Instrumentation Technician

IFF; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Process Instrumentation Technician to calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical and control systems in an onsite role.

You will work with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, GE/Emerson) and HMI/SCADA, interpret schematics, and ensure accurate documentation while supporting lab-scale fermentation operations. This position offers overtime eligibility and a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in process instrumentation troubleshooting, repair, and calibration.
• AA/AS in Electrical, Electronic or Instrumentation Technologies.
• Experience with process equipment and basic mechanical systems.
• Ability to read technical diagrams and schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across instrumentation and control systems.
• Good communication and ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work alternate shifts and on-call.
• Experience in lab/fermentation environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate and maintain process equipment and instruments.
• Troubleshoot control systems and instrumentation.
• Support PLC systems and HMI/SCADA tools.
• Maintain SOPs, BOMs, and documentation.
• Operate in lab-scale fermentation environments.

Skills

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Reading Schematics

Communication

Shift flexibility

Education

AA/AS in Electrical, Electronic or Instrumentation Technologies

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

GE/Emerson PLC

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about assisting the team in delivering the best results?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer and industrial markets.

The role is an hourly position based in Palo Alto, CA (onsite). Be part of a motivated, customer-focused, and solution-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Calibrate and maintain a wide range of process equipment, including electronic and pneumatic devices, and instruments measuring temperature, pressure, level, flow, and weight (load cells)

• Troubleshoot and repair control systems, including control loops (0–10 VDC and 4–20 mA), electrical and electronic systems, and process instrumentation

• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of systems using PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, GE/Emerson) and HMI/SCADA tools

• Interpret and work with P&ID and electrical schematics

• Operate and maintain process equipment across lab-scale fermentation systems with potential exposure to pilot-scale operations

• Perform preventive electrical and mechanical maintenance on process equipment

• Diagnose and resolve issues across electrical, pneumatic, electronic, and mechanical systems

• Maintain accurate records, follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Bills of Materials (BOMs), and use MS Office tools for documentation and reporting

What Makes You the Right Fit

• 1–3 years of experience in process instrumentation troubleshooting, repair, and calibration

• Associate degree (AA/AS) in Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Technologies, or equivalent technical training

• Practical experience with process equipment and basic mechanical systems

• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and schematics

• Strong troubleshooting skills across instrumentation and control systems

• Effective communication skills and ability to organize and prioritize work independently

• Positive mindset, strong work ethic, and willingness to contribute to a growing team

• Flexibility to work alternative shifts, overtime, and participate in on-call schedules when needed

How Would You Stand Out

• Experience with laboratory or fermentation process environments

• Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as digital voltmeters (DVM), oscilloscopes, and current loop analyzers

• Knowledge of mechanical systems including belt drives, pulleys, and torque specifications

Why Choose Us

• Opportunity to work in an innovative Health & Biosciences environment

• Exposure to advanced process technologies and systems

• Career growth opportunities across lab and pilot-scale operations

• Collaborative and supportive team culture

• Competitive hourly compensation with overtime eligibility

• Commitment to safety, inclusion, and employee development

Working Hours & Flexibility

• Hourly, non-exempt position eligible for overtime

• Standard schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Occasional alternative shift: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (2–3 times per year for ~30 days)

• Ability to work overtime and provide on-call support

• Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lbs and working at heights

* Salary may be higher than the range posted, considering experience.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more