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Power Distribution Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

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Power Distribution Operator information

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$13

$29

$51

How much do power distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for power distribution operator in the United States is $29.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power distribution operator do?

A Power Distribution Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the flow of electricity through transmission and distribution lines. They operate equipment to regulate voltage and ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries. Their duties also include responding to emergencies, coordinating with field crews, and maintaining safety protocols to prevent outages or hazards. This role is vital in keeping the power grid functioning efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power distribution operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized technical training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, relay protection devices, and sometimes NERC certification is essential for monitoring and controlling power distribution networks. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are crucial for responding to emergencies and coordinating with team members. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, reliable power delivery and effective management of outages or system anomalies.

What are some common challenges faced by power distribution operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Power Distribution Operators frequently encounter high-pressure situations, such as responding to unexpected outages, equipment failures, or severe weather events. These challenges require quick decision-making, attention to detail, and effective communication with team members and other departments. To prepare, operators benefit from thorough training on emergency procedures, regular simulations of crisis scenarios, and staying current with industry best practices. Building strong teamwork skills and remaining adaptable also help operators thrive in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Power Distribution Operator vs Power Line Technician?

AspectPower Distribution OperatorPower Line Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentUtility substations, control rooms, distribution networksOutdoor, on poles, and underground lines
Employer & IndustryElectric utilities, power companies

Power Distribution Operators primarily work within utility control centers and substations, managing the flow of electricity and ensuring reliable distribution. Power Line Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing overhead and underground power lines outdoors. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in the electric utility industry, but they differ mainly in work environment and specific duties.

More about Power Distribution Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Power Distribution Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,121 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Power Distribution and Cable Management Systems Engineer

Fermilab

Batavia, IL • On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:
$88,800.00-$116,900.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship assistance.
About the Role:
Join the Fermilab team at the Accelerator Directorate (AD) as a Power Distribution and Cable System Engineer! In this role, you'll be part of AD's Power Electronic Systems Department (PESD), where you'll be responsible for designing, installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing distribution for DC and pulsed power systems. AD has over 150 MVA of thyristor controlled pulsed power on a medium voltage distribution system and 75 MVA of thyristor controlled pulsed power on a low voltage distribution system. These systems are crucial for powering particle accelerator and beam-line magnets and loads.
What your day-to-day as a Power Distribution and Cable Management Systems Engineer at Fermilab will look like:
  • Be part of a project team and lead projects related to power supplies and electrical power.
  • Plan and manage electrical distribution projects to meet deadlines and budgets.
  • Handle the procurement of electrical power distribution equipment from requisition to installation, testing, and commissioning.
  • Offer engineering support for the operation and maintenance of power distribution systems.
  • Monitor the performance of electrical systems and suggesting improvements.
  • Analyze system failures and recommending solutions.
  • Review electrical installations.
  • Manage cable plant activities for all electrical cables, including power, control, and signal cables.
  • Design cable routes and layouts and documenting them accordingly.
  • Develop documents for cable procurement and installation.
  • Maintain records of engineering tasks for future reference.

Skills and Attributes for Success:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited institution with a minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical power systems or power distribution OR a master's degree in electrical engineering and 2 years of experience in electrical power systems or power distribution
  • Demonstrated ability to lean new concepts and ideas
  • Familiarity with high power thyristor or rectifier systems
  • Experience in design of low and/or medium voltage high power distribution
  • Experience with test equipment, experience with switchgear a plus
  • Familiarity with NEC and NFPA70E and its application in low voltage systems
  • Experience working with equipment manufacturers and vendors a plus
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge and experience in electrical distribution simulation tools, ETAP or SKM, is a plus
  • Knowledge and experience in computer aided drafting tools is a plus
  • Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.
  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
  • Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
Pre-Employment Screening:
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
HSPD-12
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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