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Instrument Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Messer LLC

Instrument Operations Technician I

Cortez, CO · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In addition to having prior experience related to basic process plant operations, the ideal candidate will ...

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Instrument information

See Colorado salary details

$16

$31

$49

How much do instrument jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument in Colorado is $31.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument technician?

Instrument technicians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing instruments and control systems used in industrial and manufacturing settings. These instruments may include sensors, gauges, control devices, and monitoring equipment that help ensure processes run safely and efficiently. Instrument technicians often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. Their tasks are crucial for maintaining product quality, safety standards, and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, strong analytical skills, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications like ISA CAP can be important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the precise operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex control and instrumentation systems in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges faced by instrument technicians in industrial settings?

Instrument Technicians often work in environments where precision and safety are paramount, such as manufacturing plants or refineries. A common challenge is troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems under tight time constraints, especially during equipment malfunctions or plant shutdowns. Technicians must stay updated with rapidly evolving technology and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication with engineers, operators, and other team members is essential to ensure seamless operations and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Instrument vs Technician?

AspectInstrumentTechnician
Required CredentialsCertification in instrument calibration or maintenanceTechnical diploma or associate degree in related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, field sitesManufacturing facilities, maintenance departments
Industry UsageUsed across industries like manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticalsCommonly employed in maintenance and repair roles within similar industries
Job FocusCalibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentsInstalling, repairing, and servicing equipment and instruments

In summary, an Instrument primarily focuses on calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of measurement devices, often requiring specialized certifications. A Technician, on the other hand, handles installation, repair, and maintenance of a broader range of equipment, including instruments, usually with a technical diploma. Both roles are vital in industrial settings but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

Is instrumentation a good career?

Instrumentation is a viable career that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing control systems and equipment used in manufacturing, energy, and other industries. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of tools like sensors and controllers. The field offers steady employment opportunities and potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

What is a career that uses instruments?

A career that uses instruments includes roles such as instrument technicians, repair specialists, and calibration engineers, who work with various measurement and testing devices across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. These professionals often require technical skills, knowledge of specific instruments, and safety training to ensure proper operation and maintenance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Instrument jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Instrument jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Instrument job openings:

Instrument jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,975 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Instrument Operations Technician I

Messer Americas

Cortez, CO • On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In addition to having prior experience related to basic process plant operations, the ideal candidate will have prior experience and basic skills in maintenance and troubleshooting in one or both of the following: 1. process instrumentation and controls; 2. electrical equipment.

Why Messer?

Messer is the world’s largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.

The true strength of Messer is our people—at every level and in every role.

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.

Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.

Principal Responsibilities:

Safety

  • Understand and adhere to company safe work policies;participate in operations, maintenance and safety meetings
  • Apply the hazardous work permit (HWP) process, lockout-tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation procedures as required for company and contractor personnel.
  • Follow management of change (MOC) procedures for all changes to process and operating procedures. 
  • Direct and monitor contractors.
  • Reliability and Maintenance
  • Support plant inventory management efforts.
  • Set up and safely operate all tools and equipment necessary to perform assigned work.
  • Effectively prioritize and schedule all work activities.
  • Perform and document process and product analyzers calibration checks.
  • Instrumentation & Controls (Once Certified):
    • Perform basic troubleshooting of instrumentation and control valves.
    • Perform basic troubleshooting of process control systems.
  • Electrical (Once Certified):
    • Perform basic troubleshooting of electrical systems.
    • Perform LOTO and confirm zero energy.

Process Operation and Efficiency

  • Assist in shutdowns, start-ups, derimes, and production state changes for plant(s) in area.
  • Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)(SAP).
  • Troubleshoot process problems to identify equipment requiring maintenance.
  • Perform water treatment analysis and associated tasks.
  • Accept on-call duty and overtime as required.

Required Skills:

  • Math - Basic algebra, fractions/percentages, unit conversion.
  • Personal computer proficiency.
  • Strong interpersonal abilities to support team philosophy and strategy.
  • Ability to work alone.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with simple mechanic’s hand tools.
  • Basic knowledge of chemical manufacturing hazards.
  • Understanding of basic electrical hazards and safety and skills in troubleshooting electrical systems, with support from subject matter experts.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings including P&IDs and PFDs.
  • Ability to complete basic preventive maintenance tasks according to best practices.
  • Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift.
  • Certified to ISA Level 1 to qualify for instrumentation skills requirement.
  • Certificate in a technical discipline, two-year related degree or recent military training in a technical field will be considered in lieu of ISA Level 1 certification.  
  • The job requirement is to obtain your ISA Level 1 certification within two years of hire date. 

Qualifications:

  • HSD or GED
  • 3 years of relevant experience in a related process plant operations, maintenance, or reliability activity.
  • Physically able to perform all duties required which may involve among other things; bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying loads of up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to climb to heights 200 ft above grade and work effectively.
  • Valid driver's license 

The salary range for this position is $32.00 - $44.00. Messer provides medical, dental, vision, short term disability, life insurance and paid time off as well as other voluntary benefits, such as, long term disability in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Plans.   Employees are eligible to enroll in Messer’s 401(k) Plan. Employees may be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus program.

About Messer: 

Messer’s safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another. 

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization – the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030. 

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