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QUICK FACTS*: School Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Technical/shop Personal Skills: Mechanical/manipulative Technical Work Environment: Primarily indoors; Primarily one location Minimum Education Level: Associate’s degree Salary Range: $ 16,500 to $36,000 to $70,000+ Certification or Licensing: Voluntary Outlook: About as fast as the average DOT: 003 GOE: 05.01.01 NOC: 2243 O*NET: 17-3023.02, 17-3024.00 OVERVIEW Instrumentation technicians are skilled craftsworkers who do precision work and are involved in the field of measurement and control. Technicians inspect, test, repair, and adjust instruments that detect, measure, and record changes in industrial environments. They work with theoretical or analytical problems, helping engineers improve instrument and system performance. HISTORY The use of instruments as a means for people to monitor and control their environment and to guide their activities began with the sundial. As modern technology progresses, we still find ourselves in need of precise information that is sometimes difficult to obtain. For instance, with the advent of the steam engine in the 19th century, a train operator had to know how much pressure was inside a boiler. A gauge was designed to measure this safely. The early 20th century saw the development of the internal combustion engine and powered flight. With these developments, engineers and technicians designed and made instruments such as speedometers, altimeters, and tachometers to provide vital data for the safe operation of these engines and auxiliary equipment. Since World War I instrumentation technology has become a fast-growing field, responding to challenging needs as people explore space, research our oceans, perform biomedical studies, and advance nuclear technology. Today, instrumentation technology involves both measurement and control, and technicians are critical to their accurate operation. For instance, instrumentation technicians at nuclear reactors assure that the devices inside accurately measure heat, pres sure, and radiation, and their rates of change. If any of these factors is not at its specific level, then other instruments make the necessary adjustments. The plant operates safely and efficiently. THE JOB Instrumentation technicians work with complex instruments that detect, measure, and record changes in industrial environments. As part of their duties, these technicians perform tests, develop new instruments, and install, repair, inspect, and maintain the instruments. Examples of such instruments include altimeters, pressure gauges, speedometers, and radiation detection devices. Some instrumentation technicians operate the laboratory equipment that produces or records the effects of certain conditions on the test instruments, such as vibration, stress, temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude, and acceleration. Other technicians sketch, build, and modify electronic and mechanical fixtures, instruments, and related apparatuses. As part of their duties, technicians might verify the dimensions and functions of devices assembled by other technicians and craftsworkers, plan test programs, and direct technical personnel in carrying out these tests. Instrumentation technicians also perform mathematical calculations on instrument readings and test results so they can be used in graphs and written reports. Instrumentation technicians work with three major categories of instruments: (1) pneumatic and e equipment, which includes temperature and flow transmitters and receivers and devices that start or are started by such things as pressure springs, diaphragms, and bellows; (2) hydraulic instrumentation, which includes hydraulic valves, hydraulic valve operators, and electrohydraulic equipment; and (3) electrical and electronic equipment, which includes electrical sensing elements and transducers, electronic recorders, electronic telemetering systems, and electronic computers. In some industries, a technician might work on equipment from each category while in other industries, a technician might be responsible for only one specific type of task. The different levels of responsibility depend also on the instrumentation technician’s level of training and experience. Instrumentation technicians may hold a variety of different positions. Mechanical instrumentation technicians, for example, handle routine mechanical functions. They check out equipment before operation, calibrate it during operation, rebuild it using standard replacement parts, mount interconnecting equipment from blueprints, and perform routine repairs using common hand tools. They must be able to read both instrumentation and electronic schematic diagrams. Instrumentation repair technicians determine the causes of malfunctions and make repairs. Such repairs usually involve individual pieces of equipment, as distinguished from entire systems. This job requires experience, primarily laboratory oriented, beyond that of mechanical instrumentation technicians. Troubleshooting instrumentation technicians make adjustments to instruments and control systems, calibrate equipment, set up tests, diagnose malfunctions, and revise existing systems. Their work is per formed either on-site or at a workbench. Advanced training in mathematics, physics, and graphics is required for this level of work. Technicians who are involved in the design of instruments are instrumentation design technicians. They work under the supervision of a design engineer. Using information prepared by engineers, they build models and prototypes and prepare sketches, working drawings, and diagrams. These technicians also test out new system designs, order parts, and make mock-ups of new systems. Technicians in certain industries have more specialized duties and responsibilities. Biomedical equipment technicians work with instruments used during medical procedures. They receive special training in the biomedical area in which their instruments