The Dark Side of Being an Instrumentation Technician… what you should know.

[@gregroche7323]

Need a job? If you are a maintenance tech in the Cleveland area I can definitely find you a job. I also know a recruiter who is trying to fill many I&E positions along the East Coast & Illinois. Find me on LinkedIn!!

[@leslielongoria8154]

Hey can I get your info my son is taken instrument tech and is interested in a job

[@gregroche7323]

@leslielongoria8154 sure. Just search my name on LinkedIn, I'm in Ohio. Where are you guys located??

[@TrevorDandy.]

I always find it pretty cool/wild to see these videos from the American perspective. Here in Canada, instrumentation is a 4yr trade ticket and as far as trades go, it doesn’t get any better than being an instrument tech (we’re called FIG’s up here). I’ve been doing it for 22 years now and spend most of my time programming PLC’s and HMI’s. It’s the best day to day job in the oil patch

[@bryan8303]

Hey man I'm in BC Canada and have been looking into instrumentation. I was thinking power engineering first but after seeing the lack of jobs it turned me off, can you tell me about instrumentation?

[@TrevorDandy.]

@@bryan8303 What do you want to know? It’s the best of the trades by far, but there aren’t as many job opportunities as there are for electricians. Pay is great and you’ll never sit, so it’s great that way

[@bryan8303]

​@@TrevorDandy. I know its not heavy on physical labor, but in terms of the hands-on aspect, what are your typical responsibilites? how much of the work is math related, and is the pay higher than that say of an electrician (I know people do multi ticket with electrician and instrumentation)

[@VB-yc7cn]

​@trevordandy2089 I am a ibew electrican out here in Vancouver bc. I am currently working on the Broadway subway project .. on a tunnel boring machine.. and I got to work quite close to the plc tech. I am really interested in going into being a instrumentation tech, what would you advise me to do? Is there a 2 year credit toward a student with red seal ticket in electrical? Thanks man , cheers!

[@phanthuyan7311]

Hello! I'm currently a student at SAIT studying instrumentation. It's great to come across your comment. I'm aware that being a woman might pose additional challenges in securing a job in this field. However, I believe focusing on dedicated studying, networking, and learning from our colleagues can make a significant difference. I hope to have a long and successful career in this industry, just like you.

[@jimwand-ok2di]

I've been an instrumentation technician for 30+ years and have been in the offshore industry for 20 years with various commissioning companies and have really enjoyed it. I have worked my way up from technician level into supervision. And on several projects, I've hired many green techs right out of school, and watched them turn, from helper into really goods techs. There's things I expect these techs to know. Mainly basic instrument knowledge, how a RTD/thermocouple works, how many inched of water column equal 1 psi. Things of this nature. There's always a difference between a technician and a technologist. I technician pushes buttons but, a technologist knows why.

[@3mindgame]

Also, since technology is always changing you have to stay ahead of the curve. Continue to take classes in industrial technologies once you get hired and working. PLC classes are also very important. Great Video!!

[@parkermize]

Keep making videos like these! There aren't enough channels focused on this on YT. I'm a maintenence tech and I'm always looking for career tips so i can take better care of my family.

[@gregroche7323]

Thanks for the support man.. next video is going to be a little different I'm going to design and build something wire it up using industrial equipment

[@parkermize]

@@gregroche7323 that's awesome I'll tune in for it.

[@turok645]

Great info here and is definitely accurate. I was an I&C tech for 5 years then moved onto an engineering role. Before that I was an operator. The experience from both past jobs are very valuable in my current job in many different ways.

