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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Atlanta, GA

... Water Distribution System Operator certification, or a Georgia Wastewater Collection System ... Assists with traffic control at work sites; flags traffic through/around work sites; sets up safety ...

... Water Distribution System Operator certification, or a Georgia Wastewater Collection System ... Assists with traffic control at work sites; flags traffic through/around work sites; sets up safety ...

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Lead control system projects from design through startup and commissioning * Develop and ... Conduct operator training and support customers during system startup * Interface directly with ...

... operators, and project managers while developing foundational technical expertise in industrial ... system startup, commissioning, and turnover to operations. • Perform PLC and SCADA programming ...

... operating at the highest level. Come join the 7,000 employees worldwide working at Primetals ... Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) based automation control ...

... operating at the highest level. Come join the 7,000 employees worldwide working at Primetals ... Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) based automation control ...

Utilize process data from Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to troubleshoot operational issues and ... Engage with operators and frontline employees to gather feedback, build relationships, and drive ...

... operating at the highest level. Come join the 7,000 employees worldwide working at Primetals ... Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) based automation control ...

Showing results 21-40

Distributed Control System Operator information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do distributed control system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Atlanta, GA is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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?

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 Atlanta, GA?

For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Distributed Control System Operator job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,280 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Principal Engineer

Lead the Systems That Support Georgia's Real-Time Grid Operations

Georgia System Operations Corporation (GSOC) is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide senior technical leadership for the Energy Control System (ECS) and the critical applications, hardware, software, and infrastructure that support real-time grid operations.

This role has overall responsibility for the security and operational readiness of GSOC's Energy Control System environment, including systems used by Transmission, Generation, Interchange, and Scheduling Member Operations.

As a Principal Engineer, you will advise on ECS performance, backup, maintainability, security, system availability, and operational resilience while providing direction during urgent or emergency system events.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced utility technology leader who can combine deep EMS/SCADA knowledge, application and system support expertise, security awareness, and strong technical judgment in a mission-critical control center environment.

 What You'll Do

As a Principal Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting the availability, reliability, maintainability, and cybersecurity readiness of systems that support GSOC's real-time operations.

You will:

  • Lead application and system restoration, problem resolution, and operational recovery for ECS hardware, software, applications, and data.
  • Direct associates, contractors, and vendors through urgent problem resolution to maximize availability for system operators.
  • Manage security devices, firewalls, and external connections that protect ECS systems and data.
  • Coordinate with ECS system and database administrators to support compliance with ECS security policies.
  • Monitor ECS systems for electronic intrusion and coordinate required communications if a cyber security event occurs.
  • Manage backup processes for ECS data, servers, and applications to support timely recovery after system events.
  • Recommend hardware, software, monitoring tools, and system performance solutions to support ECS reliability and maintainability.
  • Provide configuration and system support for critical ECS applications, including ICCP, PNA, AGC, EDC, PI Historical Archive Server, and Dispatcher Training Simulator.
  • Manage, develop, administer, and tune ECS systems to meet performance and security objectives and maximize availability for system operators.
  • Manage ECS PCs, including installation, setup, unauthorized software scans, and controls that restrict software installation on critical machines.
  • Provide mentoring and training to System Operators, application users, and GSOC/CRO staff on ECS applications.
  • Coordinate installation of security patches, software upgrades, and hardware/software upgrades for ECS systems.
  • Participate in the review and approval of software changes, test plans, and software promotion requests.

This senior role may also require decisive action during emergency conditions when ECS availability, security, or performance is threatened.

 What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • Ten years of experience in an on-call software and hardware support role for a utility Energy Management System.
  • Four years of software development experience with increasing responsibility for the continuous operation of developed software.
  • Strong experience supporting and administering systems in Unix, Windows NT, and IP-based network environments is desirable.
  • Professional Engineer certification, Bulk Electric System Cyber Authorized status, and NERC Reliability Standard Personnel Risk Assessment status are required or must be maintained as applicable.
  • Excellent organizational skills, customer communication skills, and team communication skills.
 Preferred QualificationsEnergy Management Systems & Real-Time Applications
  • Solid experience providing 24x7 support for GE XA/21 Energy Management and Java applications.
  • Experience with utility-specific EMS/SCADA systems, real-time control systems, relational database applications, transaction-based applications, or web-based development.
  • Experience supporting critical ECS applications such as ICCP, PNA, AGC, EDC, PI Historical Archive Server, and Dispatcher Training Simulator.
Programming, Systems & Database Expertise
  • Solid experience with C programming.
  • Expertise in two or more of the following: C++, VB, Unix AIX shell programming, SQL, or Java.
  • Experience with AIX administration, Linux, Windows NT/XP, Sybase, Oracle, XML, COM/DCOM, data communications protocols, or TCP/IP network communications.
  • Experience with software and database modeling tools such as Rational Rose or System Architect, UML, and object-oriented design and analysis.
Security, Project Management & Operational Support
  • Experience with firewall management, system security, application and system design, testing, deployment, and support.
  • Experience in project management for application development-related projects and knowledge of Microsoft Project.
  • Experience supporting control center or utility environments where systems must remain available, secure, and maintainable.
 Leveling Overview
  • Principal Engineer - Senior technical expert responsible for leading security, performance, system availability, restoration, backup, and maintainability of the Energy Control System and related critical applications.
  • This role advises leadership, mentors technical and operations staff, coordinates vendors and internal resources, and provides technical direction during urgent or emergency system conditions.
 Additional Role Expectations
  • Due to the critical nature and continuous operation of the Control Center, this role participates in an on-call rotation.
  • While on call, the role must be able to report to the office within one hour.
  • The role is required to assist with timely and cost-effective resolution of ECS problems whenever contacted.
  • The on-call support function is responsible for correcting problems, implementing workarounds, or devising workarounds to support continued operations.
 Advantages of Working at GSOC

Working at GSOC means more than just a job--it's an opportunity to contribute to work that truly matters.

Mission-Driven Impact

Your work directly supports the systems and applications used to operate Georgia's electric grid in real time.

Critical Systems Leadership

Lead high-impact technical work across energy management systems, control center applications, cybersecurity controls, backup and recovery, and system performance.

Strong Values and Professional Standards

Work in an environment grounded in accountability, collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement where reliability, security, and operational excellence are core priorities.

Work Environment & Benefits

GSOC offers a professional, collaborative work environment with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Benefits include, but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match, Parental Leave, Educational Assistance, Annual Performance Bonus, Paid Time Off, and Volunteer Time Off.

Why Join GSOC

At GSOC, your work helps ensure the Energy Control System and related mission-critical tools remain secure, available, and reliable for real-time operations.

You'll collaborate with experienced engineering, operations, technology, and vendor partners in a mission-driven environment focused on reliability, security, performance, and continuous improvement.

Apply Today

If you're ready to apply your Energy Management System, application support, system administration, and cybersecurity expertise to a senior technical role supporting critical electric grid operations, we encourage you to apply.