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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Virginia

Control Engineer 1

Manassas, VA · On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed ... Maintenance * Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators

Control Engineer 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed ... Maintenance * Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators

Bulk Chemical Operator

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Experience with DCS (Distributed Control System). * Preferred: Experience in SAP. KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS: * Ability to understand and operate a distributed process control system, personal ...

Control Engineer 1

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68K - $102K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed ... Maintenance * Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators

Bulk Chemical Operator

Hopewell, VA

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Experience with DCS (Distributed Control System). * Preferred: Experience in SAP. KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS: * Ability to understand and operate a distributed process control system, personal ...

Control Engineer 1

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$68K - $102K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed ... Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators * Perform hardware ...

Amentum is looking for a BAS Operator/Controls Technician to join our team in Springfield, VA to ... This type of work involves most of the following: diagnosing control system concerns and ensuring ...

Amentum is looking for a BAS Operator/Controls Technician to join our team in Springfield, VA to ... This type of work involves most of the following: diagnosing control system concerns and ensuring ...

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Distributed Control System Operator information

What are some common challenges faced by Distributed Control System Operators, and how can they be managed?

Distributed Control System Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to system alarms, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring continuous, safe plant operations. Rapid decision-making and effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams are crucial to minimize downtime and safety risks. Staying updated with system upgrades and participating in regular training also help operators manage new technologies and evolving procedures. Collaboration and strong attention to detail are key to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is a Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator?

A Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator is a professional responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing industrial processes using a distributed control system. They ensure that manufacturing plants or industrial facilities run efficiently, safely, and within set parameters by managing process variables such as temperature, pressure, and flow. DCS Operators respond to alarms, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with other team members to maintain smooth operations. Their role is crucial in industries like oil and gas, power generation, chemical manufacturing, and water treatment.

What is the difference between Distributed Control System Operator vs Control Room Operator?

AspectDistributed Control System OperatorControl Room Operator
CredentialsTechnical certifications in control systems, process operationsBasic operational training, sometimes technical certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, energy plantsControl rooms, monitoring stations across various industries
Industry UsagePower plants, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, transportation, manufacturing

The Distributed Control System Operator focuses on managing and monitoring complex control systems within industrial environments, often requiring technical certifications. Control Room Operators oversee plant operations from control rooms, ensuring safety and efficiency. While both roles involve monitoring equipment, the DCS Operator specializes in control system management, whereas the Control Room Operator handles overall plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distributed Control System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator, you need a solid understanding of process control, instrumentation, and industrial automation, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with DCS platforms such as Honeywell, Siemens, or Emerson, as well as relevant safety certifications and SCADA systems, is usually required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators manage complex systems and respond quickly to issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations in highly regulated industrial environments.
What are popular job titles related to Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Virginia? For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Distributed Control System Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Control Engineer 1

Control Engineer 1

M.C. Dean, Inc

Manassas, VA • On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Your Future at M.C. Dean
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired to have a meaningful impact powering, automating, integrating, and securing the world's most critical infrastructure and facilities. This translates into fulfilling opportunities for employees driven to excel in a meaningful career. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability. Together, we transform the way complex, large-scale systems are designed, delivered, and sustained-enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better.
Controls Engineers 1 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to our customer's complex needs.
Responsibilities
Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs
    • Narrative Design Documents
    • Requirements Analysis
    • Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens / Hardware / Communications)
    • Preparation of Specifications
    • Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
    • Plans and Design Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing
    • Comment Resolution
  • Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
    • Author testing / commissioning procedures
    • Preparation of test reports
    • Originates test procedures
    • Commissioning of deployed systems
    • Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
    • Perform Factory and Field Testing
  • Maintenance
    • Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators
    • Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems

Qualifications
Education / Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering or related field with 0+ years of experience

Abilities
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $72,320.00 - USD $108,480.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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