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Chief Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ultrasonic Testing Operator

Danbury, CT ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Chief Operator Plasser American - Danbury, CT Plasser American is making the world a safer place by providing non-destructive testing services and products to the railroad industry. We are committed ...

BAE Systems, Inc.located at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, VA is currently recruiting Class II Licensed Operators for multiple Water Department Chief Operator positions. In this role ...

OPERATOR II

TX ยท On-site

$41K - $68K/yr

Chief Operator Carrizo WTP DIVISION: Hays/Caldwell Operations WORK LOCATION: Carrizo WTP and pipelines in Hays, Gonzales and Caldwell Counties SUMMARY The Operator II position assists the Chief ...

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Chief Operator information

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$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do chief operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief operator in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

The role of chief operator may decline in certain industries due to automation and technological advancements, especially in manufacturing and industrial settings. Jobs involving manual process control are increasingly replaced by AI systems and remote monitoring tools, reducing the need for on-site operators. However, some operational roles will evolve to focus more on oversight, maintenance, and managing automated systems.

Who is higher, COO or CSO?

In most organizations, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is higher than the Chief Security Officer (CSO). The COO typically oversees daily operations and reports directly to the CEO, while the CSO focuses on security strategy and may report to the COO or CEO depending on the company's structure. The roles' hierarchy can vary based on company size and industry, but generally, the COO holds a broader executive position.

What are Chief Operators?

Chief Operators are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a plant, facility, or technical system, such as a water treatment plant, power plant, or manufacturing facility. They supervise and coordinate the activities of other operators and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Chief Operators are also involved in training staff, troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining records, and optimizing operational efficiency. Their leadership helps to ensure smooth and safe operations, minimize downtime, and meet production or service goals.

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

To thrive as a Chief Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of industrial operations, process optimization, and safety regulations, typically backed by relevant technical education and experience in plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, DCS controls, and industry-specific certifications like OSHA or water treatment licenses is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills enable Chief Operators to manage teams and respond to operational challenges efficiently. These competencies are essential for maintaining smooth, compliant operations and ensuring the safety and productivity of the facility.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Chief Operators in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation can earn around $100,000 annually, especially with experience and specialized skills. Other high-paying roles include project managers, engineers, and IT managers, often requiring relevant certifications and leadership abilities.

What is a typical COO salary?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) salary varies widely depending on the industry, company size, and location, but it generally ranges from $100,000 to over $300,000 annually. In large corporations, COOs often earn bonuses and stock options that significantly increase total compensation. Experience, leadership skills, and operational expertise are key factors influencing salary levels.

What are some common challenges Chief Operators face when overseeing daily plant operations?

Chief Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules for a diverse team, ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations, and responding promptly to equipment malfunctions or process disruptions. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on problem solving is a key part of the role. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Chief Operators frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance staff, and upper management to maintain smooth operations and address unforeseen issues.
What cities are hiring for Chief Operator jobs? Cities with the most Chief Operator job openings:
What states have the most Chief Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chief Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.
Chief Operator Ultrasonic Testing

Chief Operator Ultrasonic Testing

Plasser American Corp

Danbury, CT โ€ข On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Some see the railway as transportation, while at Plasser American we see it as transformation. The story of how steel tracks turned the American promise into American progress and forged a trusted pathway to the possibilities of the future. Itโ€™s a story that continues today, an American legacy unfolding mile by mile. There is a lot riding on those tracks and we know that support, quality and know-how are all important aspects in staying on track.

Thatโ€™s why the Plasser American tradition begins with a promise. A promise to do things right. An unapologetic commitment to quality that makes us the longtime trusted leader in cutting edge American made innovations for the North American railway. Itโ€™s a promise to see things differently to turn ordinary steel into safer passages. To be a partner that you can count on to engineer solutions for the challenges of today and for the opportunities of tomorrow. From research and design, expert manufacturing and delivering unapparelled services, our customers trust us to keep them ahead of the curve.

Progress is about more than getting from Point A to Point B. Itโ€™s knowing you have a trusted foundation to move you forward toward new possibilities waiting around the corner. Join Plasser American to become part of our team forging ahead towards new opportunities in railway maintenance. The railway is a path to the future, choose this path and apply today.

Job Description

Chief Operator

Plasser American โ€“ Danbury, CT

Plasser American is making the world a safer place by providing non-destructive testing services and products to the railroad industry. We are committed to our employees and provide many opportunities for training, development, and advancement. Our highly trained professionals go through rigorous training that exceeds industry standards.

The Chief Operatorโ€™s responsibility is for the overall execution of service operations in Rail Flaw Detection provided to the customers. Provide the highest quality performance to exceed the competitions service in every possible way, ensuring customer requirements are met as it may be stated on the contracts or agreements and build customer relationships based on respect, transparency and confidence.

Chief Operator represents the company image as much as any other Team members.

Chief Operator is also responsible for the safety of his Operator at all time, guiding proper attitude, behavior and communication skills to create an environment of trust and respect.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Plasser American is seeking a Chief Operator with demonstrated Ultrasonic Rail Testing experience to conduct railroad track inspection operations involving the use of measurement tools and systems, electronics troubleshooting, and computer operation.

