Efficiency

• Assist in shutdowns, start-ups, derimes, and production state changes for plant(s) in area.
• Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)(SAP).
• Troubleshoot process problems to identify equipment requiring maintenance.
• Perform water treatment analysis and associated tasks.
• Accept on-call duty and overtime as required.

Required Skills:

• Math - Basic algebra, fractions/percentages, unit conversion.
• Personal computer proficiency.
• Strong interpersonal abilities to support team philosophy and strategy.
• Ability to work alone.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with simple mechanic's hand tools.
• Basic knowledge of chemical manufacturing hazards.
• Understanding of basic electrical hazards and safety and skills in troubleshooting electrical systems, with support from subject matter experts.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings including P&IDs and PFDs.
• Ability to complete basic preventive maintenance tasks according to best practices.
• Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift.
• Certified to ISA Level 1 to qualify for instrumentation skills requirement.
• Certificate in a technical discipline, two-year related degree or recent military training in a technical field will be considered in lieu of ISA Level 1 certification.
• The job requirement is to obtain your ISA Level 1 certification within two years of hire date.

Qualifications:

• HSD or GED
• 3 years of relevant experience in a related process plant operations, maintenance, or reliability activity.
• Physically able to perform all duties required which may involve among other things; bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying loads of up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb to heights 200 ft above grade and work effectively.
• Valid driver's license

About Messer:

Messer's safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another.

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization – the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call [phone].