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Electric System Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SMECO

ENGINEER SYSTEM PROTECTION

Hughesville, MD · On-site

SMECO is aggressively pursuing electrical engineers required to fill recent promotional vacancies, retirements, and new positions required to meet the demands of operating a robust electric system ...

Mastech Digital

Senior Project Manager

Washington, DC · Remote

$70 - $75/hr

... Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), independent system operators, public utility commissions, etc.) - Demonstrated ability to succinctly and cogently ...

Tesla

AI Safety Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated AI Safety Operator to join their vehicle FSD team. In this role ... Systems (ADS) Company : Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that provides ...

Electra

Principal Electrical Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call ... Lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of electrical systems for our hybrid-electric ...

Electra

Principal Electrical Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call ... Lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of electrical systems for our hybrid-electric ...

Asplundh

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA · On-site

A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket truck) to reach branches interfering with electric lines. Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide full ...

Asplundh Tree Expert

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA

$16.93 - $23.61/hr

A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket truck) to reach branches interfering with electric lines. Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide full ...

Wadi electric

Be Seen First

Executive Assistant Office Manager

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Wadi Electric LLC Location: Catonsville, MD (In-Person) Job Type: Full-Time Compensation ... Help develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) * Build scalable office systems * Recommend ...

Helix Electric

Lead Electrician

Manassas, VA

$40 - $50/hr

Helix Electric has need for a dynamic State Certified Lead Journeyman Electrician. The successful ... wiring systems in commercial settings. * Prepares work area for installation of equipment.

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All JobsElectric System Operator JobsElectric System Operator Jobs in Washington

Electric System Operator information

See Washington salary details

$40

$47

$53

How much do electric system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric system operator in Washington is $47.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.19 and $51.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Electric System Operator vs Power Dispatcher?

AspectElectric System OperatorPower Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering or related field; certifications like NERC System Operator Certification are commonOften requires similar technical knowledge; may also hold certifications like NERC or industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentControl centers, monitoring grid operations, ensuring system reliabilityField and control room settings, coordinating power flow and dispatching
Industry UsageUsed by utilities, grid operators, and independent system operators (ISOs)Primarily employed by utilities and grid operators for real-time power management

The Electric System Operator and Power Dispatcher roles both focus on maintaining the reliability and efficiency of the electrical grid. While they share similar credentials and work environments, the Electric System Operator typically oversees broader system operations and grid stability, whereas the Power Dispatcher focuses more on real-time power dispatching and load balancing. Both roles are essential for a secure and reliable power supply.

What Does an Electric System Operator Do?

An electric system operator configures, operates, and monitors power plant systems to ensure reliability. As an electric system operator, your responsibilities include controlling and balancing the voltage generation of electrical power systems and the transmission of electrical power so that utility customers have access to reliable power. Your job duties include maintaining and repairing electrical systems, escalating operational issues to supervisors or technicians as needed, and restoring electrical systems after power failures or outages. You must work well both independently and as part of a team, paying attention to safety procedures.

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

To thrive as an Electric System Operator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in electrical engineering or a related technical field, often supported by NERC certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and real-time monitoring tools is crucial. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators manage critical situations effectively. These competencies are vital to ensuring grid reliability, safety, and rapid response to emergencies in the power system.

What are Electric System Operators?

Electric System Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of electricity through transmission and distribution networks. They ensure the reliable delivery of electricity by balancing supply and demand, responding to emergencies, and coordinating maintenance with other personnel. Their role is critical in preventing outages and maintaining the stability of the electrical grid. They often work in control centers using advanced technology and communication systems.

What are some common challenges Electric System Operators face when balancing supply and demand in real time?

Electric System Operators often encounter the challenge of maintaining grid reliability while responding to sudden changes in electricity demand, unexpected equipment failures, or fluctuations in renewable generation. Rapid decision-making and clear communication with power plants, transmission operators, and field crews are essential to prevent outages or instability. Operators must also stay vigilant during extreme weather events, which can increase system stress and require quick coordination across multiple teams.
More about Electric System Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Electric System Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Electric System Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Electric System Operator jobs in Washington? For Electric System Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electric System Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Electric System Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Electric System Operator jobs in WA? For Electric System Operator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Electric System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electric System Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,691 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
ENGINEER SYSTEM PROTECTION

ENGINEER SYSTEM PROTECTION

SMECO

Hughesville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

US:MD:HUGHESVILLE
FULL TIME
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. - SMECO
Electrical System Protection and Control Engineer
Company Description
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO), headquartered in Hughesville, Maryland, is a rapidly growing transmission and distribution cooperative with about 500 employees that serves over 175,000 consumers just south of Washington, D.C. SMECO has a peak load of almost 1000 MW, assets in excess of $1 billion, with over 400 miles of transmission lines serving 71 substations.
Positions Available
SMECO has opportunities for electrical engineers in our Transmission Department supporting engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance. SMECO is aggressively pursuing electrical engineers required to fill recent promotional vacancies, retirements, and new positions required to meet the demands of operating a robust electric system with innovation and technology.
SMECO is prepared to recruit all levels of experience including new engineering graduates. We have also been very successful at transitioning electrical engineers from other industries into the electric utility business.
Positions Description - Transmission
We are searching for electrical engineers to support our Transmission Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance needs:
System Protection and Control
Provides technical resource in the major functions of design, installation, testing and maintenance of SCADA system, 230kV transmission, 69kV sub-transmission, and substation protective relaying schemes. Prepares specifications for microprocessor based protective devices and controls for utilization in the electric system (LTC, protective relay, var controllers, etc.).
Develops procedures and assists with the testing and commissioning of protective relay systems and SCADA equipment for transmission, substation and distribution equipment. Test and Commissions local and communication-assisted differential, impedance, directional/non- directional overcurrent, sync-check, and voltage/frequency based protective relaying schemes for 230, 69, and 13 kV systems. Also prepares and checks settings for protective relaying devices and schemes.
Position Requirements
An engineering position candidate will have a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from an accredited program and be or able to become a registered Professional Engineer with experience in the Electric Utility industry. Specific experience in the electric utility industry is ideal but SMECO is prepared to recruit all levels of electrical engineering experience from other industries.
Position Advantage
SMECO is looking for qualified technical resources to focus on the investment, maintenance, and operations of the SMECO Electric System. We are looking for motivated electrical engineers ready to seize the opportunity to ensure SMECO is a technically strong Cooperative.
SMECO offers an excellent salary and benefit program as well as opportunities for advancement through responsibility and growth.

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