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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knob Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

EngineeringManufacturingTechnical SupportInstrumentationControls

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knob Technician, you are the critical hands-on expert responsible for ensuring the precision, functionality, and reliability of all control interfaces, from physical dials and switches to digital tuning parameters in our software environments. You will be at the intersection of hardware, software, and user experience, performing intricate calibration, troubleshooting complex systems, and providing essential feedback to engineering teams. This role requires a deep passion for precision mechanics, electronics, and a problem-solving mindset to maintain the peak performance of our cutting-edge products and systems.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electronics Technician
  • Instrumentation Fitter
  • Junior AV Technician
  • Field Service Trainee

Advancement To:

  • Senior Knob Technician / Control Systems Specialist
  • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Lead
  • Technical Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Engineer
  • R&D Test Engineer
  • Technical Trainer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform precision calibration, testing, and repair on a diverse range of electronic, mechanical, and pneumatic instrumentation and control systems.
  • Execute preventative and corrective maintenance schedules for process control equipment, including transmitters, controllers, potentiometers, and final control elements.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex hardware and software control loops using advanced diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and HART communicators.
  • Install, configure, and validate integrated control systems, including physical control panels, HMI touch screens, and digital signal processors (DSPs).
  • Fine-tune and optimize system parameters and physical controls to achieve specified performance metrics related to responsiveness, accuracy, and user feel.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate the functionality, haptic feedback, reliability, and usability of physical user interface components.
  • Analyze test data, document anomalies and defects with clear, reproducible steps, and collaborate directly with design and software engineers to drive corrective actions.
  • Interpret complex technical documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and network architecture drawings to facilitate troubleshooting and installation.
  • Meticulously document all maintenance activities, calibration results, and configuration changes in our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Assemble, install, and wire control panels and instrumentation hardware according to engineering specifications and industry best practices.
  • Provide expert-level technical support to operations teams, resolving issues related to control system performance and interface functionality in a timely manner.
  • Manage the inventory of spare parts, critical components, and specialized calibration tools to ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring equipment or system failures to recommend and implement long-term reliability improvements.
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for new equipment, ensuring all control interfaces meet design specifications.
  • Adjust and optimize software-defined "knobs" and tuning parameters within system configurations to enhance performance, latency, and resource utilization.
  • Implement and verify changes through established configuration management systems to ensure consistency across multiple environments.
  • Provide critical feedback on the ergonomic and functional design of new knobs, dials, and control interfaces based on hands-on testing and maintenance experience.
  • Train junior technicians and equipment operators on the proper use, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting of various control systems.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, while working with electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Collaborate with the R&D department to build and test prototypes of next-generation control mechanisms and feedback systems.
  • Read, modify, and perform minor programming adjustments on PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to control system performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying new opportunities for performance monitoring.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate operational data needs into engineering and instrumentation requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and agile ceremonies within the broader engineering and operations teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Instrumentation Calibration: Proficiency in calibrating pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters.
  • Electronics Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose faults to the component level using schematics and test equipment like oscilloscopes and multimeters.
  • PLC & HMI: Foundational knowledge of PLC logic (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI configuration.
  • Control Loop Tuning: Experience with PID loops and the ability to tune them for optimal process control.
  • Soldering & Wiring: High-quality soldering and wiring skills for panel building and component repair.
  • Network Diagnostics: Basic understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherNet/IP) for troubleshooting connectivity.
  • Reading Schematics: Expertise in interpreting electrical, electronic, and pneumatic diagrams.
  • Precision Measurement Tools: Skilled in using calipers, micrometers, and other precision mechanical tools.
  • Diagnostic Software: Familiarity with hardware diagnostic software and communication tools (e.g., HART communicators).
  • CMMS/EAM Software: Experience using maintenance management systems for work order and asset tracking.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is crucial for precision calibration and documentation.
  • Systematic Problem-Solving: The ability to logically and methodically diagnose complex, multi-faceted issues.
  • Clear Communication: Effectively communicating technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Diligent in recording procedures, results, and changes accurately.
  • Adaptability: Ability to pivot between tasks involving mechanical, electrical, and software systems.
  • Team Collaboration: Working effectively within a cross-functional team of engineers, operators, and managers.
  • Self-Motivation: A proactive approach to identifying potential issues and areas for improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certification in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Industrial Instrumentation & Control Technology
  • Automation Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a related technical role.

Preferred:

  • Experience working in a regulated or high-reliability environment such as manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, or data centers.
  • Demonstrable experience in a role that required both mechanical aptitude and electronics troubleshooting.
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