Instrumentation and Controls Technician

Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc.; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. in Virginia seeks an experienced Instrumentation Technician to calibrate, configure, and maintain automated control systems on our plant floor. You will troubleshoot PLCs, DCS, HMIs, transmitters, and analyzers, support commissioning and startups, and document loop diagrams and P&IDs to ensure uptime and compliance.

This role collaborates with operations, maintenance, and engineering, with safety and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures a must.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in instrumentation, electronics, or related field preferred.
• Alternatively, minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial experience.
• Experience with PLC and DCS platforms (Allen‑Bradley preferred).
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate, configure, and maintain field instrumentation including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, and valve positioners.
• Troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic systems.
• Support commissioning, testing, and startup of PLCs, HMIs, drives, and control systems.
• Maintain and update technical documentation (loop diagrams, P&IDs, electrical drawings).
• Execute and document calibration activities to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Identify and recommend reliability and cost improvement opportunities.
• Follow all safety procedures, including PPE and LOTO.

Skills

PLC & DCS platforms

Allen‑Bradley

HART protocol

VFDs

Industrial networks

4–20 mA loops

Control valves

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree in instrumentation

5+ years of relevant industrial experience

Tools

P&IDs

LOTO

Job description

Calibrate, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot automated industrial control systems, including sensors, analyzers, transmitters, PID controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), HMIs, and SCADA software. Perform routine, preventive, and corrective calibrations of pressure, temperature, flow, level, and analytical instruments using test equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance. Participate in system upgrades and shutdowns, maintain accurate technical and calibration documentation, and collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to resolve complex control and instrumentation issues while minimizing downtime.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Calibrate, configure, and perform preventive maintenance on field instrumentation, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, and valve positioners
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical (low voltage through 480V) and pneumatic systems
• Support commissioning, testing, and startup of PLCs, HMIs, drives, and control systems
• Maintain and update technical documentation (loop diagrams, P&IDs, electrical drawings)
• Execute and document calibration activities to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Identify and recommend reliability and cost improvement opportunities
• Follow all safety procedures, including PPE requirements and lockout/tagout (LOTO)
• Work effectively under pressure to support plant uptime and resolve complex issues

TEAM & PLANT SUPPORT EXPECTATIONS:

• Work as part of a collaborative reliability team alongside maintenance, operations, and engineering
• Participate in troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and plant improvement efforts
• During critical outages, startup/shutdown events, or unusual plant conditions, may assist the electrical maintenance team to support plant recovery and reliability
• Occasional call-out support may be required to respond to unplanned downtime events
• Any cross-functional support is situational, with the primary responsibility remaining instrumentation and controls

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend and contribute to engineering and root cause meetings as assigned.
• Support capital projects, upgrades, and system improvements
• Complete other assignments as appropriate to support plant operations and reliability

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with PLC and DCS platforms (Allen-Bradley preferred)
• Ability to interface with and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley systems
• Working knowledge of HART protocol and smart field devices
• Experience with VFDs (ABB and Allen-Bradley preferred)
• Familiarity with industrial communications (Ethernet, DH+)
• Strong understanding of 4–20 mA loops and 24V control systems
• Experience with control valves and instrumentation systems
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• An associate's degree in instrumentation, electronics, or a related field is preferred,

OR

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial experience.