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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

2ND SHIFT PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Coordinate with Engineering and other internal departments to ensure proper interpretation of plans ... Responsible for the proper administration of the Union Contract to ensure equitable and harmonious ...

Laser Operator

Hays, KS · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

... programming per standards. Safely and accurately operate machines to produce metal work pieces to ... Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and computers. * Ability to become qualified to ...

Laser Operator

Hays, KS

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

... programming per standards. Safely and accurately operate machines to produce metal work pieces to ... Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and computers. * Ability to become qualified to ...

AI Product Delivery Lead

Wichita, KS · On-site

$114K - $176K/yr

Establish delivery standards, operating rhythms, and performance measures that improve ... Partner with enterprise architecture, engineering, and security to drive architectural decisions ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operating Engineer Union information

See Kansas salary details

$53.5K

$78.3K

$105.2K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Kansas is $78,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,800.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Engineer (Union), and why are they important?

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 are Operating Engineer Union jobs?

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 Kansas? For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Kansas 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 $78,250 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Spirit Defense - Advanced Product Development & Research Engineering Technical Analyst (Associate...

Spirit Defense - Advanced Product Development & Research Engineering Technical Analyst (Associate...

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS

$67K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit’s Defense Business Unit (“Spirit Defense”). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions. 


Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Conceives new product configurations, designs, manufacturing processes and advanced technologies for new aerostructures
  • Defines and performs research programs to mature concepts, technologies and processes
  • Understands full life cycle requirements for product development
  • Defines future factory vision, concepts and options
  • Defines engineering requirements and compliance approaches up front
  • Defines test and certification plans
  • Assesses or evaluates product performance and manufacturing cost and viability
  • Performs trade studies for design alternatives
  • Capable of defining necessary resources and development plans
  • Works in concert with key functions to align and advance research plans
  • Progresses concept through initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction and mature technology readiness
  • Documents and communicates plans and evaluations for future work packages, i.e. bid and proposal
  • High energy, self-starter, with applicable knowledge of composite development techniques and manufacturing processes
  • Develops concepts through the initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction, verification, and validation and can progress a project through to completion
  • Authors test reports and certification plans
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of carbon fiber reinforced thermoset matrix composite materials manufacturing processes, including hand layup, compression molding, and vacuum bagging

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the Wichita, KS, location.


Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field
  • 2+ years of related technical experience
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably from an ABET-accredited engineering program)
  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance
  • 3D computer aided modeling and/or 3D printing
  • Experience with composite fabrication, composite materials, tooling related composites, layups and cure cycles
  • Experience with robotics, automation, design, and various programming languages (e.g., C++ & Python)
  • Familiarity with Linux operating system (e.g., Ubuntu)
  • Machining/CNC background
  • Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio
  • Experience with aerostructure manufacturing
  • Experience in cross-functional project management
  • Experience with Continuous Improvement, Lean, Industry 4.0, World Class Manufacturing, Future Factory, Production System, etc.
  • Knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain
  • Knowledge of operational processes, flow, and procedures
  • Knowledge of financial processes and procedures
  • Knowledge of Robotic Operating System (i.e., ROS and/or ROS2)
  • Research experience
  • Must be a self-starter and able to perform duties with minimum supervision
  • Experience building interpersonal professional relationships
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Union: 

This is a union-represented position. 

Drug Free Workplace: 

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. 

Pay & Benefits:  

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.   

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.   

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.   

Summary Pay Range - Associate (Level 2): $67,150 - $103,000

Summary Pay Range - Mid-level (Level 3): $78,100 - $119,700

Kansas Tax Credit:Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years.Click herefor more information on the tax credit. 

Security Clearance: 

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required. 

Visa Sponsorship 

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status. 

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field
  • 2+ years of related technical experience
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably from an ABET-accredited engineering program)
  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance
  • 3D computer aided modeling and/or 3D printing
  • Experience with composite fabrication, composite materials, tooling related composites, layups and cure cycles
  • Experience with robotics, automation, design, and various programming languages (e.g., C++ & Python)
  • Familiarity with Linux operating system (e.g., Ubuntu)
  • Machining/CNC background
  • Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio
  • Experience with aerostructure manufacturing
  • Experience in cross-functional project management
  • Experience with Continuous Improvement, Lean, Industry 4.0, World Class Manufacturing, Future Factory, Production System, etc.
  • Knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain
  • Knowledge of operational processes, flow, and procedures
  • Knowledge of financial processes and procedures
  • Knowledge of Robotic Operating System (i.e., ROS and/or ROS2)
  • Research experience
  • Must be a self-starter and able to perform duties with minimum supervision
  • Experience building interpersonal professional relationships
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Union: 

This is a union-represented position. 

Drug Free Workplace: 

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. 

Pay & Benefits:  

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.   

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.   

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.   

Summary Pay Range - Associate (Level 2): $67,150 - $103,000

Summary Pay Range - Mid-level (Level 3): $78,100 - $119,700

Kansas Tax Credit:Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years.Click herefor more information on the tax credit. 

Security Clearance: 

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required. 

Visa Sponsorship 

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status. 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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