are used. Calibration technicians, also known as standards laboratory technicians, work in the electronics industry and in aerospace and aircraft manufacturing. As part of their inspection of systems and instruments, they measure parts for conformity to specifications, and they help develop calibration standards, devise formulas to solve problems in measurement and calibration, and write procedures and practical guides for other calibration technicians. Electromechanical technicians work with automated mechanical equipment controlled by electronic sensing devices. They assist mechanical engineers in the design and development of such equipment, analyze test results, and write reports. The technician follows blueprints, operates metalworking machines, builds instrument housings, installs electrical equipment, and calibrates instruments and machinery. Technicians who specialize in the assembly of prototype instruments are known as development technicians. Fabrication technicians specialize in the assembly of production instruments. Nuclear instrumentation technicians work with instruments at a nuclear power plant. These instruments control the various systems within the nuclear reactor, detect radiation, and sound alarms in case of equipment failure. Instrument sales technicians work for equipment manufacturing companies. They analyze customer needs, out line specifications for equipment cost and function, and sometimes do emergency troubleshooting. REQUIREMENTS High School Math and science courses, such as algebra, geometry, physics, and chemistry, are essential prerequisites to becoming an instrumentation technician. In addition, machine and electrical shop courses will help you become familiar with electrical, mechanical, and electronic technology. Classes in mechanical drawing and computer-aided drafting are also beneficial. Instrumentation technicians also need good writing and communication skills and should take English, composition, and speech classes. Post-secondary Training The basic requirement for an entry-level job is completion of a two- year technical program or equivalent experience in a related field. Such equivalent experience may come from work in an electronics or manufacturing firm or any job that provides experience working with mechanical or electrical equipment. Technical programs beyond high school can be found in community colleges as well as technical schools. Programs are offered in many different disciplines in addition to instrumentation technology. Programs may be in electronics or in electrical, mechanical, biomedical, or nuclear technology. Most programs allow technicians to develop hands-on and laboratory skills as well as learn theory. Classes are likely to include instruction on electronic circuitry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Courses in basic electronics, electrical theory, and graphics are also important. Technical writing is helpful as most technicians will prepare technical reports. Industrial economics, applied psychology, and plant management courses are helpful to those who plan to move into customer service or design. Certification or Licensing Instrumentation technicians who graduate from a recognized technical program may become certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, although this is usually not a required part of a job. Certification is available at various levels, each combining a written exam in one of over 30 specialty fields with a specified amount of job-related experience. Technicians are also eligible to become members of the International Society for Measurement and Control, which offers an accreditation. Instrumentation technicians who specialize in biomedical equipment repair can receive voluntary certification from the Board of Examiners for Biomedical Equipment Technicians. Membership in professional organizations is optional but is encouraged as a means of keeping abreast of advancing technology. Other Requirements To be an instrumentation technician, you need mathematical and scientific aptitude and the patience to pursue complex questions methodically. A tolerance for following prescribed procedures is essential, especially when undertaking assignments requiring a very precise, unchanging system of problem solving. Successful instrumentation technicians are able to provide solutions quickly and accurately even in stressful situations. Industries That Employ Instrumentation Technicians: • aeronautics/aerospace • automotives • biological sciences • chemical sciences • computer sciences • construction • defense/military • electronics • environmental science • food and beverage • glass and ceramics • machine tools • marine sciences • medical technology • metals • mining • nuclear • oceanography • petroleum • pharmaceuticals • power • pulp and paper • robotics • textiles • transportation • water and wastewater EXPLORING As a way to test your abilities and learn more about calibration work try building small electronic equipment. Kits for building radios and other small appliances are available in some electronics shops. This will give you a basic understanding of electronic components and applications. Some communities and schools also have clubs for people interested in electronics. They may offer classes that teach basic skills in construction, repair, and adjustment of electrical and electronic products. Model building, particularly in hard plastic and steel, will give you a good understanding of how to adapt and fit parts together. It may also help develop your hand skills if you want to work with precision instruments. Visits to industrial laboratories, instrument shops, research laboratories, power installations, and manufacturing companies that rely on automated processes can expose you to the activities of instrumentation technicians. During such visits, you might be able to speak with technicians about their work or with managers about possible openings in their company. Also, you might look into getting a summer or part-time job as a