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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Newport News, VA

Gloucester County, VA

Class IV WTP Operator

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

Monitors the on-screen display for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software ... Collects water samples from water treatment plant and water distribution system. * Tests water ...

CACI

Craft Automation and Control Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$53K - $106K/yr

Design intuitive Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) for operator ... Monitor, control, and integrate power storage, generation, and distribution systems. Apply ...

Centuria

Tactical System Analyst Senior

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Develop and update process guides/Standard Operating Procedures. * Maintain the systems utilized to ... Subject Matter Expert for Global Command & Control System Maritime & Joint (GCCS-M/J), Maritime ...

Centuria

Tactical System Analyst Senior

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Develop and update process guides/Standard Operating Procedures. * Maintain the systems utilized to ... Subject Matter Expert for Global Command & Control System Maritime & Joint (GCCS-M/J), Maritime ...

Centuria

Tactical System Analyst Senior

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... Operating Procedures. • Maintain the systems utilized to provide the Maritime Global Common ... Control Information System (MCCIS), Automatic Identification System/ Maritime Air Surface ...

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Distributed Control System Operator information

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Newport News, VA is $22.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Newport News, VA?

For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Newport News, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Newport News, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Newport News, VA are:

What cities near Newport News, VA are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs?

Cities near Newport News, VA with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:

Distributed Control System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distributed Control System Operator job openings in Newport News, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,561 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Senior Ovation DCS Programmer / Control Systems Engineer

Newport News, VA • On-site

Hazen and Sawyer
Environmental Consulting Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Hazen and Sawyerexternal

$151K - $157K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking an experienced Senior Ovation DCS Programmer / Control Systems Engineer to support the design, implementation, commissioning, and long-term support of Emerson Ovation Distributed Control Systems for water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role is a senior technical position responsible for hands-on system programming, configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization, with direct involvement in plant operations, startup, and lifecycle support. The successful candidate will serve as a technical lead, supporting project delivery while mentoring junior staff and collaborating closely with operations, engineering, and project management teams.

This position can be based at any Hazen location; however, our preference is for it to be based in Virginia or the Washington, D.C. area.

Why Hazen and Sawyer:

  • Founded in 1951 by the son of Allen Hazen (developer of the Hazen-Williams equation), we are an employee-owned company with a singular focus on "all things water."
  • Our work includes planning, design, and oversight of construction of environmental infrastructure – for water, wastewater, and stormwater management.
  • We foster a work environment low on bureaucracy and high in creativity.
  • We recruit talented professionals, provide them with challenging, interesting, and creative assignments, and furnish them with the tools they need to succeed.
  • We currently have over 2,400 employees in 70+ offices throughout the United States, Latin America, Canada, and the UK.
  • A flexible hybrid work schedule supports today's busy professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

Ovation DCS Engineering & Programming

  • Configure, program, test, and commission Emerson Ovation DCS systems.
  • Develop and maintain control logic, operator graphics, alarm configurations, and system databases.
  • Perform system upgrades, migrations, and expansions on legacy and current Ovation platforms.
  • Support control optimization, tuning, and modernization initiatives.

Water & Wastewater Process Integration

  • Implement and support control strategies for treatment and conveyance processes including pumping, filtration, chemical feed, disinfection, sludge handling, and distribution systems.
  • Troubleshoot process and control system issues and implement corrective actions.

Testing, Commissioning & Support

  • Lead and support FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning activities.
  • Provide operational troubleshooting and post-startup support.
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, including control narratives, I/O lists, and architecture diagrams.
  • Support changing management and configuration control procedures.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

  • Implement OT cybersecurity best practices consistent with ISA/IEC 62443 and utility standards.
  • Support redundancy, backup, disaster recovery, and system resiliency planning.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

  • Serve as a technical lead on Ovation-related projects.
  • Mentor junior engineers and programmers.
  • Coordinate with operations staff, project managers, vendors, and system integrators.

Work Setting:

  • Hybrid Preferred (3 days in office; 2 days remote)

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in control systems or automation.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with Emerson Ovation DCS systems.
  • Experience supporting water or wastewater treatment facilities strongly preferred.
  • Experience with FAT, SAT, and field commissioning.
Preferred Qualifications:
HAZEN AND SAWYER logo

About HAZEN AND SAWYER

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hazen and Sawyer, headquartered in New York, NY, US, operates within the field of environmental science and engineering. Founded in 1951, the firm specializes in designing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities, comprehensive solid waste services, and other environmental infrastructure projects. Striving towards nurturing clean, safe water supply, the company upholds it as its primary mission. Their dedication reflects in their numerous honors received at the national and regional levels, including awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Council of Engineering Companies, and Water Environment Federation.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1951

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