Gather and analyze information about production processes.
As an Instrumentation Technician, you understand delicate electrical and electronic testing equipment. You’re the foundation of the engineering team as the Instrumentation Technician and you rely mainly on specialized equipment to diagnose, troubleshoot, and improve products.
Instrumentation Technicians assist and support Instrumentation Technologists, and the Engineers above them, in carrying out tests, collecting data, and compiling reports. You’re the lynchpin of the testing team. Without you, Instrumentation Technologists would not be as efficient at their jobs.
An understanding of your role as a Instrumentation Technician is a valuable part of any companies team, and a desire to contribute in unique ways should be a strong part of your work ethic. Every day is an opportunity to solve a unique problem and learn something new about science, the engineering world, and yourself. To go far in this field, you need creative problem solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions and do whatever the situation calls for. Your workplace is a laboratory or fabrication floor, but your tasks (while routine in nature) change all the time.
Taking direction is critical, especially when you’re just starting out. As you gain expertise and experience, you’ll gain a measure of autonomy, but you’ll always be coordinating your efforts with your fellow Technicians, Technologists, Engineers, and your team leader. Everyone works in different ways, but always towards the same goal. They depend on you to share your findings efficiently and accurately.
Most weeks, you’ll work 40 hours, but when things get hectic, be prepared to stay late into the night. But don’t worry, most engineering outfits run on coffee.