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Instrumentation Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SRP

Digital Control Specialist Trainee

Gilbert, AZ · Hybrid

Trainee is responsible for learning to translate power plant operational procedures into DCS, analyze data acquired from remotely accessed field instrumentation. * Trainee will learn to build ...

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK

The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. ... Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or ...

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How much do instrumentation trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation trainee in the United States is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Trainee, you need a solid understanding of electronics, measurement principles, and basic process control, often supported by a relevant diploma or technical degree. Familiarity with tools like multimeters, calibrators, and industry-standard PLC or SCADA systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel when troubleshooting and working in team environments. These competencies ensure accurate instrument maintenance, reliable data collection, and safe, efficient operations in industrial settings.

What are Instrumentation Trainees?

Instrumentation Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn to install, maintain, and repair instruments and control systems used in various industries, such as manufacturing, oil and gas, or utilities. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians or engineers to understand how different instruments measure and control variables like pressure, temperature, and flow. The trainees often participate in both classroom and hands-on training to develop their technical and safety skills. This foundational role prepares them for advanced positions in instrumentation and control engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by Instrumentation Trainees during their initial months on the job?

Instrumentation Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical systems, learning to interpret detailed wiring diagrams, and staying updated with safety protocols. Working alongside experienced technicians, trainees are expected to quickly familiarize themselves with various instruments used for monitoring and control in industrial environments. Balancing hands-on work with ongoing training sessions and troubleshooting unfamiliar equipment can be demanding, but this period is crucial for building foundational skills. Open communication with mentors and proactive learning can help overcome these initial hurdles.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Trainee vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectInstrumentation TraineeInstrumentation Technician
QualificationsTypically a diploma or degree in instrumentation or related field, with on-the-job trainingRelevant certifications and practical experience in instrumentation maintenance and repair
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, industrial plants, or manufacturing facilities under supervisionOperational industrial settings, performing maintenance and troubleshooting
Job RoleLearning and assisting in instrumentation tasks, gaining hands-on experiencePerforming routine and preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration

In summary, an Instrumentation Trainee is in the learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and experience, while an Instrumentation Technician is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining and repairing instrumentation systems in industrial environments.

More about Instrumentation Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Instrumentation Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Instrumentation Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs? The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs are:
What states have the most Instrumentation Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Instrumentation Trainee jobs include:
Instrumentation Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,888 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Digital Control Specialist Trainee

Digital Control Specialist Trainee

Salt River Project

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Salt River Project rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Requisition ID: 20295
Join us in building a better future for Arizona!
SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.
Why Work at SRP
At SRP, we foster an inclusive work environment and believe everyone should have a fair chance to work, regardless of who they are. That's why we value teams with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to help SRP deliver on its mission of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power.
SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:
  • Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching
  • Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
  • Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
  • Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
  • Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
  • Short and long-term disability plans
  • Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
  • 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

Summary
Digital Controls Specialist Trainee (DCS Specialist) duties are: Satisfactory completion of all DCS specialist training objectives to allow for promotion to the Specialist position. The DCS Specialist Trainee will be involved in power plant automation system maintenance and analysis. Additionally, the trainee will be involved in optimization of process control functions and algorithms used by DCS systems for the control of power generation facilities.
What You'll Do
  • DCS Specialist Trainee will learn to develop the process control logic and algorithms required by DCS for plant automation and data acquisition.
  • Trainee will learn to implement DCS projects, troubleshoot control systems and perform other technical DCS-related activities as required.
  • Trainee is responsible for learning to translate power plant operational procedures into DCS, analyze data acquired from remotely accessed field instrumentation.
  • Trainee will learn to build software tools to present and share data among engineering and operations personnel.
  • Trainee will support DCS Specialist in managing DCS projects within approved budgets.
  • Trainee will support DCS Specialist in managing contracts, relationships and equipment purchases with DCS vendors.
  • Employee must work safely and efficiently in the performance of their job duties. Must maintain effective working relationships with other employees, customers and the public. Must have the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and have the ability to accurately and legibly complete applicable paperwork. May be required to work a reasonable amount of overtime.
  • Other duties as assigned

Education
A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
Experience
Minimum three years as an O& M Specialist III T/A, Operations Specialist Trainee, Operations Specialist, Electrical Specialist, Instrument and Controls Specialist or equivalent skills.
Additional Requirements and Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age.
The degree of these maintenance functions will vary among facilities and are not necessarily listed in the duties below but are expected of this position. In addition to technical duties, there are varying levels of project management, maintenance and operations tasks dictated by the requirements of the various facilities.
Any one position may not include all duties nor do the example of duties include all tasks, which may be found in the position of this class.
Hybrid Workplace
SRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona.
Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement
To promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Salt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law.
Work Authorization
All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.

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