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Electrical Distribution System Operator Jobs in California

The Copper River Family of Companies

$55 - $63/hr

... operating, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting power plant systems in support of Naval Base Ventura County - San Nicolas Island. This role involves hands-on work with electrical distribution ...

Pkaza

Senior Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $150K/yr

They will have experience and in-depth knowledge of Electrical Power Systems / Power Distribution System design and installation. Previous experience with electrical equipment design to include ...

Palomar Health

Plant Operator II

Escondido, CA · On-site

Operates cogeneration plant and support equipment, 12kv electrical distribution system, pneumatic air systems, HVAC equipment, and boiler and steam systems. Responsible for performance of preventive ...

Palomar Health

Plant Operator II

Escondido, CA

Operates cogeneration plant and support equipment, 12kv electrical distribution system, pneumatic air systems, HVAC equipment, and boiler and steam systems. Responsible for performance of preventive ...

Kiewit

Electrical Designer 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

Develop detailed electrical distribution design drawings for overhead and underground systems ... operating systems; thorough understanding of spreadsheets and databases. • Experience with ...

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All JobsElectrical Distribution System Operator JobsElectrical Distribution System Operator Jobs in California

Electrical Distribution System Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$29

$51

How much do electrical distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for electrical distribution system operator in California is $29.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Electrical Distribution System Operator do?

An Electrical Distribution System Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the flow of electricity through a utility's distribution network. They use specialized software and equipment to ensure electricity is delivered safely and reliably to homes and businesses. Their duties include responding to outages, coordinating with field crews, and managing load demands to prevent system overloads. Distribution System Operators play a critical role in ensuring the stability and efficiency of the electrical grid.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Distribution System Operator, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems operation, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certifications are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding operators apart. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electrical power while minimizing outages and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution System Operator vs Electrical Power Plant Operator?

AspectElectrical Distribution System OperatorElectrical Power Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a state license or certification in electrical systemsOften requires a license or certification related to power plant operations
Work EnvironmentWorks in utility control centers, monitoring distribution networksOperates equipment within power plants, overseeing generation processes
Industry UsageUsed by electric utility companies managing distributionUsed by power generation facilities

The Electrical Distribution System Operator focuses on managing and monitoring the electrical distribution network, ensuring reliable delivery of electricity to consumers. In contrast, the Electrical Power Plant Operator oversees the operation of power generation equipment within a plant. Both roles require technical certifications and involve working in highly regulated environments, but they differ in their focus on distribution versus generation.

What are the most common challenges faced by Electrical Distribution System Operators during emergency situations?

Electrical Distribution System Operators often encounter significant challenges during emergencies, such as severe weather events or unexpected equipment failures. These situations require quick decision-making, effective communication, and close coordination with field crews and other utility personnel to restore power safely and efficiently. Operators must manage high-pressure scenarios, prioritize outages, and adhere to safety protocols, all while maintaining situational awareness across the distribution network. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in these critical moments.
What are popular job titles related to Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California? For Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California are:
Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution System Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,320 per year, or $29 per hour.

Instrumentation & Electrical Reliability Lead

Enhance Recruiting

Carson, CA

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

Our client is seeking an Instrumentation & Electrical Reliability Engineer to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a large continuous-process chemical manufacturing facility. This position is being created due to a recent retirement and represents a critical technical leadership role within the site. The successful candidate will serve as the primary instrumentation and electrical subject-matter expert, providing day-to-day troubleshooting support, driving reliability improvements, and leading instrumentation and power system initiatives across the facility.

While the role maintains responsibility for the site's electrical distribution and power systems, the preference is for a candidate with a strong background in instrumentation, controls, and process automation. This individual will also serve as the primary technical liaison with the local utility provider and collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and capital project teams to ensure long-term asset reliability and operational excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide technical support for instrumentation, controls, and electrical power distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts involving instrumentation, electrical equipment, and control systems to minimize downtime and improve performance.
  • Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities, hazard reviews, and risk assessments.
  • Support Management of Change (MOC) activities, including documentation updates, programming validation, training, and implementation.
  • Review engineering design packages and capital project documentation to ensure compliance with engineering standards and project requirements.
  • Develop and execute reliability improvement initiatives for instrumentation and electrical assets.
  • Maintain critical equipment lists and ensure compliance with site reliability and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
  • Manage and enhance preventive maintenance programs for electrical distribution and instrumentation systems.
  • Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to equipment reliability and maintenance effectiveness.
  • Support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup activities for capital projects.
  • Maintain electrical and instrumentation documentation, including single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, schematics, and equipment records.
  • Provide technical expertise for power distribution systems, MCCs, VFDs, motors, transformers, substations, UPS systems, and field instrumentation.
  • Coordinate activities with contractors, engineering firms, utility providers, and internal stakeholders during maintenance and project execution.
  • Partner with operations and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and long-term asset reliability.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
  • Minimum of 4+ years of experience in Instrumentation, Electrical, or I&E Reliability Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in chemical, petrochemical, refining, polymer, or other continuous-process manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of electrical power distribution systems, instrumentation, process controls, and reliability engineering methodologies.
  • Experience with PLCs, control systems, interlocks, and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
  • Working knowledge of applicable industry standards including ANSI, ISA, IEC, API, NFPA, and NEC.
  • Familiarity with IEC 61511, functional safety concepts, and Safety Instrumented Systems preferred.
  • Experience supporting capital projects from design through startup and commissioning.
  • Ability to interpret P&IDs, PFDs, instrumentation loop drawings, and electrical schematics.
  • Experience performing Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and implementing reliability improvements.
  • Formal NFPA 70E training preferred.
  • EIT or Professional Engineer (PE) certification is a plus.
  • Strong communication, project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.