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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Arborist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$28.46 - $36.93/hr

This position is part of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49. Individuals in this role, are part of the Local 49 Central Pension Fund, where $2.40 per hour is contributed to the ...

Arborist

Rochester, MN

$28.46 - $36.93/hr

This position is part of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49. Individuals in this role, are part of the Local 49 Central Pension Fund, where $2.40 per hour is contributed to the ...

Operating Engineer Union information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$61K

$89.2K

$119.9K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Rochester, MN is $89,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $108,300.00 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 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 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 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 Rochester, MN? For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Rochester, MN as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,186 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Plant Engineering Manager

Plant Engineering Manager

Crenlo Engineered Cabs

Rochester, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Crenlo Engineered Cabs rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

SUMMARY:
This management position is directly responsible for the Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance departments. The Plant Engineering function is responsible for all aspects of manufacturing and processing through the fabrication, weld, paint, and assembly departments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Cultivates and promotes a strong safety culture and follows all safety policies, procedures and regulations. Identifies and communicates workplace hazards and corrects or seeks assistance in correcting unsafe actions or conditions.
  • Provides strong leadership and project management skills to successfully implement customer focused process/product improvements.
  • Provides training to new and existing employees in best practices for lean manufacturing, 5S, visual factory management (VFM), problem resolution/poke yoke, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
  • Utilizes proven lean manufacturing based analytical and troubleshooting / problem-solving abilities to identify opportunities for cost reduction, lead-time reduction, inventory reduction and quality improvement.
  • Leads the effort to improve safety in the facility.
  • Oversees Product Development Process for all new and existing programs. This includes the development of floor plan layouts, cost justifying new and/or used equipment, documentation and troubleshooting of new and existing processes. Attendance at all product development meetings for assigned products is required.
  • Develops safe processes and monitors existing processes to ensure the safety of our production associates.
  • Ensures that poke-yoke and mistake proofing are built into all processes and work on any customer or quality issues to ensure quality problems are solved and not repeated.
  • Implements and documents improvements to manufacturing efficiencies, takt time, floor space utilization, and overhead.
  • Evaluates existing tools and processes and recommends improvements that enhance both operator performance and ergonomics / safety of the overall operation.
  • Develops, implements, and sustains robust facilities and equipment preventative maintenance programs.
  • Responsible for several million dollars of departmental budgeting.
  • Develops annual Capital Expenditure plans that focus on cost reductions and strong ROIs.
  • Identifies and executes cost reduction initiatives, manufacturability reviews, corrective action closure, development and specification of fixtures and tools and equipment necessary to build the product,
  • Assesses the safety of the processes and methods used to ensure a safe work environment,
  • Develops project plans for manufacturing implementation and leading the implementation of new products.
  • Identifies new technology to maintain competitive advantage.
  • Oversees the maintenance department, ensuring execution of robust facilities and machine maintenance programs.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
  • Intermediate knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to multi-task with excellent time management, problem prevention and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong ability to work in a team environment with demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to read, interpret and communicate print specifications.
  • Intermediate proficiency in performing engineering calculations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leadership and labor union representatives.
  • Strong ability to achieve cost reductions to both products and processes

WORKING CONDITIONS/OTHER:
  • Work Hours/Status: 40+ hours/week, Full Time, Salary - ExemptRepetitive manual movements and keyboarding are required.
  • Sustained visual concentration on small areas, such as monitors and screens is required.
  • Sitting, standing, and frequent walking is required
  • The work environment is both office as well as shop floor (at least 50 -50) where numerous processes (cutting, welding, grinding, press brake forming, painting, and assembly) are under constant operation.
  • Shop conditions include frequent exposure (30 - 60%) to noise, odors, dust, drafts, chemicals, operating machinery, temperature extremes, and hazardous substances.
  • Frequent overnight travel may be required.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and competencies required of this position. Employees are held accountable for all aspects of the job which are subject to change at any time. An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • A minimum of 5 years of related industry and leadership experience in manufacturing, welding, or fabrication
  • Experience with project management, process improvement, lean manufacturing, and problem solving.
  • Experience in training and mentoring new employees in the process of utilizing various engineering analysis tools, directing changes to the manufacturing processes, improving material flow, and optimizing departmental layouts is required.
  • Lean Manufacturing experience

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