Instrument Technician

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Our products support critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated Instrument Technician to join our Battleground Plant in La Porte, TX. This role supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation, control systems, analyzers, and related electrical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of employees, customers, and the communities where we operate or transport products as the highest priority.
• Support Process Safety and Risk Management goals and objectives.
• Participate in site-wide Process Safety and Risk Reduction activities, bringing a fresh perspective to identify improvement opportunities.
• Actively participate in plant-wide training that supports quality and safety needs, including ISO and OSHA VPP requirements.
• Install, maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on plant instrumentation, control systems, analyzers, and electrical equipment.
• Calibrate, configure, and verify the accuracy of field instrumentation and control devices.
• Troubleshoot and support distributed control systems (DCS), PLC systems, and associated field devices.
• Promptly and accurately diagnose minor equipment issues and implement corrective actions.
• Diagnose and repair instruments and control systems related to flow, temperature, level, and pressure.
• Consult directly with equipment vendors to resolve technical issues as needed.
• Set up and operate shop tools, specialized testing and measuring equipment, and hand tools used in machine installation or maintenance.
• Conduct evaluation tests on valves, motors, instruments, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot 120-volt AC controls and research specifications for materials, testing, and repair of instrumentation and electrical equipment.
• Collaborate with Electricians, Millwrights, and other Maintenance team members.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and dedication to high-quality work that supports site reliability and product quality.
• Contribute to a respectful and supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to grow and succeed.
• Adapt to continuous change, make sound decisions in stressful situations, and assist with maintenance activities during weekends and non-scheduled hours as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five (5) years of process instrumentation/electrical maintenance experience in an industrial environment; or two (2) years of industrial maintenance experience and an Associate degree in Instrumentation or Electrical Technology.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting using loop drawings, schematics, ladder logic, electrical one-lines, and P&ID drawings.
• Experience maintaining process control loops, electronic controls, valves, and transmitters.
• Proof of NCCER certification required prior to employment; instrumentation certification preferred.
• High proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and a good working knowledge of SAP.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed to support a 24/7 operating plant.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., climb ladders and stairs, walk, bend, and stoop as required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including a respirator, and respond to visual and audible alarms.

Benefits

We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.