Instrument Technician

Devises, selects, sets up, and operates electronic instrumentation and related electromechanical apparatus used for operational testing of simulated instruments, and other electrical/electronic modules. Tests, calibrates, and pairs electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic simulated instruments and other electrical/electronic modules for conformance to established requirements.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Plans sequence of testing and calibration procedures for instruments and modules.
• Sets up standard test apparatus or devises test equipment and circuitry to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests.
• Disassembles instruments and modules and inspects components for defects.
• Measures parts for conformity with specifications.
• Aligns, repairs, replaces, and balances component parts and circuitry.
• Reassembles and calibrates instruments and electrical/electronic modules.
• Devises formulas to solve problems in measurements and calibrations.
• Assists engineers in formulating test, calibration, repair, and evaluation plans and procedures to maintain precision accuracy of measuring, recording, and indicating instruments and equipment.
• Selects, installs, calibrates, and checks sensing, telemetering, and recording instrumentation and circuitry, and develops specifications for nonstandard tests according to engineering data, characteristics of equipment under test, and capabilities of procurable test apparatus.
• Sketches and builds or modifies jigs, fixtures, instruments, and related apparatus, and verifies dimensional and functional acceptability of devices fabricated by craft or technical personnel.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance of test apparatus and peripheral equipment
• Operates test apparatus during test cycle to produce, regulate, and record effects of actual or simulated conditions such as vibration, stress, temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude, and acceleration.
• Analyzes and converts test data to usable form and prepares graphs and written reports to translate test results.
• Plans test program.
• Uses computerized equipment and software to perform testing functions and produce graphs
• Assembles experimental circuitry (breadboard) or complete prototype model.
• Writes technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate the system's operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations.
• Confers with engineering, and technical personnel to resolve testing problems such as product or system malfunctions, incomplete test data, and data interpretation.
• Develops and uses computer software and hardware to conduct tests on electronic products and systems.
• Records repair procedures.

• Associate's degree in Electronics
• + 4 years experience in related field

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel,
• Visual Basic and some CO Scopes
• Microprocessor program
• Digital Analyzers
• Standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds generally much less.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include excellent close vision, good color vision and recognition, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the risk of electrical shock.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.