[@gregroche7323]

I hear you you gain so much experience troubleshooting controls it's really a beautiful thing. No engineering degree could provide that type of education imo it's just a start

[@gregroche7323]

I loved turok as a kid btw

[@schamberlain1]

I've been an I&E and C tech for 17 years. I have an associate's degree from a small technical college in baton rouge Louisiana. I got hired on months after I graduated. I've worked for several major companies never any contractors. I hate to say it but I'm one of the best in my field. When it comes to troubleshooting electrical controls, DCs function blocks that are incorrectly configured and knowing the instruments in how they work intimately. I've worked with a few guys that were as knowledgeable as me. The best thing I can tell a new Young technician is to become mechanically inclined understand the machines and their controls. Valves, transmitters control loops, DCS logic, PLCs and their differences. Drives, relay logic, motor controls from 480 and med voltage stuff along with Their protective relays like multilin and Schweitzer. You have to be good at it all to be a well-rounded technician.

[@Nicola.M7]

Is it a good career if I want to make 100k+ early on into my career? is this career needed in states like California, Illinois, NJ?

[@gregroche7323]

@Nicola.M7 anywhere with factories you're going to have either instrumentation and electrical technicians or electrical technicians. First and foremost it depends where you live. If you live in a medium wage area I would expect 70 to 90 base. If you're in California I would expect more than that same goes for New York etc. I would suggest looking at job postings in your area... In Cleveland Ohio that they salaries are generally a little below 100 (80-90 average) but most E techs work 45-50 hours a week which would turn 80k base into 96k- 112k plus bonuses. In my opinion if you can get a foot in the door (gain 1-2 years of experience) and get an associates degree you have a pretty decent shot at 6 figs in a medium wage area & a strong chance in a high wage area

[@Nicola.M7]

@@gregroche7323 you think IBEW I&E and Controls is a better pathway?

[@raphaelmahumane1648]

I have a diploma and now got a trade test red seal on this field, the job I am currently doing is not maintenance job, getting that maintenance job is almost impossible now as the man mentioned, I really feel like I have wasted my qialification now as most companies they want an experianced individual and I can not leave my current work to start afresh with internship to get maintenance experiance as I already got to look after my self and family. other than that, this is a great field and it pays a lot, this position is in demand world wide. If you can master PLC and HMI programming ncluding maintenance. you gonna have it all...... The only trick is to get maintenance experiance at an early stage from a reputable company!!!!

[@gregroche7323]

Yes… it is definitely possible to get a job with no experience you need a bit of patience and persistence

[@natelonner9625]

I got a job the first week into the 8th quarter and currently travel around California working on all sorts of industrial controls, from Coca Cola, to pharmaceuticals, to Stanford, to water/ waste water treatment, power plants, oil refineries, 7UP, FedEx, R&D facilities. You name it man the world is yours in this field, don’t step on the wrong toes tho everyone one knows everyone somehow it’s a small industry

[@GETMONEYNMINDYOURZFOLKS]

Hey I’m from California can you give me some more information, looking into the trade! Thanks!

[@GETMONEYNMINDYOURZFOLKS]

Idk what’s the best trade school for me to go to and advice is greatly appreciated thank you!

[@Nicola.M7]

How much were you making?

[@xjtsx]

I got a job as a scada programmer out of a 2year tech school (Perry Tech in Yakima, WA), now do I&C engineering, which is fun. Another career route as an alternative to being a hands-on tech.

[@chaseandezra6780]

Going to bellingham tech rn for instrumentation

[@RiseAndGrind-kl4rr]

I am planning to attend perry tech myself right out of highschool, do you have any tips?

[@ThaiMex409]

Man i graduated with my degree in 2020 and still havent gotten the type of job i want. The 1st half covid made it difficult because nobody was hiring, but afterwards its been hard bc companies mostly want people with a ton of exp. Trying to go the route of doing something similar to gain exp to move into the role i want eventually

[@gregroche7323]

Dang that's rough do you have an associate's? I would start with maintenance technician jobs

[@gregroche7323]

Hey buddy find me a LinkedIn I'd love to lend a hand

[@sohelbagalakot8847]

Sir biginner can do it is good job or not please reply 😢

[@AaronStenberg-bn2sh]

As a Instrument Tech, I've always had Journeyman Wiremen to run the new wire if needed. I never had a problem finding a job even when I got my certification.

