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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Controls operating parameters from the distributed control system either manually or automatically, as required. * Monitors various plant parameters, makes changes, and directs operators as necessary ...

Follow established operating practices and procedures as they relate to customer restoration ... Control and operate the distribution system at various voltage levels. Span of control includes all ...

Control Engineer 4

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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 3

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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 ...

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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 ...

Control Engineer 2 - Manassas

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/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 ...

Control Engineer 2 (Onsite)

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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 ...

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design ... operators. o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Control Engineer 4

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design ... system operators. o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Control Engineer 2

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design ... operators. o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Control Engineer 3 - Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $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

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

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Distributed Control System Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$27

$43

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

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Washington, DC is $27.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $31.59 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 Washington, DC? For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:
Control Room Operator

Control Room Operator

Reworld

Dickerson, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Reworld rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 72 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Who we are

For more than 40 years, Reworld has been a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing our customers with innovative solutions that help them achieve carbon-negative outcomes.

Our Vision

Reworld is leading the charge to a carbon-negative future through revolutionary sustainable materials management solutions that reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine waste for the benefit of society and the environment.

Our Business

Reworld partners with businesses by offering cutting-edge engineering and innovative solutions, to help customers reduce, reuse, recycle and recover value from waste streams and meet or exceed their sustainability goals.

Our Value

Reworld's differentiator comes from our ecosystem of technology, facilities and partnerships, trusted by the world's largest organizations to reimagine waste management for a smarter, more sustainable world.

All that we're missing is you. Apply today!

About the role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Control Room Operator is responsible for the safe, environmentally sound and efficient daily operation of three Mass Burn Energy from Waste, centrally controlled boilers and turbine-generator system with associated auxiliaries and equipment. The CRO directs daily operational activities of all shift personnel, including Turbine Operators, Auxiliary Operators, Auxiliary Operators-Power Block, Heavy Equipment Operators, Back Plant Operators and Truck Drivers.

Responsibilities:

  • Places into service or removes from service boiler-turbine-generator systems and related auxiliary equipment such as valves, regulators, super-heaters, feed water heaters, cooling towers, soot-blowers, fans, conveyors, augers, fuel feeders, pumps, compressors, lime shakers, atomizers, precipitators, etc.

  • Starts, stops, parallels, separates, loads, and unloads the turbine-generator unit and adjusts voltage on the generator to maintain power factor to control in-house vars.

  • Observes proper operating procedures with reference to time and temperature when bringing a piece of equipment into service.

  • Controls operating parameters from the distributed control system either manually or automatically, as required.

  • Monitors various plant parameters, makes changes, and directs operators as necessary to maintain the systems within specified limits.

  • Records all equipment changes and any abnormal or unusual conditions that may exist on any piece of assigned equipment.

  • Performs daily routine inspections of the distributed control system, the continuous emissions monitoring system, the governor controls, the automatic voltage regulator controls, the fire system annunciation panel, the soot-blowing panel, and the Bentley-Nevada turbine supervisory instrumentation, filling out necessary log sheets and writing maintenance work requests as needed.

  • Assists the Shift Supervisor in the preparation of equipment lockouts and tag-outs.

Qualifications/Experience:

  • Must have 5 years of experience in power plant or related industry as CRO or Assistant CRO or equivalent.

  • Preferred ASME/QRO provisionally certified or be able to become certified within 6 months of hire.

  • Completion of at least one year's experience as a Turbine Operator or related outside experience.

  • Must have a minimum of high school diploma or equivalent

  • Must have thorough knowledge of the principles of operation, function and construction of steam boilers, theory and chemistry of combustion, boiler water quality control, turbine-generators, continuous emissions monitoring equipment, and auxiliary equipment and systems.

  • Must have a clear understanding of equipment interlocks, alarms and trips and must understand how the various plant control loops respond and the speed at which they respond in both normal and abnormal operating conditions.

  • Must be able to read, write and speak English clearly

Physical Demands:

  • Walk, stand, sit, climb and be able to handle temperature changes including extreme heat

  • Be able to lift/carry 50lbs

  • Qualify to wear a full-face respirator.

Shift Work: 5 shifts on, 2 shifts off, 2 shifts on, 5 shifts off, rotating 12-hour days/nights.

What Reworld Offers You:

  • Health Care Benefits - start 1st day of employment

  • Wellness Program Incentives & Rewards

  • 401k - match up to 7%

  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Holiday)

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Benefits

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Employee Referral Bonus

In addition to salary, this roleis eligible for benefits. The benefits would include medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental plans; 401(k) plan; paid parental leave; paid time off; and paid holidays.

Additional details are available athttps://www.reworldwaste.com/careers/benefits.

For additional information, refer to the Pay Transparency section below.

All Reworld positions require a candidate's ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the role while upholding Reworld's Values, including (but not limited to) contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace, delivering results through trust, and building breakthrough capabilities.

Please note that Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Pay Transparency

Reworld is committed to paying its staff equitably, and we strive to provide competitive compensation and benefits packages. The range below reflects Reworld's reasonable estimate of base pay for this role based on primary posting location. It is expected that most qualified candidates in this location will fall within the posting range. The final salary offered for this role will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to: experience, education, geographic location, skills and competencies, travel requirements and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the future.

The pay range for the primary location of this position is: $82,900.00 - $110,400.00 USD. For hourly roles, this is the annualized salary. To calculate the hourly rate, divide by 2080.

Our DEI Commitment

Reworld is an Equal Opportunity Employer, has developed an Affirmative Action Program (AAP), and will not discriminate against any qualified applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability (including perceived disability, physical, mental, and/or intellectual disabilities), veteran status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Know Your Rights (Click to view poster)

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by going to Reworldwaste.com and clicking on the 'Contact Us' button. Under Inquires, select 'Careers' in the Interest field, fill out all required fields including your message. In the message section, please note this is a 'Job Application Accommodation Request'.

Attention Staffing Agencies & Search Firms

Reworld may sometimesselectively collaborate with staffing agencies and search firms (Agencies). Reworld will only consider candidates from Agencies with whom a signed agreement and a duly authorized work order (for a specific role)has been duly executed. Any unsolicited candidate submissions or candidate submissions from Agencies that do not meet these criteria, will be deemed invalid and ineligible for any fees.


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