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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Control Center, the System Operator's focus is to ensure the smooth operation of hydroelectric generating stations, storage dams and transmission & distribution systems. More specific ...

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 ...

Position Summary The Distribution System Operator Sr. is responsible for the safe, reliable and ... Monitors all aspects of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. * Dispatches ...

This position involves monitoring and operating distributed control system (DCS) panels, turbines, and auxiliary equipment while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards.

This position involves monitoring and operating distributed control system (DCS) panels, turbines, and auxiliary equipment while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards.

This position involves monitoring and operating distributed control system (DCS) panels, turbines, and auxiliary equipment while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards.

System Operator

Johnson, VT ยท On-site

$58.53/hr

Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is seeking a System Operator in either our Johson or Newport ... Monitor distribution and transmission system conditions using approved control and data tools ...

Minimum of two years as a Control Center Operator; * Minimum of three years as a Distribution System Operator III; * Minimum of three years of direct experience working rotating shifts through the ...

System Operator

Johnson, VT ยท On-site

$58.53/hr

Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is seeking a System Operator in either our Johson or Newport ... Monitor distribution and transmission system conditions using approved control and data tools ...

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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 May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Distributed Control System Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs? Cities with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:
What states have the most Distributed Control System Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Distributed Control System Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Distributed Control System Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Engineering Superintendent, Control Systems

Engineering Superintendent, Control Systems

Cheniere Energy

Gregory, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Engineering Superintendent, Control Systems reports to the Process Services Manager and is responsible for leading the reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of all control systems. This role ensures safe, reliable, and optimized operation of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), PLCs, and associated instrumentation networks while supporting production goals and regulatory compliance. This position provides strategic and technical leadership to a team of control systems engineers and specialists and partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Projects, IT, and other stakeholders.ย 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of control systems engineers and specialists.
  • Set priorities, manage workload, and ensure alignment with plant objectives for the control systems team.
  • Ensure availability and reliability of DCS, SIS, PLC, and SCADA systems.ย 
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex control system issues.
  • Oversee alarm management, loop tuning, and control strategy optimization.
  • Lead root cause analysis for control system related failures.ย 
  • Develop and execute long-term lifecycle plans for control systems hardware and software.ย 
  • Manage system upgrades and maintain system backups, disaster recovery plans, and redundancy strategies.ย 
  • Ensure configuration management and documentation are accurate and up to date.ย 
  • Partner with IT teams to maintain control systems cybersecurity posture.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable standards and codes.
  • Participate in audits, risk assessments, and mitigation planning.
  • Provide technical oversight for control system scope in capital projects and turnarounds.
  • Support commissioning, startup, and performance testing.ย 
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve process control, efficiency, and uptime.
  • Champion advanced process control and digital initiatives where applicable.ย 
  • Utilize data analytics to drive performance improvements.ย 
  • Work closely with Operations to support safe and efficient plant performance.
  • Coordinate with Maintenance on planning and execution of system work.
  • Interface with vendors, OEMs, and service providers.ย 
  • Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.ย 
  • The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.ย 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:ย 

Knowledge:

Strong fundamental knowledge of field instrumentation, control system architecture and design and its application in automated industrial facilities.ย  Preferred In-depth knowledge of the Yokogawa Distributed Control System (DCS), Yokogawa Safety Instrumented System (SIS), and Allen Bradley Programmable Logic Control Systems (PLC) in an operating facility. Familiar with the hazards of hydrocarbon processes, cryogenic services and the methods used to keep process facilities safe. Knowledge of LNG Liquefaction technology and processes.ย  In-depth knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations and their implementation in LNG operating facilities. Competent in the configuration, testing and troubleshooting of process automation applications, software, cyber security, and their communication interfaces.

Skills:

  • Strong leadership, teamwork and organizational skills.
  • Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.ย 
  • Organized and able to manage multiple activities and programs timely and with a high degree of accuracy.ย 
  • The ability to achieve a range of priorities on an ongoing daily basis, by coordinating labor while maintaining high standards of quality and integrity.
  • High degree of personal motivation to maintain accurate and consistent counts and issues, ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and to prioritize work correctly, strong player and an ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment.
  • Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills.ย 
  • A high level of safety awareness and knowledge of applicable Industry design regulations is required.
  • Computer literate with typical office packages.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEย 

Education, Trainingย and Certifications:ย Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering field required.ย 

Experience:ย Minimum of ten (10+) years' of experience in control systems engineering within oil & gas, LNG, or petrochemical industries. Previous supervisory experience is strongly preferred.ย 

DIRECT REPORTS

Control Systems Engineers and Specialist

FREEDOM TO ACT

Ability to multi-task and function in a highly dynamic atmosphere; must exercise discretion independently with minimal supervision. Must be able to direct the work of others by setting priorities and holding team accountable.ย 

WORK CONDITIONSย 

  • Job is performed in an industrial plant environment.ย ย 
  • Regularly, work will be performed from home, after normal work hours or on weekends.ย 
  • Limited travel required, as business conditions dictate.ย 
  • Subject to drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations or as required by Cheniere.ย 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, work at height above ground on stairs and catwalks, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear, smell, type and write.ย ย 
  • Must be able to board a ship via a gangway, climb to the top of a tank (200+ steps), scale vertical steel ladder up to forty feet or more in height and lift and move objects weighting up to 50 pounds.ย 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work indoors and outdoors, and be exposed to year-around weather conditions, ocean environment, and noise. There is a considerable amount of outdoor activities involved.ย 
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.ย 
  • Required to pass regularly scheduled physical examinations mandated by regulatory authorities.ย 
  • Required to obtain mandated certification by attending Company-sponsored training in basic first aid, and CPR.
  • Must maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card in good standing status.ย 

ADA JOB REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that the essential functions of the job can be performed and not hinder the employee's performance due to physical or mental disability.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Cheniere Energy is an equal opportunity workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation if requested for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices.

Cheniere Energy is a global leader in LNG providing flexible, reliable and affordable energy to the world while powering the transition to a lower-carbon future.

We are a values-driven company that focuses on teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, nimbleness, and above all, safety for our employees, our communities, and our assets.

ย Cheniere Energy's global impact is achieved through a diverse and passionate workforce that is invested in our company through our annual stock-grant program. Our high-performing employees are united by a shared mission, common goals and a culture of inclusion and caring. ย 

Our comprehensive compensation and benefits offerings are competitive and strong, and they prioritize wellness and performance incentives that reward results. As an employee of Cheniere Energy, you will make an impact on our business and our communities.

A Fortune 500 company, Cheniere Energy is headquartered in Houston with U.S. offices in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Washington D.C.;ย  ย production sites in Cameron, Louisiana and Gregory, Texas; and international offices in London, Singapore, Beijing and Tokyo.