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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SWISSOTEL

Engineer Apprentice

Chicago, IL

Must be a current member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 399 Engineer Apprenticeship program * Must be enrolled in apprenticeship program through IUOE Local 399 * Must ...

New

AccorHotel

Engineer Apprentice

Chicago, IL

$18.25/hr

Must be a current member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 399 Engineer Apprenticeship program * Must be enrolled in apprenticeship program through IUOE Local 399 * Must ...

AccorHotel

Engineer Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25/hr

Must be a current member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 399 Engineer Apprenticeship program * Must be enrolled in apprenticeship program through IUOE Local 399 * Must ...

Lincoln Property Company

Building Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and ... This is a Union Position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Perform scheduled maintenance ...

Walbec Group

Experienced Asphalt Operator

Hartford, IL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

... site engineering and construction solutions for solar,Walbecis yourbridge toexpertisein ... Member of a Local Operators Union, or willingness to become a union member are required. Union ...

Walbec Group

Experienced Asphalt Operator

Hartford, IL

$21 - $27/hr

... site engineering and construction solutions for solar,Walbecis yourbridge toexpertisein ... Member of a Local Operators Union, or willingness to become a union member are required. Union ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOperating Engineer Union JobsOperating Engineer Union Jobs in Illinois

Operating Engineer Union information

See Illinois salary details

$58.1K

$85K

$114.3K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Illinois is $85,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $103,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a union operating engineer do?

A union operating engineer operates and maintains heavy machinery and equipment such as boilers, cranes, and HVAC systems in construction, industrial, or building environments. They ensure equipment runs safely and efficiently, often working from technical manuals and using tools like gauges and controls. Certification and union membership typically provide training and job security in this skilled trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating engineer union?

To thrive as an Operating Engineer (Union), you need strong mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with union apprenticeship completion. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, and safety systems, as well as relevant certifications like OSHA or NCCCO, is often required. Outstanding problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient operation of machinery on construction sites.

What is the difference between Operating Engineer Union vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectOperating Engineer UnionHeavy Equipment Operator
Credentials/CertificationsUnion membership, OSHA certifications, specialized trainingOSHA certifications, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, power plants, industrial facilitiesConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer/Industry UsageUnionized construction and industrial companiesPrivate contractors, construction firms

The Operating Engineer Union and Heavy Equipment Operator roles often overlap, with both requiring OSHA certifications and equipment training. Operating Engineers typically work in unionized environments on large-scale projects, handling complex machinery and systems. Heavy Equipment Operators focus on operating specific machinery like bulldozers or cranes, often in similar settings. While their skills are related, Operating Engineers usually have broader responsibilities and union benefits.

What is an operating engineer union?

Operating Engineer Union jobs refer to positions held by skilled workers who operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, excavators, and other machinery used in construction and industrial projects. These professionals are typically members of a union, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), which provides training, job placement, and collective bargaining for better wages and benefits. Union operating engineers often work on major construction sites, road projects, and infrastructure developments, ensuring equipment is run safely and efficiently. Membership in the union may require completing an apprenticeship program and meeting certain qualifications.

What are some common challenges operating engineer union members face on the job site, and how can they prepare to handle them?

Operating Engineer Union members often work with heavy machinery in dynamic environments, which can present challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing site conditions, maintaining strict safety standards, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Staying updated with ongoing safety training and being proactive about preventative maintenance are key to minimizing risks. Additionally, strong communication skills help coordinate activities with other trades and supervisors, ensuring smooth workflow and reducing potential hazards. Union resources and peer support also play a vital role in overcoming these workplace challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer Union jobs in Illinois? For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Operating Engineer Union jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,021 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Facilities Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Chicago, IL

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Title: Facilities Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $140-160k
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus Potential
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k matching
Must have Skill Set:

  • Industrial utility systems expertise (boilers, chillers, HVAC, refrigeration)
  • Union manufacturing experience
  • Mechanical troubleshooting and reliability leadership
  • Safety and regulatory compliance knowledge

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Building Engineer to lead the operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical facility infrastructure within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted performance of utility and mechanical systems supporting production operations.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical expertise, leadership within a union environment, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Job Duties:

Facility Operations & Utilities
  • Oversee daily operation and performance of plant utility systems including steam generation, chilled water systems, HVAC, and industrial refrigeration equipment
  • Monitor operating conditions, system efficiency, and utility usage to support reliable production operations
  • Coordinate treatment and maintenance programs for water, boiler, and cooling systems
Maintenance & Reliability
  • Lead preventative and corrective maintenance activities across facility infrastructure and mechanical systems
  • Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement long-term reliability improvements
  • Maintain maintenance documentation, operating procedures, and equipment records
  • Identify opportunities for upgrades, cost reduction, and improved system performance
Mechanical Support & Infrastructure
  • Support mechanical repairs, fabrication activities, and facility modifications as needed
  • Utilize tools and equipment safely to support ongoing plant maintenance requirements
  • Maintain building systems and overall facility readiness for production demands
Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements
  • Promote and enforce safe work practices including lockout/tagout, confined space, and hot work procedures
  • Support audits, inspections, and facility compliance initiatives
Leadership & Collaboration
  • Provide technical leadership and coordinate work within a union manufacturing environment
  • Manage contractor activity and partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Safety teams
  • Support building controls, utility distribution, emergency systems, and facility performance initiatives

Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of experience in industrial facilities, utilities, building engineering, or plant infrastructure environments
  • Strong experience with steam boilers, chillers, HVAC systems, and industrial refrigeration systems
  • Experience working within a union manufacturing setting
  • Proven troubleshooting and hands-on maintenance experience with mechanical systems
  • Knowledge of industrial safety and regulatory standards


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.