Principal Instrumentation, Controls, & Electrical Technician

Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc; Missouri; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

PTO & holidays

Health plan

Career growth

Job summary

Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc in Missouri is seeking a Principal Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical Technician to provide expert-level technical leadership for safe, reliable operation of power generation equipment. You will troubleshoot instrumentation, control systems, PLC/DCS/SCADA, lead system upgrades, and drive continuous improvement with plant personnel and contractors.

This role requires 10+ years in power plants, deep knowledge of medium-voltage equipment and gas turbine

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience operating and maintaining power plants or similar industrial systems.
• Extensive experience with instrumentation, control systems, electrical equipment, and automation.
• Advanced troubleshooting with SCADA, PLCs, DCS, and industrial protocols.
• Experience with medium-voltage equipment and gas turbine power generation.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and evaluate complex technical work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced troubleshooting and maintenance of DCS, PLC, SCADA, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Provide technical leadership during plant start-ups, shutdowns, normal operations, and emergency conditions.
• Lead control system upgrades, repairs, contractor activities, and technical project execution.
• Analyze equipment performance and trends to identify preventive and predictive maintenance opportunities.
• Develop and maintain procedures, technical documentation, work orders, and operational records.
• Partner with plant personnel, engineering teams, and contractors to improve reliability, safety, and system performance.

Skills

Instrumentation

Control systems

Electrical equipment

Automation technologies

SCADA/PLC/DCS

Medium-voltage equipment

Gas turbines

Independent planning

Job description

At Associated Electric Cooperative, we're committed to providing reliable energy to the communities we serve with passion and precision. We're a tight-knit team dedicated to keeping the lights on and the energy flowing smoothly across our expansive network! From technical to operational to professional disciplines, our team brings a wide variety of skills, talents, and expertise to the table. We believe in both dedicating ourselves to excellence and investing in your growth. As a Principal Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical Technician, you will provide expert-level technical leadership to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power generation equipment. You will troubleshoot complex instrumentation, control, automation, and electrical systems while leading system upgrades, technical projects, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen plant performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead advanced troubleshooting and maintenance of DCS, PLC, SCADA, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Provide technical leadership during plant start-ups, shutdowns, normal operations, and emergency conditions.
• Lead control system upgrades, repairs, contractor activities, and technical project execution.
• Analyze equipment performance and trends to identify preventive and predictive maintenance opportunities.
• Develop and maintain procedures, technical documentation, work orders, and operational records.
• Partner with plant personnel, engineering teams, and contractors to improve reliability, safety, and system performance.

What You’ll Need

• Typically 10+ years of experience operating and maintaining power plants or comparable industrial systems.
• Extensive experience with instrumentation, control systems, electrical equipment, and automation technologies.
• Advanced troubleshooting expertise with SCADA, PLCs, DCS platforms, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with medium-voltage equipment and gas turbine power generation.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and evaluate complex technical work with minimal supervision.

What Associated provides:

• We are committed to rewarding talent with top pay.
• Your efforts will be recognized with a total compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.
• Plan for your future with confidence!
• We offer a robust 401(k) program with a generous employer match to help you build the financial future you deserve.
• Recharge with PTO and enjoy paid holidays, ensuring you have time to unwind and pursue your passions outside of work.
• Your health matters to us! Stay covered beginning on your first day of employment with our premier healthcare plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

At Associated Electric Cooperative, all of our 700+ employees across MO/AR/OK territory play a crucial role in powering our mission! Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find endless opportunities for career development here. Join us in an environment where your contribution is valued, and your career can thrive as we work together to keep the lights on!

Equal Opportunity Statement: AECI is fully committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. Please reference the contact information below if you require assistance in filling out an application. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to an appointment. An equal opportunity employer and provider/disability/veteran. Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, member-led, not-for-profit electric cooperative dedicated to generating reliable, affordable, and responsible power. Since 1961, we've proudly served six generation and transmission cooperative and 51 distribution cooperatives across Missouri, northeast Oklahoma, and southeast Iowa-providing energy to over 2.1 million people in the Midwest. Together, we're powering communities and shaping a brighter future.