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Instrumentation technicians work with three major categories of instruments: pneumatic and electropneumatic equipment, hydraulic instrumentation and electrical and electronic equipment. Examples include altimeters, pressure gauges, speedometers, and radiation detection devices. In some industries, a technician may work on equipment from each category, while in other industries, a technician may be responsible for only one specific task.

Some technicians operate the equipment that produces or records the effects of certain conditions on the test instruments, such as vibration, stress, temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude and acceleration. Other technicians sketch, build and modify electronic and mechanical fixtures and instruments. All technicians perform mathematical calculations on instrument readings and test results so they can be used in graphs and written reports.

General duties include:

• consulting manufacturers' manuals to determine test and maintenance procedures

• using pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices to inspect and test instrument and system operation and diagnosing faults

• consulting with and advising process operators

• repairing, maintaining and adjusting system components

• removing and replacing defective parts

• calibrating and maintaining components and instruments

• working with engineers on basic design

• Algebra

• Geometry

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Electricity/Electronics

• Mechanical Technology

• Mechanical Drawing and/or CAD

• English, Composition, Speech

• Technology Education

Completion of a two-year program from a technical school or community college is the basic requirement for an entry-level job in the field. Programs are offered in several different disciplines in addition to instrumentation technology, such as electronics, electrical, mechanical, biomedical and nuclear technology. Areas of study include: process computers, instrument system communications, smart transmitters, control valves, distributed control systems, process simulations and computer graphic display interfaces. A good knowledge of basic electronics and electrical theory is very important, as is technical writing.

Because technology in this field is advancing so rapidly, instrumentation technicians need to pursue continuing education and training whenever possible.

Student membership in the ISA provides several benefits and career opportunities. It indicates to prospective employers that you are actively involved in pursuing a career in the field. Visit the society's web site at www.isa.org for membership information, scholarship opportunities, a list of schools that offer programs in the field, games and competitions, students advisors and much more.

Wages vary greatly depending on industry, education level, years of experience and level of responsibility.

Entry level wages for those with a two-year technical degree are approximately $35,000 annually. According to a 2005 national automation.com salary survey, instrumentation technicians with a technical or trade school diploma and 2-5 years of experience under their belt earned on average $64,500 a year.

Benefits usually include medical coverage, paid vacations and sick leave, profit sharing, pension plans and tuition assistance programs.

• Interested in science and technology

• Enjoy figuring out how things work

• Enjoy analyzing information and solving problems

• Detail oriented

• Able to work under pressure

• Good math, science, mechanical and logical reasoning abilities

• Patient

• Able to persevere

• Able to work as part of a team

• Enjoy keeping with technological developments

Various levels of certification are available from the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Some employers require certification for employees, especially for senior technicians, and they all recognize certification as a significant indication of achievement.

• Aerospace/Aeronautics

• Automotive

• Biological sciences

• Chemical manufacturing

• Computers

• Communications

• Construction

• Food and pharmaceuticals

• Machine tools

• Medical technology

• Mining and metals

• Nuclear

• Petroleum

• Pharmaceuticals

• Power

• Pulp and paper

• Robotics

• Transportation

• Water and wastewater

Technicians may work regular workday hours or work in shifts, and are sometimes on call at night and on weekends. Working conditions vary widely from one job to another. Conditions in a food manufacturing plant are far different from those in an oil refinery plant. All jobs use similar principles, however, and technicians can master new areas by applying what they have learned previously. No matter where a technician is employed, a calm approach to work is essential. Calibration and adjustment require the control and dexterity of a watchmaker. Those who are easily excited or impatient are not well suited to this type of work.

Instrumentation, Systems, and
Automation Society
919-549-8411
www.isa.org

National Institute for Certification
in Engineering Technologies
www.nicet.org

Measurement, Control & Automation
Association
757-258-3100
www.measure.org