Instrument Technician

Most instrument technician jobs fall mainly into two fields: medical and electrical. While there is a wee bit of overlap between the two fields (for example, both usually require the ability to operate in fast-paced environments), in most respects, the two are very different jobs indeed.

For starters, the medical instrument technician is responsible for the sterilization of operating room instruments between procedures. This implies knowledge of sterilization processes, as well as how to operate the various types of machinery used. While a high school diploma is usually the most basic requirement for this position, there is also an Instrument Technician Certification which is given preference by many employers.

On the other hand, an electronic instrument technician is usually required to have a two year degree or certificate in an electrical or instrument discipline, a journeyman’s electrician certificate or equivalent military training. In addition, there are many different manufacturers of electrical instruments that the technician may be required to maintain, so familiarity or certification in the brands used by a given company is also an important distinguishing factor.

While the medical instrument technician will almost invariably have an indoor work environment, the electronic instrument technician may work in a variety of environments, from indoor offices to busy construction sites. The most common work site is probably the manufacturing floor, which may be climate controlled or not, depending on the type of facility.

Work hours are actually similar for the two fields, because both hospitals and manufacturing facilities tend to operate on 24-hour schedules. Thus there can be a considerable amount of variability in shift availability and coverage, though entry-level instrument technicians are placed more often into second and third shift work, with more experienced techs garnering the first shift hours.

As an Instrument Technician with 6-9 years of experience in the United Arab Emirates industry, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting routine inspections and maintenance of instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning and accuracy.
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing issues with instruments, identifying root causes, and implementing effective repairs.
• Calibrating instruments according to established standards and specifications to maintain accuracy and reliability.
• Collaborating with engineers and other technicians to install, commission, and test new instruments and control systems for various projects.

For an Instrument Technician job role with 6-9 years of experience in the AE, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options:

• Senior Instrument Technician: A role with increased responsibilities, such as leading a team, overseeing complex projects, and providing technical expertise and guidance.
• Maintenance Supervisor: A position focused on managing and coordinating maintenance activities, ensuring equipment reliability, and optimizing maintenance schedules.
• Instrumentation Engineer: A role that involves designing, implementing, and maintaining instrumentation systems, conducting feasibility studies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Field Service Engineer: A position focused on providing on-site support for instrumentation systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and conducting repairs and maintenance.

According to recent data from Google, the projected growth of the Instrument Technician role in the United Arab Emirates is expected to be strong in the coming years. A 10-year analysis indicates a steady increase in demand for professionals in this field, driven by various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare. The job role is expected to witness significant growth due to ongoing industrialization and infrastructure developments in the region. As a result, there will be an abundance of employment opportunities available for Instrument Technicians in the future.