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Instrumentation Controls Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Colorado 911 Resource Center, Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS Instrumentation & Controls Specialist I Education, License, Certification, and Work Experience: * High School Diploma or GED * Minimum of one (1) year in Electrical or Instrumentation ...

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Instrumentation Controls Specialist information

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How much do instrumentation controls specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrumentation controls specialist in the United States is $69,508.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrumentation controls specialist do?

An Instrumentation Controls Specialist is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems used to monitor and manage industrial processes. They ensure that equipment such as sensors, controllers, and automation systems are functioning correctly to optimize production efficiency and safety. These specialists typically work in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, and pharmaceuticals, where precise control of processes is critical. Their role may also involve calibrating instruments, programming control systems, and collaborating with engineers and operators.

What are some common challenges instrumentation controls specialists face when working on large-scale industrial projects?

Instrumentation Controls Specialists often encounter challenges such as integrating new control systems with legacy equipment, troubleshooting complex automation issues under time constraints, and ensuring all installations comply with strict safety and regulatory standards. Large-scale projects frequently require close coordination with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, electricians, and project managers. Maintaining clear communication and detailed documentation is vital for successful collaboration and minimizing downtime during system upgrades or maintenance.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Controls Specialist, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, instrumentation technology, and process control systems, often supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and certifications such as ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable success in troubleshooting and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure reliable system performance, plant safety, and efficient operations in complex industrial environments.

What cities are hiring for Instrumentation Controls Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Instrumentation Controls Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Instrumentation Controls Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Instrumentation Controls Specialist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Controls Specialist jobs?

For Instrumentation Controls Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Specialist

Midway, TN • On-site

Austin Powder
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Austin Powderexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage and support instrumentation, CEMS, and automation systems, including troubleshooting, programming changes, documentation, and training.

  • Collaborate with Maintenance, Technical, and Operations teams to establish and achieve equipment reliability goals.

  • Lead engineering teams on front-end engineering design (FEED) and EPC projects, develop work scopes, and oversee project execution.

Austin Powder rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 104 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.
Job Summary
Overview
The Senior Instrumentation & Controls Specialist is responsible for the design, procurement, planning, and support of the instrumentation & controls systems and equipment. In addition, this role assists in planning technical studies, evaluations, and plant project designs, including modifications to improve efficiency and equipment reliability. The Senior Instrument Control Specialist has one direct report and reports directly to the Engineering Manager.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
  • Collaborate with Maintenance, Technical, and Operations teams to establish and achieve equipment reliability goals.
  • Provide daily technical support to resolve design, maintenance, and operational issues for both immediate and long-term solutions.
  • Manage and support all instrumentation, CEMS, and automation systems (PLC/DCS), including troubleshooting, programming changes, documentation, and training.
  • Ensure accurate maintenance of schematics, loop drawings, and interlocks.
  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation, update PM and calibration procedures, and retrieve and analyze process/environmental data.
  • Prepare and submit records to meet operational and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead engineering teams on front-end engineering design (FEED) and EPC projects.
  • Develop work scopes, direct contractors, and oversee project execution. Review and compile control narratives, logic diagrams, cause-and-effect matrices, and ensure compliance with plant and industry standards.
  • Facilitate HAZOP studies, SIL reviews, and maintain functional safety plans.
  • Participate in safety and environmental initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and overall employee safety.
  • Drive process improvements, support capital projects, and assist in planning and execution of turnaround activities.
  • Lead root cause failure investigations for instrument/control-related incidents.
  • Provide field supervision on critical equipment, troubleshoot recurring instrumentation issues, and assume on-call manager responsibilities as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or other related field.
  • 5+ years of instrumentation and controls experience preferably in a chemical manufacturing environment.
  • Experience inspecting, maintaining, and specifying control, SIS, and instrumentation systems and equipment.
  • Certified Functional Safety Professional (CFSP) certification is preferred.
  • Completion of Safety Instrumented Systems Certificate Program(s)
  • Project & budget management experience preferred.
  • This is a safety sensitive position which requires employees to disclose the use of any prescription medication that may affect his or her ability to safely perform the essential functions of this position.
Skills and Knowledge
  • Understanding of compressor control systems.
  • Emerson DeltaV and Rockwell Software products a plus.
  • Foundation Fieldbus experience a plus
  • DCS, PLC, HMI, Historian, database programming and management
  • Knowledgeable in the theory and workings of instrumentation - control valve assembly, level, flow, pressure, temperature, pH, conductivity and gas analyzers.
  • Ability to read and understand P&IDs, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams and technical manuals.
  • Exceptional instrumentation and controls logic troubleshooting skills.
  • Familiar with smart instrumentation, pneumatics and hydraulics.
  • Working knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) and a good understanding of general process control.
  • Reliability and defect elimination skills.
  • Possesses strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Possesses complex problem solving, critical thinking, strong mathematics skills, systems evaluation, and operation analysis.
  • Experienced in RCFA, RCM, or equivalent methodology.
  • Competent computer knowledge - CMMS, Excel, Word, analysis software, etc.
  • Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train and evaluate the work of assigned staff.0

Work Environment
US Nitrogen, LLC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position will be exposed to all elements of the weather on the plant site.
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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