10 of the Most Popular Types of Systems Operator Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Systems Operator jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Systems Operator Jobs

• Electric System Operator

  Salary range: $83,000 - $94,000

  An electric system operator configures, operates, and monitors power plant systems to ensure reliability. As an electric system operator, your responsibilities include controlling and balancing the voltage generation of electrical power systems and the transmission of electrical power so that utility customers have access to reliable power. Your job duties include maintaining and repairing electrical systems, escalating operational issues to supervisors or technicians as needed, and restoring electrical systems after power failures or outages. You must work well both independently and as part of a team, paying attention to safety procedures.

• Power Plant Operator

  Salary range: $62,500 - $122,000

  As a power plant operator, your duties are to operate and maintain equipment that generates power and regulate these generators to control the output and storage of energy. You also manage the proper flow of electricity and voltage based on consumer demands. At a nuclear power plant, for example, you adjust control rods which generate power, and monitor the reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems to ensure they operate within specified parameters. At a solar installation, your responsibilities are to monitor heat transfer and position and adjust solar panels or mirrors based on meteorological conditions.

• Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Heavy Equipment Operator jobs require the safe and proper use of various types of heavy machinery in a large construction or demolition environment. The tasks of a Heavy Equipment Operator vary depending on the type of job and machinery. Examples of heavy equipment include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators most commonly work in construction, oil and gas pipelines, and logging.

• Distribution System Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $68,000

  A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel. You monitor system operations, maintain the distribution system, and document any issues or problems. You ensure the electric grid works through various problems and weather conditions. If you work in gas distribution, you oversee the transport of natural gas through pipeline networks and to customers. Your responsibilities and duties include troubleshooting and repairing the distribution system and creating recovery and emergency contingency plans.

• Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $98,000 - $157,000

  The role of a systems engineer varies based on the company they work for, but in every industry systems engineers use computerized systems to keep track of all the moving parts within their organizations. The term systems engineer usually refers to a computer systems engineer, which combines several disciplines to create, purchase, and install a computer system that suits the needs of each particular client. They will also work in a hands-on manner during the installation, acquisition, testing, and implementation phases of the project. Duties typically include making recommendations for scalability, troubleshooting any problems that arise during the use of the system, reviewing a company’s security requirements, and recommending security measures to allow the company to avoid compromising any sensitive data.

• Entry Level Power Plant Operator

  Salary range: $32,500 - $39,500

  Entry Level Power Plant Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Entry Level Power Plant Operator jobs pay between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Power Plant Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Power System Operator

  Salary range: $109,000 - $141,500

  Power System Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Power System Operator jobs pay between $109,000 (25th percentile) and $141,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Power System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Electric Distribution System Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $68,000

  Electric Distribution System Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $68,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Electric Distribution System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Satellite Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $86,500

  Satellite Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Satellite Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $86,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Satellite Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Control Room Operator

  Salary range: $38,000 - $53,000

  A control room operator works in the control room at an industrial facility, usually a power plant. The primary job responsibilities are monitoring the operation of equipment, machines, and other systems in the plant. Additional duties include managing alarms or alerts, monitoring production rates, and logging system statuses. The job requires keen attention to detail. The job is often performed in a setting where constant vigilance is critical to prevent falls, shocks, and other workplace injuries. Qualifications include an understanding of mechanics and strong organizational skills.