Maintenance I (SPLA)

Calumet, Inc.; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Calumet, Inc. is seeking a Level 1 Instrumentation Technician (Mastery Level) to install, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex instrumentation across refinery operations.

You will ensure accuracy of process measurements and provide leadership to technicians and contractors in safety-critical environments. The role requires strong knowledge of DCS/PLC systems, loop tuning, and hazardous area classifications, with responsibilities including turnarounds, RCFA participation, and guiding

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and completion of an Instrumentation/Controls apprenticeship, technical program, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in industrial or refinery instrumentation.
• Knowledge of process instrumentation, control systems (DCS/PLC), loop tuning, and hazardous area requirements.

Responsibilities

• Independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex instrumentation and control systems across refinery operations.
• Perform precision calibration and configuration of field instruments.
• Lead instrumentation work during turnarounds and critical repairs.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians and apprentices.
• Interpret loop diagrams, P&IDs, and instrument datasheets.

Skills

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

DCS/PLC

Loop tuning

Leadership

Mentoring

Safety procedures

P&ID interpretation

LOTO/PSM knowledge

Electrical fundamentals

Education

High school diploma or GED

Instrumentation apprenticeship

Equivalent experience

Tools

Honeywell

Emerson

Yokogawa

Allen-Bradley

SAP CMMS

Job description

The Level 1 Instrumentation Technician (Mastery Level) is a highly skilled professional responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex instrumentation and control systems across refinery operations. This role serves as a technical authority, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of critical process measurements and control systems, while providing leadership and mentorship to other technicians and contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex instrumentation and control systems, including:
  • Pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters
  • Control valves and positioners
  • Analyzers (process and environmental)
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLC field interfaces
• Perform precision calibration and configuration of field instruments
• Lead and execute instrumentation work during turnarounds, outages, and critical repairs
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians and apprentices
• Interpret and utilize:
  • Loop diagrams
  • P&IDs
  • Instrument datasheets and specifications
• Ensure compliance with all safety and operational procedures, including:
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Process safety management (PSM) requirements
  • Hazardous area classifications (Class I, Div 1 & 2)
  • Diagnose and resolve control loop and process control issues
• Support advanced control strategies and optimization efforts
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on instrumentation systems
• Participate in root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and incident investigations
• Oversee and verify quality of contractor instrumentation work

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of an Instrumentation/Controls apprenticeship, technical program, or equivalent experience
• Significant experience in industrial or refinery instrumentation
• Advanced knowledge of:
  • Process instrumentation and measurement principles
  • Control systems (DCS/PLC) and loop tuning fundamentals
  • Signal types (4–20 mA, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, etc.)
  • Control valves, actuators, and positioners
  • Electrical fundamentals related to instrumentation
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Troubleshoot complex control and instrumentation issues independently
  • Interpret process conditions and relate them to instrumentation performance
  • Lead jobs and coordinate with operations, maintenance, and engineering
• Strong understanding of:
  • Hazardous area requirements
  • Industry standards and best practices
  • Effective leadership, communication, and mentoring skills

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to work in refinery conditions including:
  • Elevated structures and confined spaces
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures and industrial hazards
• Ability to wear required PPE, including FR clothing and respiratory protection as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• NCCER Instrumentation certification or equivalent
• Experience with specific DCS/PLC platforms (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Yokogawa, Allen-Bradley)
• Working knowledge of analyzer systems and advanced process control (APC)
• Experience with CMMS systems (e.g., SAP)

Role Expectations (Mastery Level)

• Works independently with minimal supervision
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in instrumentation and control systems
• Leads troubleshooting of critical process issues impacting production and safety
• Coaches and develops less experienced technicians
• Drives reliability improvements and instrumentation best practices
• Ensures precision, accuracy, and compliance in all work performed