Instrument Technician

Job Summary:Safely perform the troubleshooting, repair, installation, and calibration of all Kalsec Inc. manufacturing instrumentation and control equipment. Responsibilities will be carried out across all Kalsec Inc. facilities located in Kalamazoo, MI.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Instrumentation, Calibration & Technical Execution

• Perform calibration, installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of plant instrumentation and control systems across all Kalamazoo facilities
• Troubleshoot and repair plant instrumentation and PLC instrument circuits through resolution using sound failure-mode theory prior to equipment replacement
• Independently perform loop checks, instrument checkouts, and support Engineering projects
• Install, replace, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation including flow, level, pressure, temperature, weighing, gas monitoring, pH/ORP systems, totalizers, valves, actuators, converters, transducers, pneumatic systems, and intrinsically safe and general-purpose equipment (≤120 VAC)
• Troubleshoot and repair safety interlocks, alarm circuits, and audible/visual alarms
• Modify pneumatic lines and perform removal and installation of instrument elements from process lines and systems
• Utilize HMIs, PLCs, test equipment, and computer-based control systems to calibrate, test, and troubleshoot instrumentation and instrument circuits
• Replace flexible connections, fittings, conduit, cables, and terminations associated with instrumentation
• Diagnose failures accurately and perform work to a high standard of excellence, exceeding minimum quality expectations

Safety, Compliance, Documentation & Collaboration

• Apply all MIOSHA, OSHA, Kalsec Inc., Quality Assurance, and Food Defense policies to all work activities
• Demonstrate leadership and ownership in safety, plant systems, and instrumentation reliability
• Read, understand, and follow all plant procedures related to the Instrument Technician role
• Complete and maintain all required training and certifications as provided by Kalsec Inc.
• Interface with the CMMS system to locate, execute, and document work orders and related materials
• Research troubleshooting solutions and replacement parts using manuals, vendor support, and web-based resources
• Obtain and verify ordering information for replacement parts and equipment
• Archive, retrieve, mark up, and submit technical documentation for revision
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with all departments to support scheduling, troubleshooting, and equipment repair

Qualifications:

Required

• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CSST) Level I, completion of a certified instrumentation apprenticeship, or equivalent.
  • If certification is not possessed at the time the position is awarded, the Instrument Technician must obtain ISA CSST Level I certification within one (1) year, with provision by Kalsec Inc.
• Experience with calibration and calibration best practices.
• Instrumentation experience including, but not limited to, transmitters, switches, indicators, gauges, pH systems, guided wave radar, sonar, and PLC interfacing.
• Proficiency with instrumentation test equipment.
• Strong understanding of the physical properties of flow, level, temperature, and pressure and their impact on instrumentation and processes.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing systems and equipment using best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical diagrams, schematics, loop drawings, and electrical schedules.

Desired

• Five years of calibration experience.
• Five years of troubleshooting instrumentation and process control systems.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping practices.
• Experience with CMMS systems and their role in plant operations.
• Experience working in hazardous classified locations and with intrinsically safe instrumentation.
• Basic understanding of Arc Flash requirements.
• Basic understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Background in Quality Assurance, Food Defense, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
• Strong knowledge of OSHA and MIOSHA regulations, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
• Proficiency in computer software including MS Office and MS Outlook.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work at a computer or desk station using required software applications.
• Working knowledge of job expectations and responsibilities across all Finishing operations.
• Ability to access all areas of the manufacturing facility.
• Ability to work occasionally in environments involving heat, noise, odors, heights, confined spaces, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to wear a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, reach, kneel, bend, and climb ladders frequently and for extended periods.
• Ability to qualify for confined space entry in accordance with the Kalsec Inc. Confined Space Program.
• Ability to travel as required.