PRECISION INSTRUMENT REPAIRERS California Occupational Guide Number 393 Interest Area 5-D 1995
THE JOB
PRECISION INSTRUMENT REPAIRERS install, repair, and service instrument- controlled, or automated systems of various types. The instruments they work with measure and/or control stress, vibrations, temperature, humidity, pressure, pH, volume, motion, and chemical composition. Some repairers work only with electronic, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic instruments, while others may work with several of these types of systems.
When an instrument-controlled system malfunctions, repairers must determine whether the trouble is being caused by a defective instrument or by other equipment in the system. If the trouble is within an instrument, it may be disassembled and its parts checked for defects. Pressure and vacuum gauges, voltmeters, ammeters, counters, and oscilloscopes are commonly used to make these tests. Readings shown on testing equipment are compared to those shown when the instrument is properly functioning to aid in determining the actual problem.
In addition to using testing apparatus, Precision Instrument Repairers use hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches, and precision tools similar to those used by watch repairers or jewelers.
Repairers may perform major overhauls on instruments, replace worn or damaged parts, or make simple repairs. In repairing older instruments, repairers sometimes are called upon to build substitutions for parts that are no longer available. They may also be called upon to modify instruments for specialized use.
The maintenance and servicing of instruments includes inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating. Repairers also must make adjustments, checking the instrument's timing or other calibrations to ensure maximum performance. They also replace weakened or worn parts to prevent potential breakdowns and the resulting production losses.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Precision Instrument Repairers work in varied sites. They may work in factories, amid noise, heat, and fumes; at a well-lit workbench in an air- conditioned shop; or outdoors. If employed by instrument repair service firms, they may also travel to various field locations. The work frequently requires standing, stooping, climbing, and working in hard-to-reach places. Attention to safety precautions is vital, as these workers may be exposed to caustic chemicals, high temperatures, and extreme pressures.
Many employers require Precision Instrument Repairers to furnish their own hand-tools. The initial cost of such tools depends on what is needed and the quality selected. Testing equipment and specialized tools are supplied by employers.
In most large plants, Precision Instrument Repairers are unionized. They usually join the union which represents the other production workers at the work site. In addition, some repairers are represented by the Teamsters, the United Auto Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 4,140 Estimated number of workers in 2005 4,460 Projected Growth 1990-2005 8% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,390
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Repairers will be needed to replace those who retire or otherwise leave the occupation, however the number of Precision Instrument Repairers in California is expected to increase at a much slower rate compared with all other occupations through the year 2005.
Precision Instrument Repairers are employed by manufacturing firms with automated assembly lines, chemical plants, pharmaceutical firms, and rubber manufacturing plants. Major employers of these workers include instrument repair shops, federal defense agencies, gas and electric utilities, telephone companies, and water treatment plants.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Entry-level repairers usually earn from $7.00 to $10.00 per hour. The wage range for journey level repairers is $12.00 to $16.00 per hour, and may rise to $19.00 for more specialized positions. Union wages at the journey level for Precision Instrument Repairers may go to $26.00 an hour. Precision Instrument Repairers customarily work a 40-hour, five-day week. Overtime is common during peak workload periods or for emergency repair work. In plants which operate around the clock, Precision Instrument Repairers may be scheduled for either day, evening, or night shifts.
Fringe benefits vary but usually include vacation, health and dental coverage, retirement plans and occasionally stock-option or profit-sharing plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most firms prefer applicants to have at least a high school diploma (or its equivalent) with courses in math and the physical sciences. As the technology of instrumentation continues to evolve, more employers prefer applicants with technical school or college course work in instrumentation (with emphasis on electronics and electromechanical systems). They seek persons who are able to read and interpret blueprints, schematic drawings, and engineering specifications. There are currently about a dozen private and community colleges in California with instrumentation technology programs to meet this need.
Mechanical aptitude, normal or corrected eyesight, good color vision, and manual dexterity are important traits for Precision Instrument Repairers. Also of importance are the abilities to analyze and solve problems in a logical manner and to absorb and recall technical data.
In addition, some employers require Precision Instrument Repairers to have from one to five years of experience in some aspect of instrumentation service or repair. This is especially true in firms that employ a small number of repairers as such firms are seldom able to afford staff time for training purposes.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional opportunities depend largely upon the size of the firm, as well as the nature of its business. In small firms or those with relatively simple instrumentation systems, advancement is limited to positions such as lead mechanic or instrument supervisor. In larger firms where complex instrumentation is performed, various levels of mechanic and technician positions exist. These offer more opportunities for advancement, including increases in responsibilities as well as wages. In addition, some firms promote instrument supervisors into production supervision and management positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Precision Instrument Repairers find work by applying to employers, answering newspaper ads, and registering with unions, college placement offices, and local Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department. Government agencies select new employees from lists of those who pass competitive examinations.
Many employers promote employees to Precision Instrument Repairers and trainee positions from other jobs within the firm, such as production worker, plant operator, mechanic's helper, or electrician's helper.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Measurement, Control & Automation Association 2168 Westglenn Court Vienna, VA 22182 (703) 442-0393
General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen (Vocational) 20 W. 44th Street New York, NY 10036
National Certification of Instrument Technicians 6707 Cherry Avenue Long Beach, CA 90805
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electronics Technicians No. 60 Electronics Mechanics No. 222 Instrumentation Technicians No. 485
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Instrument Repairer 710.261-010 Instrument Mechanic 710.261-026 Instrument Technician 710.281-030
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Precision Instrument Repairers 859050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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