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Distribution System Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Be Seen First

Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Bedford, VA · On-site

$38.69K - $45.62K/yr

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... Distribution system components such as water tanks, valve vaults, and water mains * Read, interpret ...

Performance Food Group

Forklift Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America's food distribution system * Safe ... The Forklift Operator, Formula transports incoming freight to inventory from staging areas for ...

M1 Technology

Software and Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA

$177.90K - $210.80K/yr

... operating within a classified development environment. Team member will work as a part of the ... The Test Framework is a distributed system that manages physical and virtual test infrastructure ...

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$13

$29

$51

How much do distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution system operator in Virginia is $29.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Distribution System Operator?

A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel. You monitor system operations, maintain the distribution system, and document any issues or problems. You ensure the electric grid works through various problems and weather conditions. If you work in gas distribution, you oversee the transport of natural gas through pipeline networks and to customers. Your responsibilities and duties include troubleshooting and repairing the distribution system and creating recovery and emergency contingency plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and compliance standards, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certifications is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable power delivery, quick response to disruptions, and maintaining safety and regulatory compliance within the energy grid.

What are some typical challenges a Distribution System Operator faces during emergency situations?

Distribution System Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios during emergencies, such as severe weather events or equipment failures, where quick decision-making and effective communication are crucial. Balancing the restoration of power while ensuring the safety of field crews and the public can be challenging. Operators must coordinate closely with various teams, prioritize tasks, and adapt to rapidly changing system conditions to minimize downtime and maintain grid stability. Regular training and scenario planning help prepare for these demanding situations.

What is a distribution systems operator?

A distribution systems operator is responsible for managing and controlling the distribution of electricity from transmission systems to end-users. They monitor grid conditions, operate switching equipment, and ensure reliable power delivery, often working with SCADA systems and adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Distribution System Operator vs Substation Technician?

AspectDistribution System OperatorSubstation Technician
Required credentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., CDL, safety training)Electrical certifications, safety training
Work environmentFieldwork on power lines, substations, and distribution networksSubstation equipment maintenance and repair
Employer & industry usageUtility companies, power distribution firmsUtility companies, electrical service providers
Common search & comparison intentRoles involved in power distribution managementTechnical maintenance of substations

The Distribution System Operator oversees the operation and maintenance of power distribution networks, ensuring reliable electricity delivery. Substation Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing substation equipment. While both roles work within the electrical utility industry and require safety and electrical certifications, the Distribution System Operator has a broader responsibility for system management, whereas the Substation Technician specializes in substation equipment.

More about Distribution System Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in Virginia? For Distribution System Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution System Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution System Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in VA? For Distribution System Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution System Operator job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,596 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
SIGINT Ground Data Distribution Systems Engineer

SIGINT Ground Data Distribution Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

Other

Posted 8 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2612796
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-05-20
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a SIGINT Ground Data Distribution Systems Engineer to support the LANDMARK AOS Prime SETA program in Chantilly, VA. LANDMARK AOS supports the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED) and delivers high-impact engineering expertise across the customer's Ground Enterprise.
As the SIGINT Ground Data Distribution Systems Engineer, you will provide critical technical and acquisition expertise across the full life cycle of multi-cloud data-distribution capabilities within the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED). You will guide Government leadership through key engineering, architectural, and programmatic decisions that shape enterprise-wide data movement and interoperability.
As part of the LANDMARK AOS Prime SETA team, you will work with system engineers, developers, mission partners, FFRDC personnel, and SETA teammates to define, deploy, and integrate modern data-distribution services across hybrid-cloud environments. This includes supporting cloud migrations and ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, resilient, and aligned with enterprise data-sharing priorities.
You will serve as a trusted technical advisor with expertise in distributed data systems, cloud-native architectures, and enterprise integration, helping shape advanced data-distribution capabilities that deliver timely, reliable mission data across diverse user communities.
In this role, you will support the development of resilient hardware and software solutions, provide unbiased technical evaluations, guide cloud-transition efforts, and help teams converge on architectures optimized for performance, interoperability, and maintainability across the Directorate.
Responsibilities to include:
  • Support Data-Distribution Engineering across on-prem, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.
  • Advise Government leadership on scalable, resilient, and secure data-architecture decisions.
  • Assess system architectures, integration progress, and cloud-transition efforts.
  • Troubleshoot data-flow and interoperability issues across distributed systems.
  • Evaluate products and proposals to ensure mission alignment and technical feasibility.
  • Support enterprise readiness for test events and operational environments.
  • Shape future architectures with innovative, cost-effective, and scalable recommendations.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline, and 9 or more years of relevant experience (or a Master's degree with 7 or more years of experience).
  • Current and Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph
  • Experience with enterprise-scale distributed systems, data-flow architectures, and system-of-systems integration across cloud, hybrid-cloud, and on-prem environments.
  • Hands-on familiarity with IC customers enterprise architectures and operational environments, with proven collaboration across Government, SETA, FFRDC, and developer teams.
  • Working knowledge or experience of operating systems, compute environments, and cloud platforms including Linux, Windows, AWS, and/or Azure.
  • Demonstrated ability to support cloud migrations, enterprise integration, and system-transition activities across multiple technical teams.
  • Knowledge of Agile methodologies with experience contributing to iterative development and integration cycles.
  • Strong ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior Government leadership.
  • Proven collaboration skills, customer-focused mindset, and effectiveness within fast-paced, cross-functional acquisition environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to adjust to shifting priorities and respond proactively in dynamic mission environments.

SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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