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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Forklift Operator

Opelika, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Company Info Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

Company Info Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy infrastructure and ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

Operating Engineer Union information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$53.7K

$78.5K

$105.6K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Columbus, GA is $78,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Operating Engineer Union jobs in Columbus, GA?

For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Columbus, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Columbus, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,537 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer-Fletcher, North Carolina

Cummins

Valley, AL • On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Cummins rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 267 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description


We're seeking a talented Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our team specializing in Manufacturing for our Fletcher, NC Cummins location.
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:
  • Collaborative partnerships: You'll strengthen cross-functional relationships, align teams around shared goals, and accelerate execution by making collaboration feel natural and productive.
  • Effective communication: You'll tailor messaging to each audience, ensuring clarity, alignment, and faster decision-making across engineering, operations, and leadership.
  • Health and safety leadership: You'll model proactive safety behaviors, identify risks early, and help build a culture where safety is embedded in every action and every workstation.
  • Drawing interpretation expertise: You'll translate complex design and equipment drawings into practical manufacturing solutions that ensure accuracy, quality, and process reliability.
  • Equipment procurement excellence: You'll select the right equipment the first time-meeting specs, reducing downtime, and enabling scalable, cost-effective production.
  • Manufacturing analysis-led design: You'll use digital modeling and simulation to predict outcomes, reduce trial-and-error, and drive continuous improvement before physical changes occur.
  • Process documentation mastery: You'll create clear, standardized procedures that ensure consistency, reduce variation, and help every stakeholder execute processes correctly.
  • Continuous improvement leadership: You'll identify waste, streamline workflows, and implement improvements that reduce cost, enhance quality, and strengthen overall manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities
To be successful in this role you will need the following:
  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills: You'll need the ability to diagnose mechanical issues quickly and confidently to keep production running safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.
  • Advanced CAD and documentation capability: Success requires creating and maintaining accurate models, drawings, and process documentation that guide equipment design, fixture development, and production system improvements.
  • Tooling and equipment design expertise: You'll need the skill to design, develop, and implement tooling solutions that support new product launches, optimize existing processes, and elevate operational excellence.
  • Continuous improvement mindset: You must be able to identify inefficiencies, optimize processes, and drive improvements that enhance productivity, quality, and safety across the production line.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field, or equivalent experience required.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Intermediate level of relevant work experience required.
Qualifications
  • Cross-functional coordination - Ability to work seamlessly with production, maintenance, quality, and design teams to ensure issues are resolved quickly and improvements are implemented smoothly.
  • Data-driven decision making - Skilled in using production data, performance metrics, and root-cause analysis to guide process optimization and validate engineering changes.
  • Project management capability - Competence in planning, prioritizing, and executing engineering projects, including tooling launches, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Change management proficiency - Ability to introduce new processes, tools, and standards in a way that gains operator buy-in and ensures smooth adoption across the production floor.
  • Technical leadership - Experience guiding technicians, operators, and junior engineers through troubleshooting, process adjustments, and equipment improvements.
  • Risk identification and mitigation - Strength in spotting potential safety, quality, or reliability risks early and implementing corrective actions before they impact operations.
  • Operational excellence mindset - Commitment to driving efficiency, reducing waste, and improving throughput using structured methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
  • Adaptability in fast-paced environments - Ability to respond quickly to production needs, shifting priorities, and unexpected equipment issues while maintaining high-quality engineering output.
  • This role is designated as 100% onsite and may require up to 10% travel

About Us
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919