ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Aerotek

Industrial Electrician

Berlin, NJ

$42/hr

Familiarity with DCS (Distributed Control System) environments and installations. * Ability to ... Ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical prints, drawings, operating and maintenance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDistributed Control System Operator JobsDistributed Control System Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Distributed Control System Operator information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$11

$24

$38

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Philadelphia, PA is $24.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.12 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 (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 Philadelphia, PA? For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:
Distributed Control System Operator jobs near you

Associate Engineer - Process Controls

Energy transfer

Marcus Hook, PA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Energy Transfer rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Energy Transfer, recognized by Forbes as one of America's best large employers, is dedicated to responsibly and safely delivering America's energy. We are driven to inspire our employees to create superior value for our customers, our investors, a sustainable future and giving back to the community where we have long-standing commitments to causes including MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House and many more.
We value all of our employees who make our growth and success possible. We are proud to offer industry leading compensation, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match with additional profit sharing, PTO and abundant career opportunities.
Come join our award winning 12,000 strong organization as we fuel the world and each other!
Summary:
This position assists in the maintenance and health of the process control systems at a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) processing & terminalling facility. Good analytical skills are required to diagnose problems, and the candidate must be able to identify multiple alternatives and/or recommendations for a given problem, as well as facilitate the implementation of solutions. The Associate Process Controls Engineer will provide day-to-day support of the site distributed control systems (DCS) and process control networks.
Description:
  • Provide technical assistance with troubleshooting, optimization, design, configuration, and programming of process control systems essential to terminal and pipeline operations.
  • Ensure the integrity of the DCS. Monitor and troubleshoot the process control system programming, software, and hardware, including performance monitoring. Work with engineering, operations & maintenance daily to ensure operational reliability of the site.
  • Work with Process Control Engineers and project management teams to implement revised and/or new basic process control & advanced control solutions. Create logic programming from control narratives/functional specifications. Test programming and equipment in a lab or simulated environment.
  • Develop and maintain various DCS-related documentation such as control narratives, functional specifications, cause and effects, procedures, P&IDs, and electrical drawings.
  • Keep current on all equipment modifications, software revisions, and future direction of the process control industry. Manage process control system software versioning.
  • Work with Operational Technology (OT) staff to ensure reliability of the plant process control network (hardware & software). Ensure that corporate IT and cybersecurity policies and guidelines are followed.
  • Assist in the definition of spare parts and preventative maintenance requirements for DCS and related components. Assist in the lifecycle management (patching, revisions) of software and firmware.
  • Manage process control training simulators.
  • Support control system staging environment and patch validation.
  • Work with third-party companies and product representatives as required to assist in design, factory acceptance testing, simulator development, and commissioning & start-up activities.
  • Ensure Process Safety and Risk Management objectives are practiced daily through participation in Management of Change, Process Hazards Analysis and pre-planning.

Requirements:
Education and/or Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements for this position are listed below
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and 0-3 years of relevant job-related familiarity and/or experience in process controls.
  • Awareness, familiarity, and/or knowledge of control network protocols including EtherNet/IP and Modbus.
  • Awareness, familiarity, and/or knowledge of basic process & advanced process distributed control systems, HMI graphics and data historians.
  • Awareness, familiarity, and/or knowledge and experience with PLC programming and hardware configuration.
  • Awareness familiarity and/or knowledge of local and wide area networking concepts including network topologies, switch configuration and network security concepts. Ability to manage software revisions, site licensing, and support agreements.
  • Awareness and/or knowledge of process manufacturing field instrumentation & technology.
  • Self-motivated individual with a high level of initiative.
  • Position requires the ability to balance multiple projects/tasks simultaneously, the ability to prioritize tasks, and the ability to shift established priorities in response to changing business needs.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, sound organizational skills.
  • Proactively initiates, develops, and maintains effective working relationships. Ability to function effectively in a team environment.
  • Competent with personal computer applications (Microsoft Office, etc.).
  • Knowledge of industry safety practices.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays and respond to callouts on a non-routine basis.
  • Physical requirements - Must be able to lift 40 lbs, climb ladders and stairs. Walking, bending, stooping is required. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment including the use of a respirator. Must be able to respond to visual and audible.
  • Willingness to travel to facility locations in southern New Jersey and Texas.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience in refinery, manufacturing and/or pipeline environment.
  • Experience with Rockwell PlantPAx, Allen-Bradley PLC, HMI interface software & hardware, SCADA interface, Capstone dataPARC, Toptech terminaling applications.
  • Knowledge or awareness of relevant industry best practices, codes, and regulations (ex. API, DOT, ISA, PHMSA, PSM, NFPA, NEC).

Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Normal office working conditions and field work
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required.
  • Visits to industrial/manufacturing settings, which may include exposure to various materials and chemicals, as well as extreme temperature conditions and loud machinery, and require appropriate personal protective equipment will occur.

What Energy Transfer employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply