Ryan Kelley — Instrumentation & Controls

What I Do

I bridge the gap between complex field realities and the people who operate them. I don’t just fix the machine; I build the documentation, visual guides, and training materials so the next person knows how to keep it running.

Diagnose(Field Troubleshooting) → Document(SOPs & Guides) → Transfer(Training & Support)

Where I’m Heading

I am actively exploring roles in Technical Writing, Instructional Design, and Product/Application Support. I want to work in environments where deep, field-level system knowledge and clear, actionable communication are the primary job requirements, not just a side skill.

Experience

E&I Specialist — Brown & Root

Morris, IL · September 2026 – Present

Perform hands-on electrical and instrumentation maintenance in live industrial environments.
Translate complex E&I diagnostics into broader process control knowledge, acting as a technical bridge between field devices and plant automation.

Instrumentation Technician — MKD Electric (contracted to Ingredion)

Bedford Park, IL · June 2025 – February 2026

Diagnosed and resolved instrumentation faults on packer systems, crystallizers, and conveyors in a 24/7 food-grade facility.
Executed daily electrical diagnostics (voltage, continuity, 4–20mA loop verification) using Fluke multimeters and process calibrators.
Isolated and repaired pneumatic control faults, limit switches, and solenoid valves across multiple production lines.
Verified PLC I/O points to rapidly isolate faults at the field device, wiring, or controller level.
Authored visual troubleshooting guides, SOPs, and equipment documentation, directly improving maintenance team efficiency and onboarding.

HVAC Controls Technician — Applied Controls

South Holland, IL · July 2017 – July 2019

Commissioned VAV boxes and zone control systems on commercial BAS projects using Johnson Controls equipment.
Performed point-to-point verification of control wiring between field devices and BAS controllers.
Installed and wired DDC controllers, thermostats, damper actuators, and pressure sensors in new construction and retrofit environments.

Educator & Substitute Teacher — Will County, IL School Districts

2019 – 2025

Managed dynamic classrooms of 20–30 students, adapting complex lesson plans to diverse learning styles.
Developed core instructional and communication habits that directly translate to creating intuitive technical documentation and driving knowledge transfer on a plant floor.

Technical Skills

Field Diagnostics

24VDC–480VAC troubleshooting, relay logic, motor controls, schematic/P&ID interpretation, signal tracing

Controls & Instrumentation

4–20mA loops, process transmitters (P/T/L), limit switches, pneumatic systems, control valves, I/P transducers, PLC I/O verification

Building Automation

Johnson Controls BAS, VAV commissioning, DDC controllers, point-to-point wiring verification

Tools & Safety

Fluke multimeters, process calibrators, SCADA/HMI interfaces, CMMS, LOTO, confined space

Technical Communication

SOP development, visual troubleshooting guides, operator training materials, instructional design

Education & Certifications

B.A., Elementary Education and Teaching

Western Governors University · 2024

A.S., Information Technology

Joliet Junior College · 2016

Process Control & Instrumentation Technology (PCIT)

Joliet Junior College · enrolling Spring 2026

Certifications

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) – MKD Electric (2025) | CPR – American Red Cross (exp. 2027)