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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Saratoga Springs, NY

Senior FactoryTalk Systems Engineer

Albany, NY · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

... Distribution, and CPG/Food & Beverage industries. Our national and global scale allows us to help ... GAMP 5 & cGMP * 21 CFR Part 11 * Demonstrated ability to develop process control system ...

Routers, switches, firewalls, access points, etc. • Operating systems: Windows, Linux, Unix, etc ... Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces ...

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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 Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Saratoga Springs, NY is $24.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $27.79 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 cities near Saratoga Springs, NY are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs?

Cities near Saratoga Springs, NY with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:

Control System Engineer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY • On-site

$94K - $148K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

The Integrated Power System's unit within Submarine Programs is seeking a highly skilled control system engineer with expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for complex dynamic systems that integrate coupled mechanical, electric, fluid dynamic disciplines. This role requires strong foundations in control theory, modeling and simulation, and real-time implementation. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design control strategies, validate performance, and support integration into hardware or embedded environments. The position requires a balance of theoretical knowledge, practical hands on skills, and the ability to collaborate with engineers from diverse technical backgrounds. The work location for this position is full time at the Knolls site.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop advanced feedback and feedforward control solutions using adaptive, nonlinear, robust, and optimal control methods for coupled mechanical, electric, fluid dynamic systems.
  • Build and validate dynamic system models; performing system identification when required.
  • Lead the system integration of components such as actuators, sensors, and real time processing for distributed control platforms.
  • Conduct stability, performance, and robustness analyses using modern control techniques.
  • Implement real?time control algorithms on embedded platforms, microcontrollers or DSPs.
  • Perform simulation, verification, and validation using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools.
  • Support hardware?in?the?loop testing, data acquisition, and tuning of controllers.
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams.
  • Troubleshoot system behavior and optimize control performance during integration and testing.
  • Document models, design decisions, test results, and control strategies clearly and accurately.
Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical or systems engineering and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or
  • Masters degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical or systems engineering and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or
  • Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical or systems engineering and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
Preferred Skills
  • Academic background featuring a concentration, track, or elective sequence in control systems.
  • Relevant experience with advanced control methods such as adaptive control (e.g., Filtered X LMS), optimal control (LQR, MPC), robust control, or nonlinear control.
  • Relevant experience with system modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, or similar platforms.
  • Relevant experience with real?time control implementation on embedded systems using MATLAB/Simulink environments.
  • Experience with HIL systems, digital twins, or real?time simulation platforms.
  • Familiarity with optimization techniques and advanced estimation methods.
  • Background in robotics, electromechanical systems, power systems, propulsion, or automation.
  • Knowledge of machine learning or reinforcement learning applied to control systems.
  • Experience with data acquisition, sensor/actuator interfacing, and lab testing environments
Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
$94,800.00 - $148,200.00 annually
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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