1

Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Operating Engineer Union information

See Salem, OR salary details

$60.5K

$88.5K

$119K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Salem, OR is $88,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $107,400.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Salem, OR? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Salem, OR are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Salem, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Salem, OR are:
What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities near Salem, OR with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Salem, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,181 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Manager, Plant Engineering and Maintenance

Manager, Plant Engineering and Maintenance

Ball Corporation

Millersburg, OR • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Ball rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Ball, integrity and trust are the foundation of who we are. Guided by our core values-"We Care. We Work. We Win."-we create a culture where every voice matters, and every idea drives progress.  

Together with our global employees, customers, and partners, we're turning bold sustainability goals into reality and shaping a future we can all be proud of. 

Create a new future. Apply Today. 

Exciting News from Ball Corporation! 

We're thrilled to announce that a brand-new location is coming to Millersburg, OR - and with it, some incredible career opportunities! 

As we begin building our presence in the area, we're also kicking off recruitment efforts to bring top talent on board.

If you're looking for a fresh opportunity with a company committed to innovation and excellence, now's the time to apply!

Primary purpose of the position:

Manages the plant engineering function as directed.

Essential Responsible Areas:

  • Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure work environment. This includes correcting unsafe acts/conditions, facilitating monthly safety meetings, performing monthly safety inspections, and investigating accidents, as required.
  • Supports development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the food safety system.
  • Directs and coordinates the activities of the plant engineering function in the plant and its interface with the group office.
  • Establishes and monitors the plant tooling control and change control systems while adhering to designs, specifications, and standards established by the engineering group. Estimates and prepares budgets and AFEs for plant projects.
  • Directs constant communication with group engineering to ensure that any new developments affecting plant engineering are quickly and accurately transmitted and that any approved or standardized methods are established.
  • Establishes a program that will ensure control of M & R and tooling inventories.
  • Directs information to the plant manager, department heads, group manufacturing engineer, and group engineering with the appropriate reports in all areas of plant engineering in order to ensure the efficient and consistent operation of the department within the plant and the group.
  • Directs necessary level of contact with state and local agencies so that plant management is aware of any/all developing problems or changes occurring within area of responsibility.
  • Directs and manages projects related to equipment and building modification and/or repair.
  • Assists plant environmental manager to ensure that the plant maintains compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulatory requirements.
  • Monitors utility costs and institutes methods for conservation.
  • Ensures the facility is properly maintained for safety and housekeeping.
  • Maintains positive relations with local bargaining unit ensuring a high level of productivity, if applicable.
  • May look at ways to improve spoilage in all areas (ODMs, cans, utilities).
  • May establish and maintain an effective telecommunications environment comprised of all plant telephones, wiring, computerized business exchange equipment, plan paging systems and hardware. 
  • May prepare bid packages, negotiate contracts, and supervise contractor/vendor work at the facility. 
  • Initiates, reviews, masters, and follows all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for area of responsibility. 
  • Establishes and maintains an employee relations climate of trust and confidence that will discourage third party interference; or establishes and maintains an employee relations climate of trust and confidence with employees, their union stewards and representatives which will promote achievement of plant and company goals. 
  • Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the division, the group, and the company. Includes ability to handle stress and to interact with others so as to establish and maintain a positive and productive work environment and minimize personal conflicts. 
  • While the regular working cycle of this position is usually 5 days on (Monday-Friday), this job may include working weekends (Saturday and Sunday); working hours may vary as specified by management. Incumbent must be able to work overtime on a regular basis and/or be on call as directed by management. 
  • Maintains an awareness and complies with hazardous waste management and other environmental management requirements in the workplace by attending scheduled training sessions. 
  • Communicates with the emergency coordinator (EC) or Environmental Focal Point/Environmental Manager (EFP/EM) regarding environmental management activities. 
  • Understands and responds effectively to EC directions during emergencies by being familiar with emergency procedures, equipment, and systems, as necessary. Implements contingency plan to the level required by the position. 
  • Understands, completes, and maintains environmental documentation for which the individual is trained, or as directed by the EC, EFP or EM (i.e., inspections, labeling, record keeping, maintenance of equipment, etc.). Reports to the EC, EFP or EM on the status of assigned responsibilities. 
  • Complies with established job safety practices, policies and procedures as specified in plant and corporate directives for the safe performance of the work assignment. 
  • Recognizes waste streams and minimizes waste generation, through prudent use of materials, proper disposal and segregation as directed during training or by the EC, EFP/EM. Understands and practices proper accumulation and storage requirements for wastes. 
  • Complies with environmental regulations when using, dispensing, or handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes.


Position Requirement & Competencies  

Professional & Education Qualification:

  • High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • 5+ years experience in a manangerial role in a manufacturing/industrial environment
  • 5+ years experience of engineering/maintenance experience in a manufacturing/industrial environment
  • Oregon General Supervising Electrician License preferred


Skills:

  • Ability to apply intensive and diversified evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard plant engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria. 
  • Must be able to handle sensitive related and proprietary information in a confidential manner. 
  • Performs such individual assignments as management may direct. 
  • Ability to negotiate with contractors for facilities/buildings maintenance. 
  • Must maintain professional competence, ethical integrity, knowledge, and skills.


Knowledge: 

  • Working knowledge of the following areas: engineering principles, practices, nomenclature, and procedures; company policies, procedures, and products; generally accepted managerial practices and procedures; business principles, legal practices, customer needs and expectations. 
  • Must follow company policies, procedures, practices, and standards of conduct as outlined in the Ball Corporation manuals.

Other Requirements: 

  • Works in both office and manufacturing environments. 
  • This position is exposed to occupational hazards, including but not limited to, high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc. 
  • Must wear appropriate safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing, and footwear in appropriate areas and follow safety practices.

Compensation & Benefits: 

  • Expected Hiring Salary Range:$115,000 - 164,300   (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.) 
  • This role will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan. 
  • Please visit our "Total Rewards" page to learn more about Ball's comprehensive benefits structure.  
  • Onsite Work Environment:This position is based in Millersburg, OR. Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.  

When submitting your application to Ball, we encourage you to emphasize your skills, experience, and qualifications that align with the role.  

Ball Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody. All qualified job applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, aboriginality, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran status, age, political affiliation or any other non-merit characteristic. 

Please note the advertised job title might vary from the job title on the contract due to local job title structure and global HR systems. 

  • Under Colorado, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania law, you have the right to exclude or redact age-related details-such as your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates-from your resume, cover letter, CV, or other supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, certificates).  
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visa, now or in the future, for this job opening. 

* This position will be posted externally for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants. 

No agencies please. 


What Ball employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom