Instrumentation Technician (Maintenance)

International Flavors and Fragrances; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 48,216 - 57,859; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime eligibility

Competitive hourly pay

Career growth opportunities

Employee development

Job summary

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) seeks a technically skilled technician to maintain and optimize advanced process systems in a bioscience setting. You will calibrate instrumentation, troubleshoot control systems, and support PLC/HMI platforms within a cutting-edge environment.

The role involves working with lab-scale and pilot-scale fermentation equipment, interpreting schematics, and performing preventive maintenance.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in process instrumentation troubleshooting, repair, and calibration.
• 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.
• Effective communication skills and ability to organize and prioritize work independently.
• Flexibility to work alternative shifts, overtime, and on‑call schedules when needed.
• Experience in laboratory or fermentation process environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate and maintain a wide range of process equipment, including electronic and pneumatic devices.
• 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.

Skills

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Schematic interpretation

Control system troubleshooting

Documentation skills

Education

AA/AS in Electrical Technology

Tools

Digital voltmeters (DVM)

Oscilloscopes

Current loop analyzers

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, delivering 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.

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 roughly 30 days)
• Ability to work overtime and provide on‑call support
• Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lbs and working at heights

We value the diverse mosaic of 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.