An instrumentation technician usually works on equipment and devices that are required in the engineering and medical fields, operating, setting up and testing. He/she may also be responsible for designing and repairing musical instruments. This technical expert has large scope in various industries such as petroleum refineries, chemical plants, food processing plants and canneries as well as other businesses that monitor and control water and air pollution. These industries demand accurate monitoring and measuring equipment to control pressure and flow rates, manage power consumption and keep track of productivity, in addition to assurance of safety.
Often, instrumentation technician responsibilities revolve around testing, installing, calibrating, inspecting and repairing monitoring devices. In some industries, this technician may have to design new recording and measuring devices and keep them maintained. While in others, he may have to work with analytic and scientific calculators, computer software, electronic probes, and current and voltage meters in order to detect defects in circuitry.
Although instrumentation technicians can work in several work fields, most specialize in one particular area, which might be musical or medical instruments. This specialization can be obtained through various institutions, which might also provide resources and courses so that a technician can acquire certificate in a specific area. There are multiple certifications based on the field of specialization, and most technicians receive various different certifications so that they can work in diverse fields. They often enter into this field as an associate or professional technician and collect experience on their way up. Some jobs may require regional or local license. Most devices on which instrumentation technicians work are very minute, so an eye for detail is significant. Dexterity in addition to good vision is also critical for this job post. Some of these professionals work individually while others get employed in a relevant industry.
Job Roles and Responsibilities
Instrumentation technician may have to sketch and develop instruments or fixtures. Their routine task may also include installing, recording, selecting and checking the instrumentation devices. Though responsibilities of these technicians may vary depending on the industry they are working with, there are certain tasks that are common for this position.
Required Qualifications, Education and Training
Candidates aspiring to become an instrumentation technician needs to focus on degree courses like physics and mathematics as major subjects. Most employers look for individuals with at least an associate's degree along with a career training from an accredited technical school. There are some institutes that offer four levels for the certification courses of an instrumentation technician. Individuals who want to become certified can choose a level of certification depending on their knowledge, professional experience and skill level. They have to qualify the organization's exam in which their knowledge of pneumatic and electrical instrumentation systems, installation, maintenance of record and systems is analyzed.
Skills
In addition to the educational knowledge and training of instrumentation technician, the candidate needs to have following the skills and characteristics:
Instrumentation technician responsibilities are extensive and hence individuals aspiring to get entry into this field require having knowledge, experience and training of operating, designing, modifying and repairing instruments.