helper on an industrial maintenance crew. EMPLOYERS Employers of instrumentation technicians include oil refineries, chemical and industrial laboratories, electronics firms, aircraft and aero nautical manufacturers, and biomedical firms. Companies involved in space exploration, oceanographic research, and national defense systems also use instrumentation technicians. In addition, they work in such industries as automotives, food, metals, ceramics, pulp and paper, power, textiles, pharmaceuticals, mining, metals, and pollution control. STARTING OUT Many companies recruit students prior to their graduation. Chemical and medical research companies especially need maintenance and operations technicians and usually recruit at schools where training in these areas is strong. Similarly, many industries in search of design technicians recruit at technical institutes and community colleges where the program is likely to meet their needs. Students may also get assistance in their job searches through their schools’ job placement services, or they may learn about openings through ads in the newspapers. Prospective employees can also apply directly to a company in which they are interested. ADVANCEMENT Entry-level technicians develop their skills by learning tasks on their employers’ equipment. Those with good academic records may, upon completion of an employer’s basic program, move to an advanced level in sales or another area where a general understanding of the field is more important than specific laboratory skills. Technicians who have developed proficiency in instrumentation may choose to move to a supervisory or specialized position that requires knowledge of a particular aspect of instrumentation. EARNINGS Earnings for instrumentation technicians vary by industry, geo graphic region, educational background, experience, and level of responsibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of instrumentation technicians in the aero space industry were $48,600 in 2000. Electrical and electronic engineering technicians had median annual earnings of $42,130 in 2001. Electromechanical technicians earned a median of $38,150 in 2001, and mechanical engineering technicians earned $40,910. Repairers of electrical and electronics instruments for commercial and industrial equipment earned approximately $36,910 in 2000. Medical equipment repairers earned $35,340 in 2000. For all types of instrumentation technicians, salaries ranged from $16,500 to over $70,000. Employee benefits vary, but can include paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, insurance benefits, 401-K plans, profit sharing, pension plans, and tuition assistance programs. WORK ENVIRONMENT Working conditions vary widely for instrumentation technicians. An oil refinery plant job is as different from space mission instrumentation work as a nuclear reactor instrumentation job is different from work in the operating room of a hospital. All these jobs use similar principles, however, and instrumentation technicians can master new areas by applying what they have learned previously. For technicians who would like to travel, the petroleum industry, in particular, pro vides employment opportunities in foreign countries. Instrumentation technicians’ tasks may range from the routine to the highly complex and challenging. A calm, well-controlled approach to work is essential. Calibration and adjustment require the dexterity and control of a watchmaker. Consequently, a person who is easily excited or impatient is not well suited to this kind of employment. OUTLOOK Employment opportunities for most instrumentation technicians will grow about as fast as the average over the next several years. Opportunities will be best for graduates of postsecondary technical training programs. As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers will continue to look for technicians who are skilled in new technology and require a minimum of additional job training. Most developments in automated manufacturing techniques, including robotics and computer-controlled machinery, rely heavily on instrumentation devices. The emerging fields of air and water pollution control are other areas of growth. Scientists and technicians measure the amount of toxic substances in the air or test water with the use of instrumentation. Oceanography, including the search for undersea deposits of oil and minerals, is another expanding field for instrumentation technology, as is medical diagnosis, including long-distance diagnosis by physicians through the use of sensors, computers, and telephone lines. One important field of growth is the teaching profession. As demand rises for skilled technicians, qualified instructors with combined knowledge of theory and application will be needed. Opportunities already exist, not only in educational institutions but also in those industries that have internal training programs. FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on educational programs and medical instrument certification, contact Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation 1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 220 Arlington, VA 2220 1-4795 Tel: 703-525-4890 Email: certifications@aami.org For information on careers and accreditation, contact Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. 1828 L Street, N Suite 1202 Washington, DC 20036-5104 Tel: 202-785-0017 Email: ieeeusa@ieee.org For information on careers and student membership, contact ISA—The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society 67 Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Tel: 919-549-8411 Email: info@isa.org For information on careers and student clubs, contact Junior Engineering Technical Society 1420 King Street, Suite 405 Alexandria, VA 223 14-2794 Tel: 703-548-5387 For information on certification, contact National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies 1420 King Street Alexandria, VA 223 14-2794 Tel: 888-476-4238 |
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