[@yinjang7469]

It’s fantastic to hear about your experiences Greg! I greatly appreciate your time & honesty. Even short, less than 10 minute videos like this make all the difference in helping me make a decision about going down this path of learning. Thank so much man 👏

[@gregroche7323]

Happy to hear it, most people have never even heard of instrumentation I know I didn't when I started classes maybe I'm just naive I'm not sure. Best of luck

[@yinjang7469]

Hey Greg, just thought of a question for you. What are your typical work hours? 9am-5pm?

[@gregroche7323]

​@yinjang7469 that's a good question... industrial jobs actually operate on a different shift than corporate jobs. The most common first shift is 7-3:30. I would expect anywhere from 6-8 to 2-4:30. Some jobs include the lunch break so you only have to be there for 8 hours. Keep in mind big industrial operations often run 24 hours a day.. I would say half of the instrumentation jobs are off-shift. 2nd shift is 3p-11, 3rd shift is 11-7am. When I first moved back to Ohio I really wanted a first shift job so I ended up turning down a few offers that were off shift. It is definitely a negative about this field. There are still a lot of places that operate during first shift only. I've never seen a nine-to-five technician job ever

[@yinjang7469]

When you say 6-8 and 2-4:30, those are hours right? And what are the number of days per week that you usually go in? Are you working in a food processing plant? Like are you around & do you maintain machines that manufacture or package food?

[@gregroche7323]

​@yinjang7469 so first shift usually starts at 6 to 8 am, and ends between 2pm and 4:30 pm... that's what I'm saying. A lot if tech jobs are off shift

[@baoge4591]

...And here I thought there were going to be some REAL negatives for this career field. As a Disabled Veteran in the Army and a Diesel Mechanic that has worked on many different technologies in my career, this is what I'm looking forward to. Idk how many times I've been shocked, grounded, had muscle failure holding up equipment, and worked under extreme pressure especially while in combat, this sounds peaceful. xD Thanks for the heads up.

[@caintcatchme6497]

I’m going to school for Instrumentation & Analyzer (I&A) and I am currently in my third semester of community college

[@gregroche7323]

Nice if I was you I'd start looking for jobs right now you never know

[@jlsfishing6993]

Graduated with an associate degree in Instrumentation and Electrical technology back in may. I’ve applied for 13 places. Finally got an interview for an on the road job. Hopefully it’ll work out.

[@gregroche7323]

@@jlsfishing6993 dang that's a little tough I got a video about how to land the first job. I've talked to a lot of people on LinkedIn who just got their degrees and I can assure you totally. I would suggest setting up a LinkedIn account and getting with some recruiters on there... Broaden your horizons to maintenance technician add electrical technician jobs and apply for a bunch. Most of the jobs on there take only a minute or two to apply for, definitely reach out to some recruiters. If you apply for a bunch of jobs I'm certain you'll find something nice everyone I've ever talked to has

[@gregroche7323]

Once you get about a year of experience plus the degree you can move around with ease if you want to

[@OscarMora-c1o]

I graduated 3 years ago with my Associates degree and still cannot find a job. It’s been very tough and frustrating to say the least. I am trying to figure out what I need to do gain experience and hands on knowledge to help better my chances.

[@gregroche7323]

@@OscarMora-c1o damn that's pretty wild. I might be able to give you some suggestions if you find me on LinkedIn I'm happy to do my best to help

[@alexfortano153]

I’ve been in this trade for over a year now. Still doesn’t feel like it’s enough to land anything that pays more than $25 an hour. Butt load of certs, experience in electromechanical, controls, PLCs, DaQ, and I still feel like I’m a ghost when applying for work. Often wonder if what I’m putting in it worth the payoff at this rate, but perhaps I’m being too impatient…

[@kingcarlos4348]

That’s odd. I’m making $30 as a maintenance tech with 3 years of experience. I’m looking to get experience in controls to make more

[@donnieswafford2285]

Are there any good education resources you know of outside of the schooling? Im half way through a mechatronics technology AAS degree, but the school has recently revamped the program to suit the needs of the tesla gigafactory employees who fund the whole program. Recently, it feels like I'm not learning enough to not make a fool of myself at a job interview. Any suggestions?

