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Virtual Power Plant Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Balance of Plant Engineer

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

We're building the infrastructure to power it. About Ocean Atomics (OA) Ocean Atomics is an ... We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive ...

Balance of Plant Engineer

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$120 - $170/hr

We're building the infrastructure to power it. About Ocean Atomics (OA) Ocean Atomics is an ... We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your ...

Operations Engineer

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$106K/yr

... power plant engineering. (Examples include: Positions held as a licensed operator, certified operator, or licensed operator trainer which provided you the knowledge and understanding of the ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Upper Marlboro, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Ashton, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Fort Washington, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Upper Marlboro, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Potomac, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Davidsonville, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Potomac, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Upper Marlboro, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Sr Mechanic - DCW

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$40.67 - $45.19/hr

Who We Are As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest ... Follow all approved plant operating, maintenance and health and safety procedures. * Perform other ...

Showing results 21-40

Virtual Power Plant Operator information

See Washington salary details

$22

$50

$71

How much do virtual power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual power plant operator in Washington is $50.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.04 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a virtual power plant operator coordinate with distributed energy resources and utility partners?

As a Virtual Power Plant Operator, you will regularly collaborate with distributed energy resource (DER) owners, such as solar or battery storage operators, as well as utility partners to balance supply and demand on the grid. This involves monitoring real-time data, issuing control commands, and troubleshooting connectivity or technical issues. Effective communication and coordination are essential, since you may need to rapidly respond to changes in grid conditions or participate in scheduled maintenance activities. The role often requires working within a team of engineers, analysts, and IT specialists to ensure seamless integration of assets and maximize grid reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual power plant operator?

A Virtual Power Plant Operator needs a solid understanding of power systems, energy management, and grid operations, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and real-time monitoring tools is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills help operators respond effectively to dynamic grid conditions and coordinate with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring grid stability, optimizing distributed energy resources, and maintaining reliable power delivery.

What is the difference between Virtual Power Plant Operator vs Solar Power Plant Technician?

AspectVirtual Power Plant OperatorSolar Power Plant Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications in energy management, grid operationsSolar installation and maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentControl centers, data analysis, grid managementOutdoor, solar farm sites, equipment troubleshooting
Industry UsageEnergy utilities, smart grid companiesRenewable energy companies, solar farms

The Virtual Power Plant Operator and Solar Power Plant Technician roles both involve renewable energy but differ in focus. The Virtual Power Plant Operator manages energy flow and grid stability using digital systems, while the Solar Power Plant Technician maintains and repairs solar equipment. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in the renewable energy industry, but they operate in different environments and specialties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Virtual Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Virtual Power Plant Operator job openings:

Balance of Plant Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD โ€ข On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
Designs and analyzes the balance of plant (BOP)-turbine, generator, condenser, feedwater heaters, condensate/feedwater systems, and related equipment-that converts nuclear steam into electricity, optimizing cycle performance within the ship's space, weight, and operating constraints.
What You'll Do
  • Design and analyze BOP systems, including the turbine-generator, condenser, feedwater heaters, deaerator, and condensate/feedwater systems.
  • Develop and optimize the thermal cycle and heat balance to maximize plant efficiency, output, and ramp rates across operating conditions.
  • Size and specify BOP equipment and define system requirements, interfaces, and operating limits.
  • Coordinate with thermal-hydraulics, layout, and construction teams to integrate BOP systems within shipboard space, weight, and installation constraints.
  • Document system designs, performance analyses, and as-built configurations, and support design reviews and acceptance testing.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or nuclear engineering required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Experience designing or analyzing power conversion / balance-of-plant systems.
  • Proficiency with heat balance and thermal cycle modeling tools.
  • Strong grounding in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and rotating equipment.
  • Familiarity with steam turbine-generator systems and associated auxiliaries.
  • Nuclear and/or navy experience preferred

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.