Div./Depart.: Industrial Automation Group / Operations
Location: Temecula, CA
Position Overview
The Instrumentation & Controls Technician (ICT) is a hands-on technical professional responsible for the field commissioning, startup, and ongoing troubleshooting of SCADA control systems deployed at water and wastewater treatment facilities. Working within a project-based environment, this individual partners closely with project managers, electrical subcontractors, and client operations staff to bring new systems online and resolve issues on existing infrastructure. The role demands deep practical knowledge of industrial instrumentation, PLC-based control systems IO, and communication protocols common to water utility environments.
Salary Range
- ICT Level I (ICT-1): $31.25 – $39.66 per hour
- ICT Level II (ICT-2): annual base salary of $87,500 to $112,500
- ICT Level III (ICT-3): annual base salary of $105,000 to $125,000
Compensation is commensurate with experience and does not include on-call and travel premiums, per diem, bonuses, and benefits, which can add roughly 15-30% to total compensation.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Field Commissioning & Startup
- Lead on-site commissioning of new SCADA and control system installations at water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and lift stations.
- Perform loop checks, I/O verification, signal calibration, and functional acceptance testing prior to client handoff.
- Configure and test field Including: flow meters, pressure transmitters, level sensors, analyzers, and VFDs and relay control systems.
- Coordinate startup activities with IAG Engineers, electrical contractors, client operations staff, and project management to meet project milestones.
- Document commissioning results, as-built redlines, and startup punch lists; support closeout package preparation.
Troubleshooting & System Repair
- Diagnose and resolve control system faults, communication failures, and instrumentation anomalies on both newly installed and legacy systems.
- Respond to field service calls at client facilities to assess and correct operational issues impacting operations or SCADA visibility.
- Troubleshoot PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, SCADApack or equivalent), HMI platforms, RTUs, and associated field wiring.
- Identify root causes of recurring failures and recommend corrective actions or system improvements to engineering staff.
- Available for 24/7 emergency response rotations as required by project commitments or client service agreements (with additional compensation).
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate field notes and produce clear, structured reports on commissioning progress, service activities, and findings.
- Review and mark-up P&IDs, electrical schematics, panel drawings, and instrument
- Submit daily field reports and time logs; flag scope changes or unforeseen conditions to the project manager promptly.
Client & Site Coordination
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact on-site during commissioning and startup
- Communicate effectively with plant operators and engineering staff to coordinate outages, system transfers, and preventive maintenance activities.
- Represent the company professionally in all client interactions; support repeat business through responsive, quality-focused service.
Certifications and Qualifications
- 5–10 years of hands-on experience in instrumentation and controls within the water, wastewater, or related municipal utility sector
- Demonstrated experience commissioning PLC-based control systems and SCADA platforms in industrial or utility environments
- Proficiency with at least one major PLC platform (Allen-Bradley, Siemens S7, or equivalent)
- Working knowledge of SCADA software platforms (e.g., Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk, or similar)
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols: Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, Profibus
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, one-line diagrams, instrument loop drawings, and control panel schematics
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel frequently to regional project sites
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work from ladders and elevated platforms, and operate in confined space environments with appropriate training and PPE
- Ability to pass DoD background checks and drug screening
- Clean driving and criminal records
Preferred
- ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level II or III, or equivalent professional certification. CWEA Electrical & Instrumentation Technology (EIT)
- Experience with radio telemetry systems (licensed or unlicensed spread spectrum) and cellular RTU communications
- Familiarity with cybersecurity practices in OT/ICS environments (NERC CIP awareness, network segmentation concepts)
- Prior experience at a systems integrator or automation contractor (as opposed to owner/operator only)
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 General Industry certification