Trainee Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Title: Maintenance Technician - Instrumentation & Controls

Location: Aurora, IL 60504

Duration: No end date listed (Temp-to-hire)

Office hours (Target 9:00 AM–5:30 PM) but flexible

Description 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 communicates all process and/or equipment changes to affected personnel.
• Provide basic electrical troubleshooting skills training for all maintenance techs to build electrical troubleshooting capability for the team and lead Instrumentation & Controls trainee program.
• Maintain and develop job skills through internal and external training programs.
• Stays current on field related technology, codes, standards, best practices, etc.
• 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.
• Able to 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.
• May 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 of production machinery.
• Experience with process instrumentation, specifically level, flow, & temperature
• Experience with VFDs, Servos, MCC’s, and other motor control platforms
• Experience with Ethernet networking and communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP & DeviceNet
• Experience in mechanical systems/ pneumatics a plus
• 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 ability with 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 & 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 other plant personnel as well as 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.

Required Tools:

• Metric/Standard Allen wrenches, combination wrenches and sockets
• Ball peen hammer with composite handle (wood not allowed)
• Adjustable wrench
• Needle nose pliers
• Channellock pliers
• Digital multimeter for 480/600V
• Electrical insulated screwdrivers
• Specialty tools (cordless drills, impacts, large pipe wrenches, etc.) will be available onsite

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 for Instrumentation & Controls equipment.
• Participate in RCA and Go-See-Think-Do’s for equipment related issues.

Education Requirements:

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

Years Of Experience:

• The hiring manager is looking for high level expertise in PLC programming, VFDs, servos, controls networking, and automation troubleshooting, as their engineering team relies heavily on this role.
• Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in Instrumentation & Controls, along with hands‐on experience with PLC panels and production lines, to be considered for this role.