[@jmx318]

Brilliant points raised! Hard truths! Not so bad if they are the negatives tho!

[@gregroche7323]

Yeah there's really not any big negatives let's see some other ones are: almost half the jobs out there are for an off shift and if you don't have a lot of experience you might get stuck in one of those jobs. A lot of times you'll end up working with people that really aren't that good with their job but don't want other people to know it so they might get an attitude towards you if you make them look bad. You do have a pretty big responsibility working on automated systems so there's always the potential that you make a big mistake and shut down operations for a day or so (I've seen it happen thank God I've never done it). Since you're working in an industrial setting it's possible that you'll have to work around chemicals or melted metal, also there is a much higher risk for injury than an office job.

[@DATADAYZ83]

What kind of certifications do you recommend getting. Like EPRI or NCCER?

[@dag6598]

Good insight on real life experience. As an instrumentation technician, are you expected to learn how to add a program to an existing PLC? i.e., for new installation or just for troubleshooting where sometimes you have to isolate or force a signal to replace the instrument.

[@gregroche7323]

It's a good question generally speaking no you're not going to be expected to program. If you are programming full programs you are a controls engineer. Most important thing to understand as someone trying to get into this line of work.... every company is going to have very different job duties and different job titles for I&E (automation,controls, electrical, electronics, instrumentation tech etc.) You're basically filling the needs of the company... usually you're filling the gaps between the engineering department and the maintenance department every job is different

[@gregroche7323]

Also as far as programming I've written lines of code and installed new sensors and modified program before as a tech but never full projects

[@fufanux]

How does building automation compare to a controls job at system integrator for automotive manufacturing?

[@gregroche7323]

Hey bro I'm going to be honest with you I really don't know I've never done a building automation job. You're asking the right questions though it's a little bit different I know that. Personally I would prefer to do the systems integration but I would be better that. I know Siemens is pretty common in building automation systems where systems integration is more often Allen-Bradley. I wish I could be more helpful but I really don't know

[@neonumber]

I work in BAS with Siemens, and have worked with automations in a highly automated foundry. I really love BAS compared to working in a plant environment. It's usually cleaner and not as loud. You are often in hospitals, universities and other large buildings working on their climate control, fire and possibly access control systems. I am usually in a mechanical room commissioning large air handlers with chiller and boiler integration. The Field level network can consist of dozens of zone controllers for variable air volume boxes, so you are on a ladder a lot. Your main tools are a laptop, terminal screwdriver and multimeter. You often go out to sites by yourself, and call back to co workers or supervisor when you hit something you're not familiar with. You get good at finding the documentation for various VFDs, sensors, actuators etc, since many sites spec out differently, so you're always running into new devices to troubleshoot/startup. I like the variety of going to different customer sites and learning their buildings and layouts, keeps everything fresh. Learning proprietary protocols and bacNet was new, since I was mostly modbus with PLCs. Learning curve is high...and you are often tasked with something you may never have worked on before...by yourself. But help is a phone call away. There is so much nuance to BAS with all the vendors. Besides the sensors, and controllers, you'll have to work on graphics and program in what ever method the vendor uses. Siemens uses a text based programming language much like basic. Others use block/Object "programming" As far as Siemens itself, I have really enjoyed the company. Good benefits, gave me the pay I asked for....though depending on experience you'll probably start with more at a plant. My branch has a great work culture. Probably the best place I've worked. I happen to have an associates in info management, mechatronics and graduate next May from HVAC, so BAS is a great fit for me. I can say that someone with a controls degree is better suited for BAS than someone with an HVAC background. Computer Science like programming and networking are also very helpful skills. All in all, BAS is probably easier than a complicated automated process in a production environment, but once you learn your site, it might get boring. In BAS, you are always onto some new site.

