Instrumentation & Electrical Technician -

Industrial Networking Specialist Company:

Nexgrade Engineering Job Title:

I&E Technician -

Industrial Networking Specialist Employment Type:

Full-Time Location:

Abilene, Texas (Field and Shop Work) Position Summary Nexgrade Engineering, LLC is seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician with strong expertise in industrial Ethernet networking, electrical control systems, and industrial instrumentation. The ideal candidate will possess a solid electrical and instrumentation background combined with advanced troubleshooting skills in Ethernet-based industrial communication networks. This position will be responsible for installing, configuring, commissioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial automation systems and their associated communication infrastructure. This role requires a hands-on technician who can independently diagnose complex electrical, instrumentation, and network communication issues in industrial environments, including oil and gas facilities, power distribution systems, manufacturing plants, and other industrial installations. Key Responsibilities Industrial Ethernet Networking & Communications Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet networks supporting PLCs, remote I/O, HMIs, drives, and industrial control systems. Configure and troubleshoot managed industrial Ethernet switches. Demonstrate strong knowledge of TCP/IP networking, including IP addressing, subnetting, gateways, routing fundamentals, and network segmentation. Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, trunk ports, managed switch configurations, and network redundancy. Understand and troubleshoot network protocols and technologies including: o EtherNet/IP and Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) o Modbus TCP/IP o RSTP, STP, and other Ethernet redundancy protocols o IGMP snooping and multicast traffic management o DHCP, DNS, and basic network routing Diagnose network performance issues, communication failures, IP conflicts, and intermittent connectivity. Use network diagnostic tools such as Wireshark, managed switch diagnostics, cable testers, and fiber-optic test equipment. Install, terminate, test, and troubleshoot copper Ethernet and fiber-optic communication cables. Understand fiber-optic network infrastructure, including single-mode and multimode fiber, SFP transceivers, patch panels, and fiber distribution systems. Maintain accurate network documentation, including topology diagrams, IP address assignments, switch configurations, and communication cable schedules. Electrical & Industrial Control Systems Install, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial electrical and automation systems. Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, loop drawings, P&IDs, and control panel layouts. Troubleshoot motor control circuits, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial control panels. Perform electrical testing using multimeters, insulation resistance testers, and other diagnostic equipment. Troubleshoot 24 VDC,125VDC, 120 VAC control systems, and industrial power distribution equipment. Assist with installation, checkout, and commissioning of PLC control panels and remote I/O systems. Identify and resolve electrical faults, wiring problems, and control system communication failures. Follow applicable

NEC, NFPA

70E, OSHA, and site-specific electrical safety requirements. PLC & Automation Systems Troubleshoot industrial PLC systems, particularly Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley platforms. Experience with ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and distributed remote I/O systems. Utilize Studio 5000 and RSLinx / FactoryTalk Linx to diagnose PLC communication and I/O issues. Troubleshoot Ethernet-based remote I/O adapters, communication modules, and connected field devices. Assist with PLC hardware installation, module replacement, network configuration, and system commissioning. Understand industrial control system architectures and communication between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and field devices. Support system integration, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT). Documentation & Field Support Develop and maintain accurate documentation of electrical, instrumentation, and network installations. Record equipment configurations, network settings, test results, and troubleshooting activities. Assist engineering personnel with identifying design issues and implementing field modifications. Provide technical support during equipment startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Coordinate with engineers, electricians, contractors, and customer personnel to resolve technical issues. Maintain a high standard of workmanship, organization, and safety. Required Qualifications Minimum 3-5 years of experience in industrial electrical, instrumentation, automation, or industrial networking systems. Demonstrated hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting managed industrial Ethernet networks. Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, subnetting, VLANs, Ethernet switching, and industrial communication protocols. Experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLC systems and EtherNet/IP communications. Ability to troubleshoot industrial communication networks independently using diagnostic tools and systematic troubleshooting techniques. Proficiency reading electrical schematics, network topology drawings, and instrumentation documentation. Experience with industrial control panels, motor controls, and field instrumentation. Ability to work independently in industrial field environments. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer facilities as required. Preferred Qualifications Associate degree or technical certification in Electrical Technology, Instrumentation, Industrial Automation, Networking, or a related discipline. Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent networking knowledge. Experience with industrial network redundancy technologies such as DLR, RSTP, and PRP. Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity fundamentals, including network segmentation, access control, and secure remote access. Experience troubleshooting multicast traffic and IGMP configuration in EtherNet/IP networks. Experience with fiber-optic installation, fusion splicing, and OTDR testing. Experience with SCADA systems and industrial communications infrastructure. Experience working in oil and gas, utilities, substations, manufacturing, or other industrial facilities. Familiarity with hazardous location electrical installations, including Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 environments. Technical Competencies Successful candidates should be comfortable performing the following tasks: 1. Configure a managed Ethernet switch with multiple VLANs and appropriate port assignments. 2. Troubleshoot duplicate IP addresses, incorrect subnet configurations, and network connectivity issues. 3. Identify and resolve industrial Ethernet network loops and redundancy problems. 4. Troubleshoot multicast traffic issues affecting EtherNet/IP devices. 5. Test and troubleshoot copper and fiber-optic Ethernet connections. 6. Interpret electrical drawings and troubleshoot field wiring or instrumentation problems. 7. Document network configurations and electrical system modifications accurately. Work Environment Combination of shop and industrial field environments. May require work around energized electrical equipment, industrial machinery, and outdoor installations. Must be able to use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow established electrical safety procedures. Travel, extended hours, or commissioning support may be required. Ideal Candidate We are looking for a technician who is equally comfortable troubleshooting an electrical control panel and diagnosing an industrial Ethernet network. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of how electrical systems, PLCs, instrumentation, and industrial communications work together. The ability to independently identify and resolve complex network communication issues is especially important. Industrial Ethernet networking expertise is a primary requirement for this position, not simply a preferred skill.

Pay:

$40.00 - $46.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Abilene, TX 79606