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Chief Operating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jimmy Jazz

Chief Operating Officer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

Phone 928-710-2640 Chief Operating OfficerWecom Fiber Location: Phoenix, ArizonaAbout the ... Design and Engineering, Outside Plant (Construction & Installation), Technical Support, Network ...

Soft source inc

Chief operating officer

Miami, FL · Remote

$200K - $260K/yr

Drive cross-functional collaboration among Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Customer Success ... COO, VP of Operations, or Head of Operations. * Demonstrated success scaling high-growth ...

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Hyphen Connect

COO

Washington, DC · On-site

As we transition from a lean engineering-heavy team to a global powerhouse, we need a Chief Operating Officer to build the engine that powers our growth. You won't just be managingyou will be ...

JRG Partners

Chief Operating Officer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Company Overview: Our client is a prominent player in the consumer ... Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field ...

Blue Forest

Chief Operating Officer

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$200K - $225K/yr

Blue Forest is made up of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, foresters, finance ... The COO oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, and business operations, building the ...

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Chief Operating Engineer information

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$30

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How much do chief operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief operating engineer in the United States is $57.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.30 and $61.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Operating Engineer, you need deep expertise in building systems operations, mechanical and electrical engineering, and typically a Stationary Engineer license or relevant certifications. Proficiency in HVAC, boiler controls, computerized building management systems, and compliance with safety regulations is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for managing teams and responding swiftly to facility issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of critical infrastructure, minimizing risks and costly downtime.

What is the difference between Chief Operating Engineer vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectChief Operating EngineerMaintenance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires HVAC, boiler operator licenses, or engineering certificationsOften requires HVAC or electrical certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentSupervises building systems, mechanical equipment, and facilities managementPerforms maintenance, repairs, and inspections of equipment and systems
Employer & IndustryFound in commercial, industrial, or institutional facilitiesCommon in manufacturing, facilities, and building management

The Chief Operating Engineer oversees the operation and maintenance of building systems, ensuring safety and efficiency, while the Maintenance Engineer focuses on repairing and maintaining equipment. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but the Chief Operating Engineer has broader supervisory responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Operating Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Chief Operating Engineers often face the challenge of balancing operational efficiency with strict safety regulations and budget constraints. They must ensure that all engineering systems run smoothly while coordinating maintenance schedules and responding quickly to unexpected mechanical issues. Effective communication with cross-functional teams and proactive planning are essential to minimize downtime and optimize resource allocation. Staying updated on industry best practices and investing in staff training can help address these challenges and lead to more efficient operations.

What is the highest salary of Chief Engineer?

The highest salary for a Chief Operating Engineer can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in large facilities or high-cost regions. Compensation varies based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the environment they manage.

What is a Chief Operating Engineer?

A Chief Operating Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of engineering systems within a facility, such as HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems. They lead a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring that all equipment runs efficiently and safely. Their role often includes managing budgets, coordinating repairs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and implementing preventative maintenance programs. Chief Operating Engineers typically work in large buildings, industrial plants, or commercial complexes. This position requires extensive technical knowledge, leadership skills, and relevant certifications.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Chief Operating Engineers in large facilities or industrial settings can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and management responsibilities. High salaries are often associated with senior roles overseeing complex operations, often requiring specialized skills and long hours.

What does a chief operating engineer do?

A chief operating engineer oversees the operation and maintenance of building systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to ensure safety and efficiency. They typically manage staff, perform inspections, and ensure compliance with safety regulations, often requiring relevant certifications and technical skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Chief Operating Engineers in large facilities or industrial settings can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and management responsibilities. High salaries are often associated with roles overseeing complex systems, such as HVAC, electrical, or mechanical operations in commercial or industrial environments.
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Chief Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Operating Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,748 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Box House

Saint George, UT • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Company: BoxHouse
Location: St. George, UT
Employment Type: Full-Time


About BoxHouse

BoxHouse designs and deploys foldable housing units built for fast manufacturing, rapid transport, and on-site setup. Our focus is scalable production and real-world deployment in housing and disaster response.

We are entering a growth phase and building the operational foundation needed to manufacture and deliver units at scale.


Role Overview

The COO will own end-to-end operations across manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and deployment.

This role is for a proven operator who has successfully scaled production in a factory-built housing environment and led large teams. The right candidate has firsthand experience building manufacturing operations and the leadership structure needed to support rapid growth. You will be responsible for building the systems, people, and supplier network required to move from low-volume production to repeatable, high-volume output.

This is not a strategy-only role. It requires direct ownership of execution, operational performance, and team leadership.


Responsibilities

Lead all operations: manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and deployment
Build and execute a U.S.-based manufacturing strategy (in-house, contract manufacturing, or hybrid model)
Establish and manage supplier and fabrication partner networks
Improve production throughput, cost efficiency, and quality control
Build scalable workflows from fabrication through final deployment
Partner with engineering to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability at scale
Oversee logistics, transportation, and on-site deployment operations
Hire and lead the operations team across manufacturing and supply chain
Translate company goals into executable production plans and measurable KPIs


Qualifications

Must have directly led and scaled production of modular housing, manufactured housing, prefab structures, panelized construction systems, volumetric construction, or other factory-built building products
Candidates whose experience is primarily in software, services, consulting, distribution, logistics, or unrelated manufacturing industries will not be considered
12+ years in operations, manufacturing, industrial production, or supply chain leadership
At least 5 years in senior leadership (COO, VP Operations, VP Manufacturing, Head of Operations, or equivalent)
Proven experience building or running manufacturing systems, production lines, or contract manufacturing networks
Experience managing suppliers, vendors, or fabrication partners at scale
Experience moving a product from early-stage production to high-volume output


Key Attributes

Strong ownership mindset with full operational accountability
Proven ability to execute in fast-changing, early-stage environments
Strong bias toward solving production constraints and bottlenecks
Comfortable building structure where none exists
Clear communicator who can align engineering, suppliers, and field operations


Compensation

Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus.


Why BoxHouse

This is a hands-on leadership role building the operational backbone of a manufacturing company producing deployable housing at scale.


Note

Candidates without direct factory-built housing manufacturing experience should not apply.