Instrumentation Technician (Maintenance)

IFF•Palo Alto, CA

4d•$65,513 - $93,590•Onsite

About The Position

IFF is seeking an hourly, onsite Instrumentation Technician in Palo Alto, California, to maintain and optimize process systems in its Health & Biosciences environment. The role supports lab-scale fermentation systems, with potential exposure to pilot-scale operations, and includes calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of process equipment and instrumentation. The technician follows SOPs and Bills of Materials, maintains accurate records, and supports a collaborative, safety-focused team. The position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with an occasional alternative shift of 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM for approximately 30 days, two to three times per year. Overtime and on-call support may be required. Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 pounds and working at heights.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in process instrumentation troubleshooting, repair, and calibration.
Associate degree (AA/AS) in Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Technologies, or equivalent technical training.
Practical experience with process equipment and basic mechanical systems.
Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and schematics.
Strong troubleshooting skills across instrumentation and control systems.
Effective communication skills and ability to organize and prioritize work independently.
Positive mindset, strong work ethic, and willingness to contribute to a growing team.
Flexibility to work alternative shifts, overtime, and participate in on-call schedules when needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory or fermentation process environments.
Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as digital voltmeters (DVM), oscilloscopes, and current loop analyzers.
Knowledge of mechanical systems including belt drives, pulleys, and torque specifications.

Responsibilities

Calibrate and maintain process equipment, including electronic and pneumatic devices and instruments measuring temperature, pressure, level, flow, and weight.
Troubleshoot and repair control systems, including control loops (0–10 VDC and 4–20 mA), electrical and electronic systems, and process instrumentation.
Support maintenance and troubleshooting of systems using PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, and GE/Emerson, along with HMI/SCADA tools.
Interpret and work with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) and electrical schematics.
Operate and maintain process equipment across lab-scale fermentation systems, with potential exposure to pilot-scale operations.
Perform preventive electrical and mechanical maintenance on process equipment.
Diagnose and resolve issues across electrical, pneumatic, electronic, and mechanical systems.
Maintain accurate records, follow Standard Operating Procedures and Bills of Materials, and use MS Office tools for documentation and reporting.
Work alternative shifts, overtime, and on-call schedules when needed.