Instrumentation Technician (Maintenance)

Danisco US Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime eligibility

Job summary

IFF is seeking an on-site Instrumentation Technician in Palo Alto, CA to maintain and optimize advanced process systems in a bioscience environment. The role supports lab-scale fermentation equipment, electrical and pneumatic instrumentation, and PLC-driven control systems.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of instrumentation experience and an AA/AS in Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Technologies. Overtime and varied shifts are possible; strong documentation habits are essential.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in process instrumentation troubleshooting, repair, and calibration.
• Associate degree (AA/AS) in Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Technologies, or equivalent 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Calibration

Electrical systems

P&ID reading

Control systems

Schematics reading

Education

AA/AS in Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Technologies

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

GE/Emerson PLC

HMI/SCADA

Job description

Job Summary

Are you ready to apply your technical expertise to maintain and optimize advanced process systems in a cutting-edge bioscience environment? 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 Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (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

Company Culture & Diversity

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.

Salary Ranges: 65.513,00ㅤ-ㅤ93.590,00ㅤUSD

At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products - advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. We value an inclusive, creative workplace where all individuals can thrive and do their best work. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.