Instrument Technician

Synthomer; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Synthomer in Pennsylvania is seeking an Instrument Technician responsible for maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing instrumentation and control systems used in chemical manufacturing operations to keep process plants running safely, reliably, and efficiently.

You will document calibration activities in CMMS, interpret loop drawings and P&IDs, work with DCS/PLC systems (Honeywell/Emerson/Allen-Bradley), and support commissioning, start-ups, and ongoing modification

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Instrumentation, Electronics, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial instrumentation (chemical, refinery, power generation preferred).
• Certifications such as ISA CCST (Level I/II) are a plus.
• Prior work experience as a maintenance mechanic is strongly preferred (single craft or multi‑craft).

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and install instrumentation and control systems in chemical manufacturing operations.
• Perform routine calibration, testing, and adjustment of pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters; maintain valves, actuators, and analyzers.
• Document calibration and maintenance activities per plant standards and regulatory requirements.
• Diagnose malfunctions, interpret loop drawings, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and instrument specs; use test equipment.
• Install instrumentation per engineering specs and assist with commissioning and start‑ups; ensure signal integrity.
• Work with DCS/PLC systems; support fieldbus, HART, and other digital protocols; modify control logic as directed by engineering.
• Follow safety procedures (Lockout/Tagout, confined space, hot work) and comply with OSHA, EPA, and PSM requirements.
• Maintain CMMS records (SAP, Maximo) and provide detailed equipment status reports; support root cause analysis.

Skills

Process instrumentation

Control systems

DCS/PLC knowledge

Safety culture

Education

Associate degree or technical diploma in Instrumentation, Electronics, Industrial Automation, or related field

Tools

SAP

Maximo

Job description

Position Summary

The Instrument Technician is responsible for maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing instrumentation and control systems used in chemical manufacturing operations. This role ensures that process instrumentation operates safely, reliably, and efficiently to support continuous plant production.

Key Responsibilities

Instrumentation Maintenance & Calibration

• Perform routine calibration, testing, and adjustment of instrumentation such as pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters.
• Maintain control valves, actuators, analyzers, and related control equipment.
• Document all calibration and maintenance activities according to plant standards and regulatory requirements.

Troubleshooting & Repair

• Diagnose instrumentation malfunctions and resolve issues to minimize downtime.
• Interpret loop drawings, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and instrument specifications.
• Use test equipment such as multimeters, loop calibrators, HART communicators, and oscilloscopes.

Installation & Commissioning

• Install new instrumentation per engineering specifications and industry standards.
• Assist with commissioning of new equipment and system start‑ups.
• Ensure proper wiring, tubing, and signal integrity.
• Calibrate instruments and use many different instruments to measure temperature, level, pressure and flow.
• Install and maintain electrical and pneumatic systems.
• Monitor specific equipment (PH).
• Monitor and replace pressure relief valves and rupture discs.
• Monitor plant areas for the presence of combustibles (sniffing).

Control Systems Support

• Work with DCS/PLC control systems (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Allen‑Bradley).
• Support fieldbus, HART, and other digital communication protocols.
• Assist in modifying control logic or loop tuning as directed by engineering.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all plant safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space, and hot work policies.
• Comply with OSHA, EPA, and process safety management (PSM) requirements.
• Participate in hazard assessments (PHA/HAZOP) and reliability improvement initiatives.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records in CMMS systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo).
• Provide detailed reports on equipment status, repairs, and recommendations.
• Support root cause analysis for equipment failures.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Instrumentation, Electronics, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial instrumentation (chemical, refinery, power generation preferred).
• Certifications such as ISA CCST (Level I/II) are a plus.
• Prior work experience as a maintenance mechanic is strongly preferred (single craft or multi‑craft).

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of process instrumentation and control systems.
• Familiarity with hazardous area classifications (Class I Div 1/2, ATEX, etc.).
• Experience with pneumatic and electronic control loops.
• Proficiency with test/diagnostic equipment.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Instrument Technicians are self‑directed. They work with little to no supervision. They are technical experts in the area of instrumentation, receive little technical guidance from management. The troubleshooting work is complicated, demanding and has high time pressures. The nature of the work is becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated, particularly in the area of process automation system troubleshooting.

Working Conditions

• Chemical plant environment with exposure to heat, noise, chemicals, and rotating equipment.
• Requires use of PPE (respirators, goggles, flame‑resistant clothing, etc.).
• Will require overtime, on‑call duties, and occasional work at heights or confined spaces.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. Multiple times a shift.
• Ability to climb ladders, work from elevated platforms, and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for handling small components and tools.