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Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician Jobs in Virginia

Wood Plc

Electronics Technician

Norfolk, VA

Overview / Responsibilities Wood Automation and Controls is currently recruiting for an Instrumentation and Controls Technician to join our team in Norfolk, VA. This position will report to the I&C ...

Vistra Energy

Renewables Energy Technician

Pulaski, VA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

... instrumentation, controls, and electromechanical equipment. This equipment includes breakers ... Technician in an Energy or OIL & Gas related industry Demonstrate effective oral and verbal ...

Linde Group

I&E Technician

Hopewell, VA · On-site

... motor controls, and associated control hardware * Diagnose and repair instrumentation and control ... technician responsibilities, and providing plant coverage during off-hours and rotating on-call ...

Linde

I&E Technician

Hopewell, VA · On-site

... motor controls, and associated control hardware * Diagnose and repair instrumentation and control ... technician responsibilities, and providing plant coverage during off-hours and rotating on-call ...

Amentum

Building Automation Technician

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$38.50/hr

Amentum is seeking a Building Automation Controls Technician located in the Williamsburg area of ... instrumentation systems. * Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an ...

Pae

Building Automation Technician

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$38.50/hr

Amentum is seeking a Building Automation Controls Technician located in the Williamsburg area of ... instrumentation systems. * Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician information

See Virginia salary details

$20

$35

$50

How much do entry level instrumentation and controls technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation and controls technician in Virginia is $35.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $40.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instrumentation and controls technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation and Controls Technician, you need a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, instrumentation principles, and usually an associate degree or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and standard calibration tools is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation and maintenance of industrial instrumentation and control systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician vs Entry Level Electrical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation And Controls TechnicianEntry Level Electrical Technician
CertificationsOften requires certifications in instrumentation, controls, or PLC programmingTypically requires electrical certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesConstruction sites, electrical maintenance, industrial settings
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and instrumentationElectrical wiring, circuit troubleshooting, and basic electrical maintenance
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical industriesWidespread across construction, utilities, and manufacturing

While both roles involve electrical work, the Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician specializes in control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes, whereas the Entry Level Electrical Technician focuses on general electrical systems and wiring. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and certifications.

What does an entry level instrumentation and controls technician do?

An entry-level instrumentation and controls technician (I&C technician) calibrates and performs maintenance on the instruments and control systems of equipment used in manufacturing, engineering, medicine, and other industries. In this role, you typically work in an industrial, engineering, or manufacturing environment under the supervision of an experienced I&C technician. Your job duties may include inspecting each machine, testing the measurements for accuracy, and adjusting equipment that shows incorrect readings, malfunctions, or has slow reactions. You also observe and assist your supervising technicians when they clean and maintain the machines to ensure they continue to run properly and document all the changes they made to the equipment.

What is an entry level instrumentation and controls technician?

Entry Level Instrumentation and Controls Technicians are professionals who assist with the installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of instruments and control systems used in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and water treatment. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians or engineers to ensure equipment functions correctly and safely. Their responsibilities often include wiring, testing sensors and controllers, and documenting work performed. This role is ideal for individuals with technical training or an associate degree in instrumentation, electronics, or a related field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level instrumentation and controls technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Instrumentation and Controls Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar equipment, adapting to rapidly changing technology, and working in environments where safety is critical. To overcome these challenges, it's essential to actively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in ongoing training programs, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, maintaining clear communication with team members and adhering to established safety protocols helps ensure both personal and team success.
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What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Virginia are:
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Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,037 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Automation Controls Technician - 1st Shift

Perdue Farms

Bridgewater, VA • On-site

$55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 435 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Bring automation to life on the manufacturing floor. The Automation Controls Technician plays a critical role in designing, programming, maintaining, and optimizing automated and robotic systems that keep operations running efficiently and reliably. This role partners closely with cross functional teams to troubleshoot and improve control processes, support new technology implementations, and enhance existing equipment capabilities. The Automation Controls Technician is a hands-on technical contributor who helps drive innovation, uptime, and continuous improvement across the plant.

Compensation

This position has a target wage of $55.00 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available. 

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Schedule: 1st Shift: Alternating weekly schedule with 5 days one week (Monday - Thursday, Saturday; off Friday and Sunday) and 6 days the next (Monday - Friday, Sunday; off Saturday).

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Design, program, and implement automated control systems.
  • Troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical issues in automated/robotic equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and perform repairs on AC/DC/Servo Motor Control System and Instrumentation Control Systems.
  • ​Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of control systems and equipment.
  • Document maintenance activities, repairs, and system changes.
  • Respond to emergency breakdowns and troubleshooting control system issues promptly.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to design and integrate automation/robotic solutions.​
  • Test and calibrate instrumentation and control devices.
  • Contribute to the development of preventive maintenance schedules for automation equipment.​ ​
  • Monitor and optimize control system performance.
  • Install and configure/program industrial robots and robotic systems. Programming (PLCs and HMIs).
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Understand safety compliance and standards for robotic equipment.
  • ​Provide training and support to operators on control system usage.
  • Mentor and train other Maintenance Technicians
  • ​Participate in continuous improvement.​

Minimum Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • 8+ Years experience in industrial automation, controls systems, PLC programming, and troubleshooting, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding and practical application of PLCs, HMI systems, robotics. and industrial control systems.
  • Industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician or related certifications are advantageous.
  • In depth knowledge of electrical systems, control devices, instrumentation, and process control.
  • Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
  • Fanuc Certified Service Engineer (CSE) or Master Certified preferred.
  • Pallet Tool/Pick Tool and Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
  • Line Tracking Setup (Non-Vision) (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
  • KAREL Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).

Preferred Education and Experience

  • 2-year Technical Degree in Mechatronics/Robotics or equivalent combination of experience and education​.

 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

  • Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting (50 lbs.) and/or repetitive tasks throughout the day.
  • Position requires occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
  • Day travel to nearby locations is sometimes required.
  • May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.

When in a plant environment:

  • Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
  • May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
  • May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
  • May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing plant. 

#LI-KB2

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

#LI-KB2 

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