Instrument & Electrical Technician

Role Summary

The Instrument & Electrical Technician is an integral part of our Engineering team based out of the US – Chicago Heights, IL site. Working within a Reliability Based Maintenance environment, this role maintains the company’s state-of-the-art electronic ("smart") process measuring and control instrumentation for fermentation, packaging, and utility equipment and systems, and maintains power distribution systems and electrical services for fermentation, packaging, utility, and facility equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, improvements, and modifications to process instrumentation/controls on production and qualified utility equipment and systems (e.g., fermenters, robots, baggers, boilers, RO water system).
• Configure, maintain, and repair complex computer systems from Process Logic Controllers to Distributive Control Systems; calibrate and repair smart instruments while maintaining older technologies (e.g., pneumatic).
• Provide training on maintenance of instrumentation equipment and systems in compliance with SOPs, GMPs, GLPs, PSM, and other regulations.
• Serve as maintenance advisor for projects in equipment design, parts/material selection, documentation, testing, problem solving, and project scope.
• Assess priority and make decisions for troubleshooting, diagnostics, assembly, repair, and proactive maintenance in a cost-effective manner.
• Read and interpret drawings/blueprints for installation or repair of equipment.

• Use test/calibration instruments and computers for troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Perform preventive maintenance and modifications to production, utility, and facility equipment (high-voltage substations/switchgear/motors, explosion-proof electrical systems, VFDs, PLCs, generators/UPS, building control systems, pneumatics/hydraulics, and various AC/DC electrical applications).
• Provide training on electrical equipment and systems in compliance with company standards and government regulations.
• Continue to serve as a maintenance advisor for equipment design and project follow-up; prioritize troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Read and understand drawings/blueprints for installation or repair of equipment.

• Install and repair electrical systems, apparatus, and components of plant machinery and equipment.
• Install power supply wiring/conduit for new machines (e.g., robots, conveyors, programmable controllers).
• Connect power supply wires and cables between machines and equipment.
• Diagnose malfunctioning equipment (transformers, motors, lighting) and replace damaged wires/cables.
• Replace faulty electrical components (relays, switches, motors, sensing devices).

Qualifications

• Required: Journeyman Certificate with experience in a manufacturing environment, or Technical/Vocational School diploma with at least 2+ years of electrical or high voltage related work experience.
• Preferred: Experience with PLC/DCS systems and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing processes, equipment, and facilities is desirable.
• Good communication and organizational skills; ability to interact with all levels of the organization; capability to articulate issues and solutions and produce project reports.
• Ability to analyze problems and provide corrective/preventative actions with minimal assistance; capacity to manage multiple assignments and adapt to changes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and general computer usage.

Education

• Journeyman Certificate with manufacturing experience, or Technical/Vocational School diploma with minimum 2+ years in electrical/high voltage work; PLC/DCS experience strongly preferred.

Skills

• Motivated self-starter; works well in groups and provides excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently; strong organizational skills; high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong time management and ability to handle multiple priorities.
• High ethical standards and fairness; ability to interact effectively with varied stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

• Physical requirements: occasional bending; frequent sitting/standing; constant talking/hearing; frequent walking.