1

Apprentice Instrumentation Technician Jobs in Tennessee

Technician IV

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$54K - $86K/yr

Role Summary The Shift E&I Technician is a critical role responsible for ensuring the operational ... maintenance type of electrical / instrumentation apprenticeship program (or equivalent)

New

Fabricates repair parts by using machine shop instrumentation and equipment. * Maintains equipment ... Associate degree or completion of qualified apprenticeship program * Minimum of 2 year of related ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Instrumentation Technician information

See Tennessee salary details

$19

$29

$35

How much do apprentice instrumentation technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice instrumentation technician in Tennessee is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice instrumentation technician?

To thrive as an Apprentice Instrumentation Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical and electronic principles, basic math skills, and typically a high school diploma or technical training in instrumentation. Familiarity with tools such as multimeters, calibrators, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), along with safety certifications like OSHA, is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help apprentices excel in troubleshooting and collaborating on technical projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate instrument calibration, safe operations, and effective maintenance in industrial environments.

What is an apprentice instrumentation technician?

Apprentice Instrumentation Technicians are entry-level workers who assist in installing, maintaining, and repairing instruments and control systems in various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and utilities. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians and learn to handle equipment that measures and controls variables like pressure, flow, and temperature. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to develop both practical and theoretical skills needed for the role. Over time, they gain experience and knowledge that prepares them for more advanced positions as fully qualified instrumentation technicians.

What are common challenges faced by apprentice instrumentation technicians on the job?

As an Apprentice Instrumentation Technician, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing technologies and working safely in hazardous industrial environments. Balancing hands-on learning with technical theory can be demanding, especially when troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems for the first time. Additionally, collaborating effectively with experienced technicians, engineers, and other trades is essential for success, as much of the work is performed in multidisciplinary teams. Embracing feedback and seeking guidance will help you overcome these challenges and progress in your apprenticeship.

What is the difference between Apprentice Instrumentation Technician vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectApprentice Instrumentation TechnicianInstrumentation Technician
CertificationsMay have basic technical certifications or none; on-the-job trainingTypically holds relevant certifications or licenses, such as a diploma or technical certification
Work EnvironmentUnder supervision, learning on-site in industrial or manufacturing settingsPerforms maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting independently in industrial environments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with installation, basic troubleshooting, and learning instrumentation systemsMaintaining, repairing, and calibrating instrumentation equipment independently

The main difference between an Apprentice Instrumentation Technician and an Instrumentation Technician is experience and responsibility level. Apprentices are in training, working under supervision, while Instrumentation Technicians are fully qualified professionals performing maintenance and troubleshooting independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Technician jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Instrumentation Technician jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Instrumentation Technician jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Instrumentation Technician jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Instrumentation Technician job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician

BAE Systems

Kingsport, TN • On-site

$54K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago

Posted today


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description
Role Summary
The Shift E&I Technician is a critical role responsible for ensuring the operational reliability and safety of chemical production and plant utility systems. This position focuses on the troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of complex electrical and instrumentation systems in a continuous manufacturing and plant utility environment. This is a transitional growth role designed to develop a technician into a lead first-responder for the plant's electrical and control infrastructure. Work schedule is 6am - 6pm, 12 hour days; approximately 15 shifts / month.
Primary Responsibilities
Technical Troubleshooting & Corrective Maintenance
  • Serve as the primary first responder for plant radio calls, providing immediate diagnostic and repair support for electrical and instrument failures withing explosive / acid production and utility environments.
  • Troubleshoot and repair a wide array of industrial equipment, including:
    • Controls: PLCs, VFDs, and complex control systems.
    • Instrumentation: Pneumatic and electrical sensors for temperature, humidity, flow, level, pressure, pH, and conductivity.
    • Power Distribution: Secondary power distribution, medium voltage switchgear, high-current breakers, and high-voltage pumps.
    • Mechanical Electricals: Industrial elevators and motor controls.
    • Fire Suppression / Detection: Fire Alarm control panels, initiating devices, supervisory panels, annunciators, RF systems, ESD devices.
  • Utilize electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and P&IDs to diagnose system faults and identify required repair materials.
Operational Support & Reliability
  • Execute assigned work orders and preventive maintenance (PM) tasks to minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Manage the operational preparation shutdown process, including LOTO for shutdowns and post-maintenance turnover.
  • Collaborate with Shift Mechanics, Control Systems Technicians, and Line Crew to ensure integrated system functionality.
  • Assist occasionally in the commissioning and check-out of new modernization projects and facility upgrades.
Compliance, Safety & Documentation
  • Strictly adhere to Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures and disable all energy sources to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Maintain full compliance with National Electric Code (NEC), NFPA, and OSHA safety standards.
  • Document all corrective actions accurately within the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
  • Ensure precise labor reporting via the KRONOS system.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Education/Certification: High school diploma or GED AND completion of a 4-year Certified Journeyman Electrician or other DOL maintenance type of electrical / instrumentation apprenticeship program (or equivalent).
  • Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of combined experience in industrial maintenance, utilities, construction, or OEM start-up/commissioning.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proven experience in the configuration and calibration of industrial instrumentation and automation.
  • Physical/Schedule: Ability to work 12-hour shifts and maintain a flexible schedule (including nights and weekends).
Core Competencies
  • Continuous Learning: A strong aptitude for acquiring new technical skills through OJT, classroom training, and lab exercises.
  • Independence: Ability to work autonomously with limited supervision during off-hours.
  • Communication: Ability to effectively communicate technical issues to management, operators, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced Degree: Associate's degree in Electronics, Electrical Technology, or Electromechanical Technology.
  • Industry Experience: Prior experience working within a chemical or hazardous materials production facility.
  • Equipment Expertise: Proficiency with multi-meters, calibrators, and process communicators.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $54014 - $86423
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

What BAE Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom