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Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

... distributed, and optimized. This is your chance to work on cutting-edge Energy Market Management ... Engineering, or equivalent experience in years * 5+ years of experience in Linux system ...

WHAT WE DO At Relativity, engineers don't just write code. They build the systems that power AI ... The team works on high-throughput, distributed systems that route AI traffic across regions and ...

Perform a broad range of I&C design activities, including design definition, control systems architecture and development, digital systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Distributed Control ...

Perform a broad range of I&C design activities, including design definition, control systems architecture and development, digital systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Distributed Control ...

Perform a broad range of I&C design activities, including design definition, control systems architecture and development, digital systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Distributed Control ...

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Distributed Systems Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$51.1K

$121.4K

$159.4K

How much do distributed systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for distributed systems engineer in Houston, TX is $121,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $149,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Distributed Systems Engineer?

A Distributed Systems Engineer typically spends their days designing, implementing, and testing scalable systems that handle large volumes of data and user requests. You'll collaborate closely with software developers, DevOps engineers, and product managers to architect solutions that ensure reliability, performance, and fault-tolerance. Regular tasks may include reviewing system performance metrics, debugging distributed applications, writing detailed documentation, and participating in code reviews. Engaging in team meetings and cross-functional discussions is also common, as seamless cooperation is vital in this complex and fast-evolving field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Distributed Systems Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distributed Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, experience with large-scale system design, and proficiency in languages such as Java, Go, or Python. Familiarity with cloud platforms (like AWS, GCP, or Azure), container orchestration tools (such as Kubernetes), and distributed databases is commonly required, and certifications in cloud computing can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and excellent communication skills help you navigate complex issues and work effectively across technical teams. These skills are fundamental for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust distributed systems that perform reliably at scale.

What does a Distributed Systems Engineer do?

A Distributed Systems Engineer designs, builds, and maintains large-scale systems that run across multiple machines or data centers. They ensure reliability, scalability, and fault tolerance by using technologies like cloud computing, containerization, and distributed databases. Their work often involves solving complex problems related to data consistency, network latency, and system coordination.

What are the most commonly searched types of Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? For Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Systems Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
Infographic showing various Distributed Systems Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,430 per year, or $58.4 per hour.
Power Systems Automation Engineer

Power Systems Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.
SEL manufactures intelligent electronic devices (IED), Remote Terminal Units (RTU), and logic controllers that provide state-of-the-art monitoring, communication, and protection of power systems in multiple industries.
SEL Engineering Services (SEL ES) is the sector of SEL that creates solutions to target applications of SEL equipment for worldwide customers. The SEL ES engineering team designs, develops, tests, and commissions projects to meet our customers' requirements. Applications include, but are not limited to:
  • Utilities - Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  • Industrial Plants and Universities- Substation and Switchgear
  • Renewables - Wind, Solar, and BESS

SEL ES - Automation projects focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the customer to monitor and control their power system.
Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL ES Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing and commissioning of the project. Projects often include, but are not limited to:
  • Communication network equipment
  • Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs.
  • Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client.
  • Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation and restoration.
  • Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software

Position:
  • Project Engineer - Automation

Position Experience Requirement:
  • Minimum of 7+ years
  • Past work history, or equivalency, to meet position description and skill requirements

Position Description:
  • Working alongside Project Managers, Technical Leads, and Engineers from other focus areas
  • Technical leading to assist Project Managers and Salesforce in planning applications for customers
  • Joins customer meetings to provide SEL equipment expertise and recommendations for future and active projects
  • Defines and oversees the execution of multiple objectives with minimal guidance and general high-level direction
  • Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment and solutions
  • Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture and Applications Data Flow)
  • Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area.
  • Mentors their project team and teaches others in their disciplines.
  • Reviews and certifies deliverables for quality standards prior to customer submittal
  • Automation Design Specifications and drawings
  • Product configurations
  • Factory testing and procedures
  • Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures
  • Service reports
  • Technical lead of the project engineering team that will define deliverables, schedule, and project execution from design through commissioning.

Position skill requirements:
  • Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment)
  • Ownership of schedule and a self-starter for research
  • Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues.
  • Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations
  • Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials
  • Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)
  • Experience with server/client SCADA applications
  • Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications
  • Willing to travel at least 50% of the time domestically and abroad

Additions skills but not requirements:
  • Experience with phase I/O style project management
  • Experience with SEL product configurations
  • Experience with IEC-61131 programming
  • Experience with Python programming
  • Experience with IT/OT Network design
  • Experience with IT/OT Network troubleshooting (Wireshark)
  • Substation safety training
  • Work from home experience

Location Information:
Houston, TX-This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work. #INDD2
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data
New hires generally start between $110,000 - 175,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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