Position involves interpretation of railroad-published documents to derive train speed information; review and analysis of track ultrasonic data for reporting; and operating hi-rail commercial motor vehicles.

This position includes some vehicle maintenance for hi-rail vehicles.

The incumbent will also complete regular housekeeping duties for safety and sanitation purposes aboard Ultrasonic test vehicles.

This position requires the incumbent to routinely be dispatched to inspection vehicles throughout the U.S. and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor as a representative of Plasser American.

Responsibilities:

  • Chief Operator reports directly to the Field Manager. In his absence, will report directly to other Field Manager in place or Manager of UT RFD Services as a last resort.
  • Will remain well versed with a professional attitude towards colleagues, customers and general public reflecting a positive image for the company;
  • Shall ensure that all railroad and highway safety as well as operating procedures are maintained and applied to the best of his capacity;
  • Shall be accountable, professional, drive safety and quality as the number one priority;
  • Shall be open to changes in the workplace and apply directives according to set standards established;
  • Shall perform a high-quality test for all customers and consistently improve operation where indicated by subordinates;
  • Adhere and execute instructions in reference books and customer playbooks;
  • Shall partner with Operator maintains a high standard of maintenance, including cleanliness and 5S on trucks and high precision calibration of equipment at all times;
  • Produce all necessary paperwork including but not limited to, daily reports, maintenance reports, trip reports, etc.
  • Is the overall responsible of the vehicle and itโ€™s maintenance;
  • Display his experience in Rail Flaw Detection testing;
  • Improves fleet uptime to meet goals plans set by upper management;
  • Ensures Logbooks, DOT papers including Time sheets are maintained;
  • Ensure compliance with all DOT regulations including hours of serviced regulation.
  • Will coach, train, protect and assist new employees, Training Chief Operators and Operators, in the wanted work environment established;
  • Complete weekly expense reports, time sheets, inventory and general truck condition (repairs needed current and preventive);
  • Chief Operator is responsible for the lodging location chosen and ensures truck is parked at same location.
Qualifications

Experience:

  • Have at least 5 years of service in the RFD Industry, service management, or related leadership experience;
  • 3 to 5 yearsโ€™ experience on class I railroads;
  • Knowledge of Rail Flaw Detection testing practices;
  • Excellent safety record within All class railroads, class I without exception;
  • Knowledge in computer programs, RFD truck functionality, electrical and mechanical is a plus;
  • Valid driverโ€™s license Class A or B preferred
  • Respected from peers.

Special Education:

  • ASNT-1A Ultrasonic Levels I and II training successfully completed and valid;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high level of attention to detail
  • Minimum of a High school diploma or GED. Mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting knowledge preferred.

Computer and Other Skills:

  • Microsoft Office skills, including and not limited to Excel, Word, Microsoft Teams, Concur, and more;
  • Ability to manage cost & adjust where necessary;

Physical Requirements

  • Lift and carry 50 lbs. a distance of at least 150 feet.
  • Work in close quarters, under and about inspection vehicles.
  • Work in inclement weather.

Passing a federal pre-employment drug test is a requirement prior to performing duties in this position. Undergoing and passing a random drug and alcohol testing is a condition while performing duties in this position.

Railroad regulations require that selected candidates must pass an e-RAILSAFE security background check, including financial status, and online safety exams in order to work on railroad properties (a requirement of this position).

Wearing safety equipment (hard hat, steel-toe boots, protective vest, and protective eyeglasses) when working on railroad properties is also a requirement. Plasser American will provide all necessary safety equipment.

Job Summary

Field Operator โ€“ Rail Flaw Detection

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Responsible for the proper operation of all flaw detection and detector car personnel

Accurate testing to ensure reliability of rails and notifying customer of defects.

  • Supervising/managing crew Rail Detector crew
  • Maintaining a direct relationship with the customer.

Internal Position Title

Chief Operator/Railtester

Employment Status

Regular Full-time

The ability to be employed in the United States

Background Check Type

Drug Screen Type

Pre-Employment Drug and Random Alcohol and Drug (FRA)

Benefit Highlights

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • Accrue 80 Hours of Paid Time Off during your first year of employment
  • 10 Paid Holidays per year
  • 401(k) match of $0.50 for every $1.00 you contribute up to 6% of your salary
  • You may receive a merit bonus after completion of the audit at the end of the fiscal year
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Short and Long Term Disability after 90 days of employment
  • Free Life Insurance โ€“ 2 times your annual salary
  • Company Events
  • Free employee medical and dental coverage. โ€“ valued at $7,500.00

Willingness to travel

  • 75% (Required)

As part of the Plasser family brand, which is the largest Maintenance of Way equipment provider in the world, PAC is a rapidly growing provider of railway equipment in North America. Continuing for the next few years, PAC will continue to make significant investments in the North American Market including a new office building and a substantial addition to our manufacturing facility. PAC is making the needed investments to continue its growth trajectory for many years to come. The next several years will be an exciting time of transformation. We look to the future to enhance our team and achieve our goals.