ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Distribution System Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Mastech Digital

Senior Project Manager

Washington, DC · Remote

$70 - $75/hr

... Operator market rules, business practices, and stakeholder procedures related to adoption ... Preferred Skills: - Power system planning, distributed energy resources planning, battery energy ...

M1 Technology

Software and Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA

$177K - $210K/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 ...

Leidos

System Integration Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... operating within the National Airspace System. * Support formal customer demonstrations ... Experience working with distributed systems, enterprise messaging, and service-oriented ...

Leidos

System Integration Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$180K/yr

... operating within the National Airspace System. * Support formal customer demonstrations ... Experience integrating and testing large-scale, distributed software systems. * Strong Linux/UNIX ...

Leidos

System Integration Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · Hybrid

$180K/yr

... operating within the National Airspace System. * Support formal customer demonstrations ... Experience integrating and testing large-scale, distributed software systems. * Strong Linux/UNIX ...

NRTC

Power Systems Advisory Engineer

Herndon, VA

Execute and/or review distribution planning and power system studies, including protection and ... We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office ...

NRTC

Power Systems Advisory Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office ... Execute and/or review distribution planning and power system studies, including protection and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDistribution System Operator JobsDistribution System Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Distribution System Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$33

$58

How much do distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution system operator in Washington, DC is $33.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.47 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Distribution System Operator?

A Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for managing and controlling the distribution of electricity from the transmission system to end users, such as homes and businesses. DSOs ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity, monitor real-time grid operations, and respond to outages or emergencies. They also coordinate with power generators, transmission system operators, and other stakeholders to maintain grid stability and integrate renewable energy sources. The role may involve using specialized software, remote monitoring tools, and field operations. DSOs play a crucial part in modernizing the electrical grid and supporting energy transition initiatives.

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 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.

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 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.
More about Distribution System Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in Washington, DC? For Distribution System Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution System Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution System Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:
Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution System Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,200 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
System Administrator (MUST HAVE Top Secret/SCI)

System Administrator (MUST HAVE Top Secret/SCI)

TRI-COR Industries, Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

$160K - $170K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Systems Administrator
Job Location: Onsite - Arlington, VA
Job Type: Full time, 10% travel
Salary Target: $160,000 - $170,000
Minimum Clearance: US Citizen holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance
Xenith Solutions is a small mission-focused business serving Federal / Civilian, Defense and Intelligence organizations with superior service. If you want to be a part of a rapidly growing business with an exceptional culture, then you want to be a part of the Xenith Solutions family.
Xenith Solutions is seeking a Systems Administrator to join our team in support of a government contract for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) focused on the Joint Fires Network (JFN).
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Administrator to join our team and provide essential development and support to strategic initiatives.
Skills & Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years' system administration experience (server and desktop security implementation and management and software development IT infrastructure setup and management)
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government computers, networks, and security
  • Past experience administering server-side technology and networked computing systems.
  • Ability to prioritize a wide range of workloads with critical deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities, but not limited to:
  • Responsible for asset installation/configuration, operation and maintenance of systems hardware, software, and related infrastructure.
  • Configure and manage operating systems (Windows and Linux), applications (commercial and government), networks (IPs, subnets, etc.), and network equipment (switches)
  • Configure and manage DOD and IC standard distributed authentication services
  • Build up systems from "bare metal" in alignment with accredited baselines
  • Ensure that system hardware, operating systems, software systems and related procedures adhere to government policies.
  • Perform regular security monitoring to identify any possible intrusions.
  • Perform daily backup operations.
  • Perform regular file archival and purge, as necessary.
  • Create, change, and delete user accounts per request.
  • Perform ongoing performance tuning, hardware upgrades and resource optimization, as required.
  • Repair and recover from hardware or software failures for multiple sites.
  • Establishes, documents, and monitor the government's cyber security program implementation plan.
  • Maintain facility video distribution system and displays.
  • All other tasks and duties as assigned
  • Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Patient and professional demeanor, with a can-do attitude.
  • Familiarity with DNS / DHCP / Kickstart / LDAP / Kubernetes / Red Hat 7&8 / Windows 10 / ACAS / Rancher / Grafana / Cloud Security Gateway
  • Maintain and create system documentation.
  • Willingness to learn new technologies.
  • Ability to surge hours worked through events
  • Able to create simple scripts (i.e. powershell or bash)
  • Ability to automate installation, configuration, and provisioning using Infrastructure as Code tools like Terraform, Ansible, Puppet, and Chef.
  • Ability to configure and manage operating systems (Windows and Linux), applications (commercial and government), networks (IPs, subnets, etc.), and network equipment (switches)
  • Ability to configure and manage DOD and IC standard distributed authentication services
  • Advantageous to have knowledge of DOD and IC network infrastructures
  • Knowledge of Joint IO Range, Defense Research and Engineering Network, and other similar environments beneficial
  • Cybersecurity Management Certification (CISSP, CISM), Cybersecurity IAT-2 level Technical Certification (Security+, GSEC, etc.)
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF) accreditation experience

Qualifications
Xenith Solutions LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 2019. We provide comprehensive, timely and relevant Solutions and Business Consulting support to our customers as a key partner. Our leadership brings over a century of combined experience in Defense and Civilian markets. Our employees possess experience in all aspects of solution development from requirements creation, development, test and evaluation, fielding, and sustainment. At the core of our offerings, we provide strategy and technology solutions, giving our customers valuable insights and thought leadership on the best application of information technology to drive business objectives.
Xenith focuses on solving complex business challenges facing our customers. Our "Success Through Achievement" work ethic means our customer receive quality solutions through our commitment. We pride ourselves on tackling some of the most difficult operational requirements our customers have - ensuring an appropriate match between the mission requirements, financials, schedule, and security.
EEO
Xenith Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
EEO IS THE LAW - If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Xenith Solutions.
E-Verify
As a Federal Contractor, Xenith Solutions is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
Affirmative Action Plan As a federal government contractor, and based on Executive Orders and applicable laws and regulations,
Xenith Solutions develops and maintains annual written Affirmative Action Plans and endeavors to hire and advance qualified minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

Apply