Instrument and Electrical Technician

About LanzaTech

At LanzaTech, we're turning waste carbon into new beginnings.

Using our proprietary bio-fermentation technology, we transform industrial emissions, carbon dioxide, and gasified waste into ethanol-a building block for a wide range of sustainable products, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other critical chemical derivatives.

With six commercial facilities already in operation and more on the way, we're scaling fast to meet the world's growing demand for fuels and materials. Our technology helps industrial sectors by unlocking value from emissions that would otherwise go to waste.

Together with our partners, we're building a circular carbon economy-where carbon is continuously reused, not released.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact on the future of industrial sustainability, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role

This role is based out of the company's Skokie Headquarters / R&D Center. The Instrumentation & Controls Technician will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, modification, and continuous improvement of instrumentation, and low-voltage electrical systems supporting laboratory, pilot plant, and process development operations.

Reporting to the Engineering and Operations team, this position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of experimental process systems, alarm and shutdown infrastructure, and facility control systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineers, researchers, operations personnel, and EHS professionals to support innovative carbon recycling technologies in a dynamic R&D environment.

Key duties of the role

• Maintain, calibrate, test, troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, install, configure, and commission process instrumentation supporting laboratory, pilot plant, and experimental operations.

• Maintain, test, and troubleshoot Safety Alarm and Shutdown systems, interlocks, emergency shutdown devices, and gas detection systems.

• Support and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, data acquisition systems, communication networks, and associated control hardware.

• Assemble, wire, modify, maintain, and troubleshoot low-voltage electrical panels, power supplies, control cabinets, heater controls, motor controls, VFDs, relays, and contactors.

• Ensure compliance with applicable safety procedures, electrical standards, and support MOC, PHA, and incident investigation activities.

• Design, assemble, install, commission, and troubleshoot pneumatic Swagelok or similar gas handling plumbing systems.

• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to develop, modify, and improve experimental process systems and pilot-scale operations.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, calibration documentation, electrical drawings, procedures, and technical documentation.

• Assist with equipment procurement, contractor coordination, system upgrades, and commissioning of new instrumentation and electrical systems.

Minimum qualifications

• Associate degree in Instrumentation Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent military/industry experience.

• 6+ years of progressively responsible industrial instrumentation, controls, and electrical maintenance experience in laboratory, pilot plant, or manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot instrumentation, electrical, and control system issues.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple disciplines.

Competencies & skills you will need

• Process control and safety system instrumentation, signals, and communications protocols.

• Experience wiring circuits and control panels for low-voltage applications.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical drawings.

• Experience troubleshooting and supporting PLC-based control systems. Following ladder logic and control program sequences.

• Experience with heater control systems, motor controls, relays, contactors, and VFDs.

• Experience with solenoid valves, pneumatic controls, regulators, and compressed gas systems.

• Knowledge of instrumentation calibration techniques and diagnostic tools.

• Proficiency using multimeters, calibrators, and other test equipment

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to prioritize work in a dynamic R&D environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems.

• Hands-on experience with Swagelok or similar tubing and plumbing systems.

• Familiarity with SCADA, HMI, and industrial networking systems.

• Knowledge of intrinsically safe systems and hazardous area classifications.

• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification or equivalent.

• OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour training.

• Experience managing calibration schedule.

• Experience leading system modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical requirements

• Ability to work in laboratory and pilot plant environments.

• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to work around process equipment, piping systems, and electrical panels.

• Ability to climb ladders and work in elevated spaces as required.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety requirements.

Why join LanzaTech?

Join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of carbon recycling and industrial decarbonization. At LanzaTech, youll have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise to cutting-edge technologies that help transform waste carbon into valuable products while contributing to a more sustainable future. Working alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and operators, youll directly support innovations that are changing the way the world thinks about carbon.