Instrumentation Expert

Role & responsibilities

1. Instrument Installation and Commissioning

• Review, approve, and develop technical specifications, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), loop diagrams, instrument datasheets, and hook-up drawings.
• Install Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of new hydrometeorological and environmental monitoring instruments and control systems.
• Configure telemetry, communication, and power systems for operational use
• Ensure proper integration of instruments with central monitoring systems

2. Operation and Maintenance

• Conduct routine maintenance and calibration of monitoring instruments
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, sensor, instrument failures, network communication issues, and control loop instabilities.
• Ensure continuous operational readiness of field observation systems

3. Telemetry and Data Communication

• Maintain telemetry systems for real-time data transmission
• Troubleshoot communication issues involving GSM/GPRS, satellite, radio, or internet-based systems
• Ensure reliable transmission of observational data to central servers and DSS platforms

1. Data Quality and Monitoring

• Oversee the programming, configuration, and integration of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Support quality control and validation of observational datasets
• Monitor sensor performance and identify anomalies or inconsistencies
• Coordinate with technical teams to improve data reliability and operational performance

1. Integration with DSS and Operational Systems

• Support integration of observational data into decision support systems and forecasting platforms
• Coordinate with developers, meteorologists, hydrologists, and GIS experts to ensure proper system interoperability
• Assist in configuring automated data acquisition workflows

1. Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Conduct training sessions for operational staff and partner agencies on instrument handling and maintenance
• Provide technical support during field deployments and operational activities
• Support strengthening of the national observation network capacities

1. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain records of instrument inventories, maintenance activities, and calibration reports
• Prepare technical documentation and operational guidelines
• Provide periodic status reports on field systems and network performance

1. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor in line with project needs and priorities.

Deliverables:

• Operational and calibrated monitoring instruments and field systems
• Reliable telemetry and data transmission systems
• Maintenance logs and calibration reports
• Integrated observational datasets for DSS and forecasting platforms
• Technical documentation and operational manuals
• Training materials and capacity-building support outputs
• Periodic progress reports aligned with project timelines

Preferred candidate profile

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in instrumentation systems, environmental monitoring networks, or field-based sensor systems
• Experience working with hydrometeorological instruments such as AWS, ARG, water level sensors, weather radars, air quality sensors, tide gauges, or related systems
• Experience in installation, calibration, operation, and maintenance of field instrumentation systems
• Familiarity with telemetry and data communication systems (GPRS, GSM, satellite, radio, IoT-based systems)
• Experience troubleshooting hardware, power systems, and sensor communication issues
• Experience supporting operational monitoring systems with high uptime requirements

Technical Skills (Desirable):

• Familiarity with SCADA systems and remote monitoring platforms
• Knowledge of data loggers, embedded systems, and sensor integration
• Basic networking and server connectivity knowledge
• Experience with solar-powered field systems and battery backup systems
• Familiarity with data quality control and sensor validation procedures
• Basic scripting or automation skills for diagnostics and monitoring

Personal Qualities:

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and operational reliability
• Ability to work in field conditions and remote locations
• Strong coordination and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams