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Essential Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Very Stable Electronic Manufacturing Company catering to Essential Industries

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Software Solutions Engineer - Real‐Time Grid Software ADMS OMS SCADA

Elkridge, MD · Remote

$135K - $185K/yr

Stable, expanding U.S.-based OEM delivering mission‐critical real‐time grid software and hardware‐network systems for electric utilities nationwide. About the Role: We're seeking a Solutions ...

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Lancesoft

Weigh & Mix Operator

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19 - $20.90/hr

Essential Responsibilities And Principal Accountabilities * Denotes "essential functions" in accordance with the guidelines of The Americans with Disabilities Act. The essential functions of this ...

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Essential information

See Washington salary details

$22.5K

$45.9K

$63.9K

How much do essential jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for essential in Washington is $45,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,967.00 and $51,535.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in essential roles, and how can they effectively manage stress in high-pressure situations?

Professionals in essential roles often face challenges such as high workloads, long or irregular hours, and the pressure to deliver critical services without interruption. Managing stress in these situations requires strong time-management skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and effective communication with team members. Many organizations provide support resources, such as counseling or wellness programs, to help essential workers maintain their well-being. Building a supportive network and practicing self-care can also be invaluable for sustaining performance in demanding environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Essential Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Essential Worker, you need reliability, strong work ethic, and the ability to follow safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant job-specific training. Familiarity with workplace safety systems, basic machinery, or inventory and logistics software is frequently required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help essential workers handle diverse tasks and high-pressure situations. These skills ensure consistent operations, public safety, and resilience in critical sectors during emergencies.

What are examples of essential jobs?

Essential jobs include roles in healthcare such as doctors, nurses, and emergency responders, as well as workers in food production, transportation, law enforcement, and utilities. These positions are critical for maintaining public safety, health, and infrastructure, often requiring specific certifications or training. During emergencies or crises, these jobs are prioritized for continued operation.

What are the 10 most important jobs?

The most important jobs often include healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses, emergency responders such as firefighters and paramedics, educators, law enforcement officers, engineers, IT specialists, farmers, construction workers, transportation workers, and utility workers. These roles are vital for public safety, health, infrastructure, and economic stability, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, or training. The importance of specific jobs can vary based on societal needs and economic conditions.

What job is the most needed?

Healthcare professionals, such as nurses and medical assistants, are among the most in-demand jobs due to ongoing healthcare needs and an aging population. Other high-demand roles include software developers, delivery drivers, and skilled tradespeople like electricians and plumbers, driven by industry growth and infrastructure development.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree include commercial truck driving, sales positions, real estate agents, and certain skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, or experience but do not necessarily require a college degree.

What are essential workers?

Essential workers are individuals whose jobs are critical to the functioning of society, especially during emergencies such as natural disasters or pandemics. These roles include healthcare professionals, first responders, food supply workers, utility employees, and others who provide necessary services. Essential workers are often required to continue working during crises to ensure public safety, health, and well-being. The specific definition of 'essential' may vary by region and situation, but generally refers to roles that support basic societal needs.
Essential jobs near you
Infographic showing various Essential job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,864 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Essential Systems Inc

Millersville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Systems Engineer

Overview:
We are seeking an experienced systems engineer to lead the design, integration, and development of our Access Control, Intrusion Detection, and Video Surveillance Systems in industrial, nuclear power plant environments. This engineering role requires hands-on technical leadership across system architecture, integration, and development oversight, nuclear plant physical protection systems. Although this role involves the use of Cyber Controls, this is NOT a position for a Cyber Security Engineer.

Familiarity with intrusion detection systems, access control systems, and video surveillance systems is desired but not required. The ability to ensure our systems meet high-reliability and long-term operability is necessary. Writing/documentation skills, MSWord, Excel, and CAD software skills, and proficient with various computer hardware/software platforms are required.
Key Responsibilities:

System Architecture, Design & Integration

  • Lead the architecture and detailed design of nuclear physical protection and security systems in compliance with 10 CFR 73. These are small to mid-size systems, often with two servers and 5 to 8 workstations. They are completely closed systems, traditional infrastructure, with no Internet, no wireless, no cloud computing. They involve a redundant network design for servers, workstations, and field equipment. Designed for no single point of failure.
  • Confirm the systems meet requirements specific to the nuclear power plant industry to ensure our systems meet regulatory compliance, high-reliability, and long-term operability.
  • Integrate hardware, software, communications, sensors, actuators, and HMIs into cohesive system solutions.
  • Provide technical written and verbal direction to vendors, integrators, and internal development teams.
  • Author, maintain, and control System Documentation related to the system designed.
Development & Implementation Support

  • Support system development activities including configuration definition, design reviews, and technical baseline control.
  • Participate in FAT, SAT, installation oversight, and system commissioning.
  • Resolve technical issues identified during integration, testing, or operational use.
  • Support lifecycle activities including upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management.
  • Ability to travel occasionally (out of state) to customer site for walkdowns, meetings, and brief installation oversight.
Required Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Software, or related).
  • 10+ years of experience designing and integrating systems.
Preferred / Bonus Qualifications

  • Direct experience working under 10 CFR 73 (e.g., 73.46, 73.55)
  • Experience with NEI security guidance and NRC inspection procedures (IP 71130 series)
  • Prior work with nuclear utilities, EPC firms, or nuclear security integrators
  • Demonstrated experience designing, integrating, and developing nuclear security systems, with supporting authorship of SRS/HRS, SDD, HDD, and ICDs
  • Former Navy nuclear, DOE, or DoD security engineering background with NRC crossover
  • INCOSE or similar systems engineering affiliation
Personal Attributes

  • Strong systems thinker with practical engineering judgment
  • Comfortable making and defending design decisions
  • Methodical, disciplined, and detail-oriented
  • Operates professionally in sensitive environments
  • Team oriented with strong interpersonal skills and professional manner
Compensation & Growth

  • Competitive senior-level compensation commensurate with experience
  • Health insurance, Retirement plan, PTO
  • Opportunity to play a foundational technical role in a growing nuclear security practice

Please provide salary requirements with resume