Instrument Technician Overview

What does an Instrument Technician do?

Instrument technicians maintain, test, inspect, and calibrate equipment to ensure it is in good working order. They often work in a manufacturing, research, or clinical setting. They are accountable for maintaining safety and cleanliness, along with sterile conditions in settings that demand it. They maintain inventory and compile records, oversee routine maintenance and testing, and report any issues or needed repairs. They are also responsible for ensuring FDA compliance or meeting other legal requirements as applicable.

Instrument technicians typically have at least a high school diploma, although an associate degree or specialized training related to instrumentation is preferred. They must be knowledgeable about any legal requirements that apply to their industry or work setting. These roles require meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

What responsibilities are common for Instrument Technician jobs?
  • Assess, plan and produce documentation for simulators and test fixtures.
  • Perform work activities in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
  • Reassemble instruments and replace instruments in system using hand tools.
  • Support the specification and development of new data systems.
  • Act as a technical resource by training and mentoring other technicians.
  • As necessary, perform circuit board component level repair and calibration.
  • Make design modification or devise and design the equipment parts.
  • Work in a team environment to help solve complex engineering problems.
  • Actively develop improvements in standard practices to ensure quality and efficiency.
  • Interact with other departments and personnel to resolve any related issues.
  • Provide supervisory relief in various areas in the event of an emergency or business need.
  • Collaborate with department operators to understand operational issues as well as process and equipment opportunities.
  • Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and quality auditors.
  • Perform repairs or contracts repair of test equipment as required.
  • Document all work performed using computer- based service reporting procedures.
  • Inspect and test components installed by contractors and staff.
  • Utilize reliable troubleshooting methods to ensure production volume, quality, and overall uptime goals are met.
  • Adapt measuring equipment, standards and techniques to accomplish unique measurements beyond their routine uses.
What are the typical qualifications for Instrument Technician jobs?
  • Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, engineering or electronics, or equivalent experience.
  • Hands-on experience with calibration, assemblies, and gages.
  • Basic understanding of programmable logic.
  • Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
  • Strong leadership and problem solving abilities.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.5 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

Instrument Technician Salaries near Canada

Average Base Pay

$96,664 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Instrument Technician Career Path

Learn how to become an Instrument Technician, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Instrument Technician

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
13%
2 - 4
39%
5 - 7
17%
8+
31%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Instrument Technician Insights

Read what Instrument Technician professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
RocheRoche
Instrumentation Engineer
Aug 31, 2022

“Roche has a great work life balance and really supports you as an individual as well as your projects”

QinetiQ GroupQinetiQ Group
Instrumentation Engineer
Mar 21, 2023

“Lots of interesting work and most people we work with day to day are great people!”

ExproExpro
Electrical Technician
Nov 9, 2022

“Senior management and engineers had a “im better than you and I know it” attitude.”

WorleyWorley
Instrumentation Engineer
Dec 5, 2022

“Not getting handsome salary as per market After giving good performance not getting any better salary increment.”

MiQ PartnersMiQ Partners
Electrical Technician
Jan 7, 2022

“401 k match a little weak 100% match would top of a great place to work.”

Schuhhaus WalderSchuhhaus Walder
Electrical Technician
Aug 10, 2022

“Work work and work good life good jobs”

TranscatTranscat
Calibration Technician
Aug 3, 2021

“Other employees are good to work with and pay is really competitive.”

Naval Air Systems CommandNaval Air Systems Command
Instrumentation Engineer
Feb 25, 2023

“Job stability is solid and pension.”

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Instrument Technician Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an Instrument Technician

The most similar professions to Instrument Technician are:
  • Controls Technician
  • Service Technician
  • Automotive Technician
  • Technician

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Instrument Technician jobs