The posting
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Electrical & Instrumentation Technician responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical, electronic, instrumentation, automation, and mechanical equipment to support safe and reliable plant operations.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining plant productivity and minimizing equipment downtime. The successful candidate will have strong industrial electrical experience, including PLC systems, three-phase power, process controls, and automation, and will work closely with Maintenance and Production teams to ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.
The position also supports plant automation and control systems, preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, process improvements, and the training and development of electrical maintenance personnel.
Responsibilities
- Perform and document pre-shift inspections of mobile equipment and plant electrical equipment.
- Conduct timely inspections, lubrication, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance activities to improve plant processing systems and equipment reliability.
- Troubleshoot, repair, adjust, and maintain electrical, electronic, instrumentation, production, and safety equipment.
- Perform electrical repairs safely and efficiently while ensuring repairs meet quality and reliability standards.
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant electrical and electronic equipment, including three-phase power systems.
- Perform preventive electrical and electronic maintenance in accordance with established procedures and maintenance schedules.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, blueprints, technical documents, and equipment manuals.
- Troubleshoot and maintain PLC, HMI, controls networks, and process automation systems.
- Support process control and instrumentation systems, including computer networks, process troubleshooting, data collection, reporting systems, and related equipment.
- Maintain and support plant automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, MES, control networks, safety systems, and associated field equipment.
- Assist with planning and installation of new electrical, electronic, instrumentation, and automation equipment.
- Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and disruption to production.
- Work closely with Production Operators to ensure maintenance activities do not negatively impact product quality, production volume, or operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with maintenance personnel to ensure effective communication and seamless transition of work during breaks, lunches, shift changes, absences, and vacations.
- Complete all required maintenance documentation, work orders, inspection reports, parts requests, and other records accurately and promptly.
- Document system and process changes, modifications, repairs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in and support capital projects while maintaining established schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.
- Assist with project planning, installation, commissioning, and implementation of electrical and automation projects.
- Train, coach, and mentor electrical maintenance personnel as needed.
- Maintain tools, equipment, spare parts, and work areas in an organized and serviceable condition.
- Clean work areas following completion of maintenance activities and return tools and unused parts to their designated storage locations.
- Perform housekeeping duties in assigned work areas and other areas designated by supervision.
- Cooperate with supervisors, production personnel, maintenance personnel, contractors, and other plant personnel to accomplish operational and maintenance objectives.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Safety Responsibilities
- Maintain a Safety First mindset and perform all work in accordance with company safety policies and procedures.
- Use appropriate tools, equipment, and replacement parts to perform safe, reliable, and quality repairs.
- Follow all applicable electrical safety requirements and established plant safety procedures.
- Comply with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space, SLAM, DBS, Serious 6, and all other applicable safety programs and procedures.
- Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety shoes, safety harness, hearing protection, and other PPE required for designated work areas.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and company health and safety standards.
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment hazards, incidents, and other safety concerns to appropriate supervision.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Electrical Technician, Industrial Electrician, or similar role in an industrial manufacturing or processing environment.
- Demonstrated experience with PLC systems and three-phase electrical power systems.
- Strong working knowledge of industrial electrical systems, controls, instrumentation, and automation.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical, electronic, and process control equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, blueprints, and technical documentation.
- Basic computer literacy and ability to use computerized maintenance and control systems.
- Strong mathematical skills, including fractions and elementary geometry.
- Ability to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and other plant personnel.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work safely in an industrial plant environment and respond effectively to equipment and production issues.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a maintenance team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, HMI systems, and industrial control networks.
- Experience with process instrumentation and industrial automation.
- Experience with MES, data collection, reporting, or plant information systems.
- Experience implementing electrical or automation capital projects.
- Experience training or mentoring electrical and maintenance personnel.
- Electrical or instrumentation certifications, technical training, apprenticeship, or relevant trade credentials.
About Us
U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals essential to modern life. With $1B+ in annual revenue, 26 production facilities, and industry-leading last-mile logistics for the oil & gas sector, we supply high-quality silica, diatomaceous earth, clay, and other materials to industries ranging from energy and construction to food & beverage.
As a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, we are positioned for strategic growth in both our Oil & Gas and Industrial segments. For more than 100 years, our products and innovations have helped make the world cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient.
U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace.
