What You’ll Do
What You’ll Do
A Day in the Role
A career in Instrumentation and Automation offers a diverse, dynamic environment where no two days are exactly the same. Whether on a mine site, manufacturing facility, water treatment plant, power station or industrial processing operation, your role centres on ensuring critical systems operate safely, efficiently and reliably. While daily tasks vary by industry and position, several core responsibilities form part of most roles.
Monitoring & maintaining equipment
Inspecting, testing and maintaining instrumentation such as pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, flow meters, level measurement devices, control valves, gas detection systems, analytical instruments and electrical control systems, keeping equipment accurate, reliable and compliant.
Calibrating instruments
Testing and adjusting equipment to keep measurements accurate: checking performance, comparing readings against certified standards, adjusting calibration settings, recording results and producing compliance documentation.
Troubleshooting faults & breakdowns
Diagnosing and resolving issues by investigating alarm conditions, testing electrical circuits, reviewing control system data, analysing PLC programs, inspecting communication networks and identifying faulty instruments or components.
Working with PLC & control systems
Monitoring PLC performance, uploading or modifying programs, testing control logic, verifying equipment operation, supporting automation upgrades and investigating software-related faults.
Managing SCADA & monitoring systems
Assisting with monitoring process data, investigating alarms, verifying system communications, updating displays and graphics, testing network connectivity and supporting system upgrades.
Conducting preventative maintenance
Scheduled inspections, equipment testing, cleaning and servicing instruments, replacing worn components, updating maintenance records and verifying system performance to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
Working with operations & engineering teams
Coordinating with plant operators, electricians, mechanical tradespeople, engineers, maintenance planners, supervisors and project teams — strong communication is key to troubleshooting and improvements.
Supporting projects & upgrades
Installing new equipment, commissioning control systems, testing automation upgrades, reviewing technical drawings, configuring instrumentation devices and verifying system performance.
Maintaining safety & compliance
Following permit systems, completing risk assessments, adhering to isolation procedures, maintaining accurate documentation, complying with site regulations and participating in safety meetings.