Instrumentation & Controls Specialist

As an Instrumentation & Controls Specialist at Trinseo, you will be responsible for performing instrument calibrations, conducting system performance checks, and maintaining documentation crucial for our calibration program. You'll assist in implementing processes to maintain 'World Class' standards for our control systems and contribute to team efforts in developing system specifications and testing new equipment. In this role, you'll also handle outage planning, conduct system start-ups, and provide vital hardware and software support for engineering and operations.

To qualify for the Instrumentation & Controls Specialist role at Trinseo, candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a postsecondary degree in Instrument Technology or equivalent industrial experience preferred. Additionally, documented training in troubleshooting, calibration, and maintenance of controls and instrumentation is essential. A minimum of 5 years in industrial manufacturing, preferably in chemical manufacturing, is also required to ensure you can meet the technical demands of the job.

Critical skills for an Instrumentation & Controls Specialist at Trinseo include proficiency in instrument calibration and maintenance, as well as a thorough understanding of electrical systems and control loops, particularly PID controllers. Being able to read and interpret technical documentation, such as P&IDs and electrical schematics, is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with PLCs and industrial safety practices helps ensure you can perform your duties safely and efficiently.

Starting as an Instrumentation & Controls Specialist at Trinseo can open doors to various career paths within our organization. You might advance to roles like Senior Controls Engineer, Project Manager for large instrumentation projects, or even leadership positions where you can influence strategic direction and innovation. Continuous learning and professional development are encouraged, paving the way for growth as you deepen your expertise and take on greater responsibilities.

At Trinseo, we believe that diversity drives innovation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where professionals from varied backgrounds feel respected and valued. Our hiring process for the Instrumentation & Controls Specialist role is designed to be fair and inclusive, ensuring that candidates from different races, genders, religions, and experiences feel empowered to join us. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve, enhancing creativity and collaboration.

When answering, focus on specific instances where you've performed calibrations, outlining the instruments involved and the methodologies you used. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and attention to detail in calibration processes.

In your response, emphasize the importance of documenting processes and maintaining thorough records. Discuss your experience in developing and implementing quality control checks and any metrics you may use to gauge system performance. Sharing your methods for continuous improvement can also demonstrate your commitment.

Highlight your systematic approach to troubleshooting, such as following flow charts or using diagnostic tools. Mention specific tools or techniques you have used to identify and resolve issues promptly. Your answer should reflect a strong understanding of instrumentation systems and a practical hands-on approach.

Share a detailed account of your contribution to the project, emphasizing teamwork and communication. Describe the project's objectives, your specific tasks, and how you collaborated with others to deliver successful results while meeting timelines and budgets.

Discuss your methodology for assessing the urgency and impact of tasks. Mention any tools or techniques you use for planning and scheduling, and how you communicate with team members to ensure efficient workflow during outages.

Provide specific examples of projects where you've worked with PLCs, detailing your role in their setup, configuration, and troubleshooting. Explain how you ensure safety and compliance with industry standards during these processes.

When answering this question, provide details about the particular system, the challenges you faced with tuning, and what adjustments you made. Highlight the results of your tuning efforts and how they improved performance.

Emphasize the importance of keeping documentation organized and up-to-date. Discuss specific techniques you use, such as databases or tracking sheets, to manage calibration records and maintenance logs effectively.

Discuss your communication style and methods for fostering teamwork. Provide examples of how you've effectively shared information and coordinated with other professionals to achieve project goals or solve problems.

Share specific courses, certifications, or experiences that have contributed to your growth in this field. Highlight any areas of expertise you are currently pursuing, showcasing your commitment to professional growth.