Instrument Technician

Occidental Petroleum Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

OxyChem seeks an experienced Instrument Technician for our Battleground Plant in La Porte, TX. The role supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation, control systems, analyzers, and related electrical equipment.

You will work with Electricians, Millwrights and other Maintenance team members while adhering to process safety, ISO and OSHA VPP requirements. OxyChem emphasizes safety, competitive pay and career development.

Qualifications

• Five years of process instrumentation/electrical maintenance experience in an industrial environment; or two years with an Associate degree.
• Proficiency with loop drawings, schematics, ladder logic, electrical one-lines and P&ID drawings.
• Experience with process control loops, electronic controls, valves and transmitters.

Responsibilities

• Maintain environmental protection and health/safety as a top priority.
• Install, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on instrumentation and control systems.
• Calibrate and verify accuracy of field instrumentation and control devices.
• Troubleshoot DCS/ PLC systems and related field devices.
• Collaborate with Electricians/Millwrights and other maintenance team members.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and support site reliability and product quality.

Skills

Loop drawings

Schematics

Ladder logic

P&ID drawings

Electrical one-lines

Instrumentation maintenance

Troubleshooting

English literacy

Education

Associate degree in Instrumentation or Electrical Technology

NCCER certification

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. If you are ready to contribute, elevate your skills, and take ownership of your career, OxyChem offers the opportunity to make a difference every day. OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. OxyChem's products play an essential role in everyday life, supporting critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction. OxyChem actively participates in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program, underscoring our commitment to safety. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, OxyChem is a top three U.S. manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride, chlor-alkali and chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. Visit oxychem.com for more information. In a fast-paced industry that demands precision, we create a supportive workplace where the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.

We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated Instrument Technician to join our Battleground Plant in La Porte, TX. This role supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation, control systems, analyzers, and related electrical equipment.

Essential Job Duties

• Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of employees, customers, and the communities where we operate or transport products as the highest priority.
• Support Process Safety and Risk Management goals and objectives.
• Participate in site-wide Process Safety and Risk Reduction activities as requested, bringing a fresh perspective to identify improvement opportunities.
• Actively participate in plant-wide training that supports quality and safety needs, including ISO and OSHA VPP requirements.
• Install, maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on plant instrumentation, control systems, analyzers, and electrical equipment.
• Calibrate, configure, and verify the accuracy of field instrumentation and control devices.
• Troubleshoot and support distributed control systems (DCS), PLC systems, and associated field devices.
• Promptly and accurately diagnose minor equipment issues and implement corrective actions.
• Diagnose and repair instruments and control systems related to flow, temperature, level, and pressure.
• Consult directly with equipment vendors to resolve technical issues as needed.
• Set up and operate shop tools, specialized testing and measuring equipment, and hand tools used in machine installation or maintenance.
• Conduct evaluation tests on valves, motors, instruments, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot 120-volt AC controls and research specifications for materials, testing, and repair of instrumentation and electrical equipment.
• Collaborate with Electricians, Millwrights, and other Maintenance team members.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and dedication to high-quality work that supports site reliability and product quality.
• Contribute to a respectful and supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to grow and succeed.
• Adapt to continuous change, make sound decisions in stressful situations, and assist with maintenance activities during weekends and non-scheduled hours as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five (5) years of process instrumentation/electrical maintenance experience in an industrial environment; or two (2) years of industrial maintenance experience and an Associate degree in Instrumentation or Electrical Technology.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting using loop drawings, schematics, ladder logic, electrical one-lines, and P&ID drawings.
• Experience maintaining process control loops, electronic controls, valves, and transmitters.
• Proof of NCCER certification required prior to employment; instrumentation certification preferred.
• High proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and a good working knowledge of SAP.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed to support a 24/7 operating plant.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., climb ladders and stairs, walk, bend, and stoop as required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including a respirator, and respond to visual and audible alarms.

OxyChem, a producer of commodity chemicals with facilities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, is renowned for its commitment to safety, environmental protection, customer service and sustainability. OxyChem's chemicals are vital to quality of life, with applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, commercial and residential development.