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System Operator Trainee Jobs in Clifton, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

... trainees • Knowledge of virtualization, high-performance networking and enterprise security • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Company : VAST Data offers an AI Operating System ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

... trainees • Knowledge of virtualization, high-performance networking and enterprise security • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Company : VAST Data offers an AI Operating System ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

... trainees • Knowledge of virtualization, high-performance networking and enterprise security • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Company : VAST Data offers an AI Operating System ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

... trainees • Knowledge of virtualization, high-performance networking and enterprise security • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Company : VAST Data offers an AI Operating System ...

Senior Systems Engineer - New York

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

... trainees. • Knowledge of virtualization, high-performance networking and enterprise security. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Company : VAST Data offers an AI Operating System ...

The organization has an annual operating budget of $80 million and a full-time staff of nearly 500 ... Inspect trainee rooms daily. * Coordinate and oversee rubbish and snow removal in and around the ...

Showing results 21-40

System Operator Trainee information

See Clifton, NJ salary details

$14

$28

$46

How much do system operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for system operator trainee in Clifton, NJ is $28.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.71 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system operator trainee?

System operator trainees are entry-level professionals who are undergoing training to manage and monitor the operations of systems such as electrical power grids, water treatment plants, or other critical infrastructure. They work under the supervision of experienced operators, learning how to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of these systems. Their responsibilities typically include observing control panels, responding to alarms, recording data, and assisting with routine maintenance. The goal of the training is to prepare them for full operator roles by providing both hands-on experience and classroom instruction.

What are some common challenges faced by system operator trainees in their first year on the job?

As a System Operator Trainee, one of the main challenges is mastering complex monitoring systems and learning to respond quickly and accurately to real-time changes in the power grid. Trainees must also adapt to rotating shift schedules, which can impact work-life balance. Collaborating with experienced operators and staying updated on protocols is key, as the role involves both independent decision-making and close teamwork under pressure. Building confidence in handling emergency scenarios and communicating effectively with field crews are also essential skills developed during the first year.

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

To thrive as a System Operator Trainee, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, power grid fundamentals, and typically an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and NERC certification is often required or preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help trainees excel in high-pressure, team-oriented environments. These competencies are crucial for maintaining grid reliability, ensuring safety, and responding rapidly to system disturbances.

What is the difference between System Operator Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSystem Operator TraineePower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, training facilitiesPower plant facilities, control rooms
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, energy companies, training programsPower generation plants, energy sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a System Operator Trainee is in a training phase, learning to monitor and control systems, while a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating power plant equipment. The trainee role focuses on gaining experience, whereas the power plant operator role involves hands-on operational duties.

What does a system operator do?

A system operator monitors and controls industrial, electrical, or computer systems to ensure they run efficiently and safely. They troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and may use specialized software or equipment to manage system operations, often working in shifts or 24/7 environments.

What cities near Clifton, NJ are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Clifton, NJ with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:

Senior Systems Engineer

VAST Data

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Summary:
VAST Data is a rapidly growing infrastructure company focused on building enterprise software for the AI era. They are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to assist customers with system evaluations, configurations, and installations while collaborating with R&D to define product requirements and support sales strategies.
Responsibilities:
• Assist customers with evaluations and benchmarks, system configurations, and system installations.
• Work closely with VAST R&D Engineering in helping to define product requirements and usability, including the creation of product specification documents.
• Participate in the creation of sales strategy and tactics and takes ownership of technical responsibilities within customer accounts.
• Demonstrate technical leadership and subject matter expertise on storage products, distributed storage architectures, file systems, and competitive storage offerings in the DAS, NAS and SAN product spaces.
• Creation of architecture 'blueprints' for repeatable solutions that the Sales team will deliver to the customer community.
• Help with the development of a dispersed group of system and field engineers.
• Consult on how to form and build and manage a Support organization.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5+ years of experience supporting the sales of enterprise storage to large IT organizations
• Positive energy, optimism and vision
• Ability to perform in an unstructured environment
• Understanding of classic unstructured data applications and next-generation analytics and web frameworks
• Preparation and/or delivery of technical product and architecture presentations to customers and trainees
• Knowledge of virtualization, high-performance networking and enterprise security
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Company:
VAST Data offers an AI Operating System that integrates storage, database, and compute engine capabilities into a single software platform. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in New York, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.