[@triplumberelectro8611]

I'm finishing my electrical ibew apprenticeship i only need one more year. I want to get my associates in instrumentation afterwards in texas. You have any colleges you recommend?

[@gregroche7323]

I have no recommendations good for you though.. when you're looking at schools I would suggest asking what type of career placement they offer. Talk to people that work in the actual engineering department don't ask the advisors. I went to PBSC in florida

[@serrgio006]

So would you recommend a 4 year degree instead?

[@ryanfunk1180]

Beautiful experience, what kind of plant do You work? Orange juice?

[@gregroche7323]

I used to work at a factory that makes soup bases and coffee mate... now I work at a research facility. Before that water utilities

[@angelflores3431]

What does training consist of once you get hired ?

[@autumstorm8354]

Any jobs near Shreveport, LA for a job in this major?

[@WilliamDiaz-p2h]

3:42 wait imma be paid to lift weights... gym just got some competition

[@gregroche7323]

I lifted wayyyy too many at the one job😂

[@WilliamDiaz-p2h]

@@gregroche7323 hey i work in an office im working on getting my I&E associates i cant wait to get off my a** and moving around and off the computer

[@engineeri77]

Is there any vacancy for foreigners?

[@gregroche7323]

I'm not sure bro you got to look at job postings usually will say if they provide visas in the job posting

[@gregroche7323]

In the United States with this type of work you would need proper documentation, no one here would let you work a job like this under the table

[@engineeri77]

@@gregroche7323 i am having a 3 yr diploma in instrumentation engineering and a b tech in applied electronics and instrumentation..also im trying to get some experience in the field...may i know what all documents i need to work there and also how can i reach there for an instrumentation job

[@gregroche7323]

I do not know a lot on that topic... I did know a guy that got something called a work visa, I believe you apply for the job and then the company sponsors you while you're in the United States. I would look into that

[@engineeri77]

@@gregroche7323 thanks brother..❤️ from India

[@Raasshaad]

Do you think 33 is too old for someone to get into the trades

[@Savage22223]

No

[@beanbrownman]

No I’m 33 and just got hired on, I did electrical in a water field before this and this is a whole different ball game than what I had , just gotta be willing to learn

[@bfpierce]

No. Learned it at 38. Stopped for various reasons. Back at 50, which is why I’m watching I&C videos on YT, I forgot a lot of info in 10 yrs.

[@gregroche7323]

Most of people that I was in college with were in their late 20s or early 30s. I started at 27 or 28 now I’m 34 no regerts

[@olial8342]

5:53 awwww...

[@jordanmoss2290]

Lol good luck being able to go to every job and fix it just like that in this trade. I've had issues that lasted weeks because they were either intermittent issues, process changes that no one was aware of, process issues due to weather conditions, operator error, and / or incompetance.

[@evilgoodness1]

the hardest thing ive found in 25 years is working for mechanical engineers or soemone else not in the feild who dont understand what your job is. i cnat tell you how many times ive explained that we cant touch something cause of liability issues. i had a proprietary control module i didnt want to touch. i had no pin out and i didnt wanna chechk if it was powered or had 4-20 output ..... the mehcanical engineer in charge of an automation group decided i just didnt know how to check it and laid me off....this type of thing is not somehting i know how to deal with as you can be blamed for breaking it if you do, and you dont know how if you dont..... find a fix and please tell me

[@gregroche7323]

I hear you there seems to be a lot of politics involved with industrial work unfortunately. The way that I do stuff is if I'm confident that I can fix it I just fix it I just measure risk of each decision. If I'm not comfortable with the risk or I feel like I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to be able to fix it I ask someone above me what to do that's what they're there for. There's a lot of weird issues like that that come up... generally incompetent people are viewed as the most competent because they tend to BS a lot, we're competent people are upfront about what they know and what they don't know end up looking bad

[@gregroche7323]

I personally do not have a good answer for a lot of these issues it just is what it is

[@Savage22223]

@@gregroche7323it’s crazy because that’s how accidents happens.& which is why most people lie! Bout shit