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3Rd Shift Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator (2nd & 3rd Shift Needed)

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

JEDA Polymers, a growing manufacturer of engineered plastic resin, is hiring Machine Operators to join its 2nd and 3rd shift production team in Dyersville, Iowa. As the only plastic resin compounder ...

Laser Operator, 3rd Shift

Greenfield, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

A Machine Operator II will have 5-7 years' experience in operating machinery at Bastian Automation or be proficient in machine CNC programming in addition to operation. Shift: * 3rd shift Job ...

Shift Supervisor

Chicago, IL

$21.96 - $31.87/hr

Coordinate with 1st shift and 3rd shift engineering and management teams to ensure smooth handoff of in-progress work and communication of issues affecting the campus. * Ensure compliance with all ...

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3Rd Shift Engineering information

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How much do 3rd shift engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift engineering in the United States is $36.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $44.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd Shift Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Engineer, you need strong technical troubleshooting abilities, mechanical and electrical knowledge, and typically a relevant technical degree or certification. Experience with maintenance management systems, PLCs, and manufacturing equipment is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, self-motivation, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working independently during off-hours. These skills ensure smooth operation, quick response to technical issues, and minimal downtime during critical overnight shifts.

What unique challenges do engineers face when working the 3rd shift, and how can they successfully adapt to this schedule?

Engineers on the 3rd shift often encounter challenges such as reduced access to immediate support from other departments, adapting to non-traditional sleep patterns, and managing tasks with less on-site supervision. Successfully adapting involves developing strong self-management skills, maintaining clear communication with both day and night teams, and prioritizing personal well-being by establishing a consistent sleep routine. Many companies also offer shift differentials and opportunities for faster advancement due to the specialized nature of night work.

What is 3rd shift engineering?

3rd shift engineering refers to engineering roles that take place during the overnight hours, typically from late evening to early morning. These positions are common in manufacturing, facilities maintenance, or operations that require 24/7 coverage. 3rd shift engineers are responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing equipment while production lines or systems are running at night. Working this shift often includes a shift differential for pay, but may also require adapting to unconventional sleep and work schedules. These roles are essential to ensure continuous operation and address issues that arise outside of regular daytime hours.

What is the difference between 3Rd Shift Engineering vs 3Rd Shift Manufacturing Technician?

Aspect3Rd Shift Engineering3Rd Shift Manufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, troubleshooting, and process improvement in manufacturing settingsOperating machinery, performing maintenance, and quality checks
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, engineering firms, industrial plantsFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilities

3Rd Shift Engineering focuses on designing, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, 3Rd Shift Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, often with technical training. Both roles work during the night shift in manufacturing environments but serve different functions within the production process.

More about 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs? Cities with the most 3Rd Shift Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs include:
3rd Shift Engineering Technician

3rd Shift Engineering Technician

Communications Test Design, Inc.

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


CTDI rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 351 rated engineering


Job description

CTDI is a large-scale Engineering, Repair, and Logistics company that services the country's largest wireless telecommunications providers, as well as the largest High-speed Internet & Cable providers. CTDI has over 11,000 FT US Employees in over 60 world class US Operations. CTDI also has a global footprint with more than 20,000 employees worldwide.
This individual will be involved with cutting-edge Cable TV (CATV) head-end equipment and set top box technology. This individual should be a high-energy, quick learner who enjoys a hands-on, fast-paced work environment.
3rd Shift: Sunday 8:15PM - 5:30AM, Monday-Thursday 11:45PM - 5:30AM
Core Responsibilities
  • PLC & Motion Control: Develop and optimize modular control code using Structured Text (ST) in TwinCAT 3.
  • Robotic Programming:
    • Program and simulate ABB industrial arms using RAPID and RobotStudio.
    • Integrate and script Mecademic robots for high-accuracy handling of sensitive electronics (e.g., USB/HDMI insertion).
  • System Architecture: Design and maintain EtherCAT network topologies to synchronize robots, sensors, and machine vision.
  • Integration: Utilize TwinCAT libraries to connect machine controllers directly with CTDI's Warehouse Management System (WMS) for real-time data logging.
  • Troubleshooting: Perform deep-dive diagnostics on electro-mechanical systems, identifying root causes for latency or precision drift.
  • Continuous Improvement: Reduce cycle times and improve first-pass yield on "Multi-Unit Testers" through path optimization and code efficiency.

## Technical Requirements
  • Education: B.S. in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • TwinCAT/Beckhoff: 2+ years of experience with TwinCAT 3, with a strong command of Structured Text (ST) and Motion Control libraries.
  • ABB Ecosystem: Proficiency in RAPID programming and offline programming/reach studies in RobotStudio.
  • Precision Robotics: Experience with small-form-factor robotics (Mecademic) or high-precision Cartesian systems.
  • Communication Protocols: Hands-on experience with EtherCAT, TCP/IP, and potentially TwinCAT IoT/MQTT.
  • Software Skills: Familiarity with C# / .NET (for middle-layer interfaces) and version control (Git).

## Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in the telecom or consumer electronics industry.
  • Knowledge of Machine Vision integration (Cognex or Keyence) within a robotic cell.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and pneumatic diagrams.
  • Familiarity with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety protocols for robotic end-effectors.

Required Experience
  • Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field of Science (Bachelor's degree preferred)
  • Internship or project experience with test engineering.

You will love working in our family-oriented company! When you join our family, you will enjoy perks such as:
  • Weekly pay every Thursday
  • Monthly Incentive Bonus
  • Positive, team-oriented, inclusive workplace
  • Health, Dental, Vision, & Prescription Coverage
  • Paid holidays, vacation, & sick/personal time

Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Tuition reimbursement

Work Authorization:
  • United States (Required)
  • Must be 18 years of age

Apply today to join our dynamic team! CTDI offers an excellent compensation and benefits package and has been a growing leader in the telecommunications field for over 40 years. Come put our successful history behind your career!
CTDI is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. This policy applies to every aspect of employment at CTDI, including recruitment, hiring, training, advancement, and termination.
This position does not qualify for visa sponsorship.
CA Residents only click here to view CTDI's California Privacy Notice Agreement
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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