Instrumentation Technician

USG; Otsego (MN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Pension plan

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

USG is seeking an experienced Instrumentation professional to maintain and repair plant instrumentation and control systems across the mill and powerhouse. You will read P&ID diagrams, PLC/DCS controls, and ensure safe, compliant operations while coordinating with engineering and contractors.

The role requires advanced instrumentation knowledge, electrical trades experience, and strong documentation skills, with a focus on safety and continuous improvement in a large manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced experience with industrial instrumentation and electrical trades.
• Read and follow P&ID?s, loop drawings and electrical schematics.
• Familiar with PLC troubleshooting and basic ladder logic.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair instrumentation and control systems in mill and powerhouse.
• Manage inspections, SAR requirements and maintenance records.
• Support planning, parts specs, and project coordination with contractors.
• Ensure compliance with safety programs and NFPA codes.

Skills

Industrial instrumentation

Electrical trades

PLC & DCS control

P&ID reading

Ladder logic basics

IP networking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Data entry

Job description

Primary Function

The incumbent provides advanced level experience and skillsets in the Instrumentation Department of Otsego Paper LLC. The areas of responsibility include but are not limited to the repair and installation work related to the plant's instrumentation and PLC & DCS control systems - to ensure proper and efficient utilization of equipment, materials and manpower - maximizing safety of personnel and reliability/performance of equipment.

Basic Requirements

• Meet Instrumentation 3 requirements.
• Must be able to perform this job safely.
• Must be capable of carrying on-call phone and working weekends without assistance.
• Advanced experience with industrial instrumentation and electrical trades.
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft office suite, spreadsheets, data entry, etc.)
• Maintain safe working conditions for depratment and ensure their compliance with Plant Safety Programs.
• Employees will occasionally have to work overtime. As with all positions at the plant, overtime is mandatory and regular and predictable attendance is an essential factor.
• Maintain well organized and accurate records relating to equipment maintenance, process efficiency, government agency reports, permits and material requisitions.
• Can read and follow large,complex system P&ID’s, loop drawings, pneumatic/hydraulic schematics, electrical one-lines, mass and energy balances, etc. without assistance.
• Display advanced competencies in the following areas: communication, decision making/problem solving, energy, drive, ambition, job knowledge, leadership, managing conflict/negotiation, managing resources, and work quality.
• Advanced experience with manufacturing instrumentation systems and control panels including adherence to NFPA codes.
• Assist with management of all instrumentation of the mill:
• Maintenance of all equipment
• RPM Program requirements
• All inspections and SAR requirements
• Instrumentation Experience – Advanced Level:
• VDC and 4-20ma sensors and control devices for pressure, flow, temperature, position, voltage, current, strains, consistency etc.
• Pneumatic control systems (valves/solenoids, positioners, pressures, flows, guides, etc)
• Hydraulic control systems (valves/solenoids, positioners, pressures, flows, guides, etc) – Preferred
• Steam controls systems ((valves/solenoids, positioners, pressures, flows, etc)
• Wiring diagrams and schematics
• PLC troubleshooting and ladder logic basic operation
• Basic networking of IP devices and understanding of protocols (ethernet IP, TCP/IP, modbus TCP etc)
• Process Control Experience – Advanced Level:
• PID Control Loops
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
• Preferred experience with safety systems:
• Integration with legacy systems
• Upgrades to existing
• Basic knowledge of codes

Safety

• Must be able to perform the essential physical requirements for each position to be considered trained.
• Must know, understand, and follow all applicable model programs plus general plant, department, and job specific safety rules.
• Must be able to protect your own personal safety and the safety of others who may be in your work area.
• Must adhere to applicable responsibilities within the plant’s emergency response program [First-aid, fire, evacuation, etc.)
• Must actively participate in safety program components such as Safety huddles, USG stretching program, BBS, Take 5’s, incident investigations, inspections, and submission of safety improvement ideas.
• Must be able to maintain be proactive to improve good housekeeping practices.
• Must be able to prevent damage to company equipment and materials in areas of assigned responsibility and report damages, incidents, and injuries immediately, when they occur.
• Complete LEAD training as required and all applicable advanced training courses.
• Collaborate with direct supervisors and department leadership as well as Safety Team representatives.
• Must be able to perform this job safely and actively participate in all safety programs. Understand your surroundings and the potential dangers within your work areas.

Continuous Improvement Expectations

• Understand the (4) four categories of standard work and identify existing standards when supporting an area.

Process Adherence

• 5S, Visual Job Aids, Targets & Setpoints, Alignment Markers, Gauge Markers, Job Plans, Out of Compliance Response Plans (Andone Response Plans), Operator Basic Care (OBC’s), and Preventative Maintenance (PM’s)

Reference

• Bulletin Specifications, Engineering Drawings, and Manufacturing Manuals

Training

• VWI’s, Job Breakdown Sheets, Training Videos, and Training Plans

Leader

• Gemba Walks, Coaching, and Reflection Meetings
• Complete 5S LEAD training and support housekeeping initiatives using 5S principles: Sort, Set-in-Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

Job Procedures And Requirements

Reporting to the Instrumentation Foreman, the incumbent is experienced in industrial instrumentation and/or electrical trades. They must continually elicit a high standard of safety performance for themselves. The Instrumentation 4 must be proficient in all aspects of the mill instrumentation and controls.

The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the development and maintenance for the instrumentation and control systems both in the mill and power house. They must possess a high degree of technical aptitude and in-depth knowledge of manufacturing process control and instrumentation systems. The incumbent must stay abreast of new technologies and work with the engineering group with planning and implementing new capital projects within their area of expertise.

They must also be fully proficient and display and advanced level in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, preventive maintenance work, and routine equipment repairs and overhauls with no oversight.

The incumbent will be a key stakeholder on teams for implementing repair and upgrade projects within their respective department. This includes planning, part specification, coordination, supervision, and successful implementation utilizing both in house and 3rd contractor resources.

Qualifications

• Licensed Electrician in the State of Michigan preferred.
• 2+ Years Industrial Instrumentation or Electrical Experience.
• USG Safety Model Program, OSHA, FM Global and Environmental compliance experience preferred.
• USG RPM program experience preferred.
• No significant performance/ attendance infractions within the last 6 months.
• Must be able to perform all tasks required in the subsequent positions.

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period. Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

EOE including disability/veteran

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

Headquartered in Chicago, we serve construction markets around the world with wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing and roofing products that enable our customers to build the outstanding spaces where people live, work and play. Our network of plants, mines, quarries and other facilities includes 49 manufacturing locations and over 7,500 employees across North America.