Operating Engineer Union information
See Birch Run, MI salary details
$48.7K - $53K
22% of jobs
$54.3K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$53K - $57.3K
9% of jobs
$57.3K - $61.6K
7% of jobs
$61.6K - $65.9K
6% of jobs
The median wage is $69.1K / yr.
$65.9K - $70.2K
6% of jobs
$70.2K - $74.4K
13% of jobs
$74.4K - $78.7K
2% of jobs
$78.7K - $83K
4% of jobs
$84.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$83K - $87.3K
12% of jobs
$87.3K - $91.6K
11% of jobs
$91.6K - $95.8K
7% of jobs
$48.7K
$71.3K
$95.8K
How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?
What is an operating engineer union?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating engineer union?
What are some common challenges operating engineer union members face on the job site, and how can they prepare to handle them?
What is the difference between Operating Engineer Union vs Heavy Equipment Operator?
| Aspect | Operating Engineer Union | Heavy Equipment Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials/Certifications | Union membership, OSHA certifications, specialized training | OSHA certifications, equipment-specific training |
| Work Environment | Construction sites, power plants, industrial facilities | Construction sites, mining, infrastructure projects |
| Employer/Industry Usage | Unionized construction and industrial companies | Private 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 cities near Birch Run, MI are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs?
Cities near Birch Run, MI with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:

General Motors rating
8.2
General Motors
Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7.4
Automakers average
Based on 6,290 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
The Role:
The GMS Lead will be responsible for driving the implementation and sustainment of the Global Manufacturing System (GMS). This role will ensure that GMS principles are embedded in daily operations, launch activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. The GMS Lead will work closely with plant leadership, launch teams, and production personnel to promote a culture of safety, quality, and efficiency. The main purpose of the GMS Lead is to champion standardized processes, support operational excellence, and ensure alignment with corporate manufacturing
What You Will Do (Responsibilities):
- Lead the deployment of Global Manufacturing System (GMS) pillars (People, Process, Performance) across the plant.
- Facilitate GMS workshops, training sessions, and audits to ensure understanding and compliance.
- Support departments in integrating GMS into launch and steady-state operations.
- Monitor and report GMS metrics, identifying gaps and driving corrective actions.
- Collaborate with launch teams to ensure GMS deliverables are met during new program introductions.
- Promote standardized work and error-proofing strategies across all areas.
- Support the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Sheets (SOS), JES, and other documentation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with GMS principles.
- Lead cross-functional Kaizen events and problem-solving workshops.
- Act as the primary liaison between plant teams and corporate GMS representatives.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to team members on GMS tools and methodologies.
- Partner with Quality, IE, and Production teams to resolve systemic issues and improve performance.
- Ensure GMS is embedded in daily management systems and layered audits.
- Integrate GMS into launch readiness activities, including Process Verification Builds and Production Trial Runs.
- Ensure GMS compliance in new equipment, layouts, and operator training.
- Capture and apply lessons learned from previous launches to improve future execution.
- Serve as the plant's Co-lead for the GM-UAW Suggestion Program.
- Serve as the plant's Co-lead for the Vehicle Advocacy Program.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
- 2 years of lean manufacturing experience.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting new program launches.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change.
- Experience coaching/developing/leading employees.
- Ability to rotate/flex schedule to align training with all shifts.
- Ability to work overtime as needed.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
- 3+ years of GMS or lean manufacturing experience.
- Strong understanding of GMS principles and tools.
- Certified in GMS or Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
- Familiarity with GM manufacturing systems and documentation standards. For example, Standard Time Data Studies (STDS), OpEx, Power BI, Workplace Safety Systems (WSS), GMS system.
- Experience working in unionized environment.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.
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About General Motors
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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.
Industry
Transportation equipment manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Detroit, MI, US
Year founded
1908