Instrument Technician

Instrument Technician

Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: $30-$50 an hour, depending on experience

About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. Recently, we expanded our operations to Idaho Falls, ID, reflecting our ongoing growth and dedication to broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive. As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a design engineer, technical lead, and project engineer on meaningful design/build/test projects. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Instrument Technician to join our Richland, WA team. This role is responsible for the assembly, wiring, calibration, and testing of electrical and instrumentation systems used in industrial and government projects.

The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of control systems, UL 508A panel fabrication, and NQA-1 quality standards, combined with excellent attention to detail, strong workmanship, and the ability to follow engineering documentation in a fast-paced fabrication environment.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Assemble, wire, and test electrical control panels and instrumentation cabinets in compliance with UL 508A and company quality standards.
• Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams to complete panel builds and field instrumentation installations.
• Perform instrument calibration, loop checks, and functional verification of control systems.
• Maintain full compliance with NQA-1 quality assurance procedures and documentation requirements.
• Follow and enforce safety procedures, proper tool use, and housekeeping standards in a fabrication shop setting.
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure design intent, quality, and project schedules are met.
• Support government and DOE contractor projects, maintaining compliance with all applicable specifications and inspection requirements.
• Conduct inspections and verification of completed work to ensure wiring accuracy, labeling, and functionality.
• Assist with troubleshooting and repair of electrical and instrumentation equipment as needed.
• Apply working knowledge of NEC codes.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience as an Instrument Technician or Electrical Technician in an industrial or fabrication environment.
• Proven experience wiring control panels, electrical enclosures, and field instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of UL 508A standards, NQA-1 quality assurance, and related electrical codes.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, loop diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Proficiency with hand tools, multimeters, and other standard electrical/instrumentation test equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on government or DOE-regulated projects.
• UL 508A Panel Builder certification or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with PLC systems, motor controls, and signal conditioning equipment.
• Associate degree, technical certificate, or military training in Electrical, Instrumentation, or a related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.