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Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician Jobs in Chicago, IL

Controls Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36.03 - $54.05/hr

The Controls Technician will be responsible for utilizing electrical, mechanical, and ... Calibrate, install, and maintain all types of electronic instrumentation including pH, conductivity ...

Ability to perform mechanical, plumbing, and instrumentation work at a semi-skilled level. Qualifications * Previous experience as a Controls Technician, Automation Technician, or similar role in ...

The Controls Technician will be responsible for utilizing electrical, mechanical, and ... Calibrate, install, and maintain all types of electronic instrumentation including pH, conductivity ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician information

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation and controls technician in Chicago, IL is $36.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.76 and $42.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,950 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls - 1st Shift

Aurora, IL


Glanbia
Food Services and Drinking Places • 5 - 10K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Instrumentation & Controls Technician

Location: Aurora, IL

Company: Glanbia Performance Nutrition

About Glanbia

Glanbia is a global nutrition company dedicated to providing better nutrition for every step of life's journey. Using pure and clean ingredients such as milk, whey, and grains, Glanbia creates highquality nutritional ingredients and branded consumer products for customers and consumers worldwide.

Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN), headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glanbia. Our brand portfolio includes Optimum Nutrition, BSN, Isopure, Think!, Nutramino, Body & Fit, LevlUp, Amazing Grass, and SlimFast. We manufacture and market a full range of performance and lifestyle nutrition products sold across retail, online, gyms, and global markets.

GPN operates state-of-the-art facilities with more than 2,500 employees worldwide and is part of Glanbia plc, a global nutrition group with over 6,000 employees in 34 countries.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Illinois. This range may not be applicable to other locations. The hourly rate for Illinois based employees for this role is starting at $35.00/hour plus shift differential, if applicable.

Sign-On Bonus: $5,000

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, FSA, HSA, Life & Disability Insurance, 19 Days Paid Time Off and 6% 401K match.

Schedule

Monday through Friday schedule - with Overtime opportunities.
1st Shift: 9:00am-5:30pm (with flexibility to work into the start of 2nd and 3rd shifts)

General Summary

The Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls performs the preventive and reactive maintenance duties required for the manufacturing operations of the plant. Priorities of the role include the execution of PM schedules and repair of any components used to control and monitor manufacturing and utility equipment that is needed to maintain maximum production rates and maintenance of an adequate spare parts inventory. The individual must have a solid background in controls in addition to strong troubleshooting skills. This position requires the flexibility to work 40+ hours per week, weekends as required and fulfill on-call duties for repairs and assistance.

Essential Functions

  • Troubleshoot and repair equipment issues as they arise on the plant floor.
  • Assist and consult with Management/Engineering on projects as needed.
  • Install and configure electrical and/or controls equipment for retrofit or upgrade projects.
  • Contact OEM for troubleshooting assistance/guidance.
  • Lead instrumentation and controls preventative maintenance programs.
  • Effectively contribute to CMMS performance through timely PM & Repair Work Order completion while ensuring compliance to safety and quality requirements.
  • Partner with operations and engineering to improve equipment reliability.
  • Effectively communicate all process and/or equipment changes to affected personnel.
  • Provide basic electrical troubleshooting skills training for all maintenance techs and lead the Instrumentation & Controls trainee program.
  • Maintain and develop job skills through internal and external training programs.
  • Stay current on field-related technology, codes, standards, and best practices.
  • Support and participate in process improvement teams and own maintenance-related Go-See-Think-Do's.
  • Work with production staff to ensure the safe and reliable operation of plant equipment.
  • Self-train and operate production equipment.
  • Adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP's, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure product quality is maintained.
  • Wear all PPE as required within the Plant safety policy.
  • Assist in implementation of new processes and data collection.
  • Implement safety improvement projects.
  • Own the equipment in their area and be a mentor to others.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • PLC program troubleshooting experience required
  • Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms highly preferred
  • Proficient using electrical test equipment (voltmeter, ammeter, ohm meter, Megger, etc.)
  • Advanced understanding of basic machine function and sequence of operations
  • Experience with process instrumentation (level, flow, temperature)
  • Experience with VFDs, Servos, MCCs, and other motor control platforms
  • Experience with Ethernet networking and communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet
  • Experience in mechanical systems/pneumatics a plus
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics and user manuals
  • Advanced knowledge of NEC
  • Advanced knowledge of UL508A and NFPA 79 codes preferred
  • Lock Out Tag Out safety procedures
  • Arc Flash and PPE requirements
  • Strong time management and task prioritization skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of electrical formulas
  • Knowledge of 3-phase industrial wiring and power distribution
  • AC & DC drive/motor PMs, wiring, parameter setup, and troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot PLC I/O and networking
  • Motion training with servo drives and motors
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with and communicate effectively with plant personnel, company resources, vendors, and diverse teams
  • Strong skills using Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word
  • Proficient using CMMS such as SAP
  • Demonstrated knowledge/skill in Root Cause Analysis, problem identification, and troubleshooting
  • Excellent safety record, attendance, and punctuality

Decision Making / Problem Solving

  • Escalate issues to Engineering as appropriate
  • Implement CMMS improvements (PM tasks, frequencies, on-hand inventory, etc.) in alignment with industry best practices
  • Participate in RCA and Go-See-Think-Do's for equipment-related issues

Required Qualifications

Associates Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

3-5 years experience in Controls and Automation within a manufacturing environment (food processing experience a plus).

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. 

At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.



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