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Operating Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Production Quality Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Work with assemblers on operator training certification * Lead/participate in SCRUM/AGILE projects ...

BSI Engineering LLC

Structural Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Follows the BSI Standard Operating Procedures and Client Standards, ensuring quality and technical accuracy of project deliverables * Establishes and manages their own engineering schedule and budget ...

KYYBA

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$35 - $42/hr

Operating in a team environment, you will collaborate closely with other engineers, supervisors, and operators within the order fulfilment process. Responsibilities: * Coordinate and execute ...

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Experience operating off-road mobile equipment Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000 - Commensurate with experience About RFA Engineering RFA Engineering has ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Experience operating off-road mobile equipment Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000 - Commensurate with experience About RFA Engineering RFA Engineering has ...

RFA Engineering

Software Test Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

Prior experience operating construction or agricultural equipment. * Hands-on testing experience ... Programming experience in C and/or C++. * Experience with vehicle network tools such as CANalyzer ...

RFA Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of embedded software that controls machine operations, functionality, or display information to operators.

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

... teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional ... As one of the leading operating brands of Swire Water, our values of integrity, humility, endeavor ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

... teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional ... As one of the leading operating brands of Swire Water, our values of integrity, humility, endeavor ...

SSAB

Project Engineer - Facilities

Montpelier, IA · On-site

S. Jobs at SSAB range from machine operators and sales people to advanced engineers and corporate professionals in HR, finance and more. SSAB offers challenging careers and comprehensive benefit ...

Wellman Dynamics Division

CNC Engineer

Creston, IA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Required to utilize CAD and CAM software to develop CNC machine tool programming that incorporates detailed instructions and documentation for machine tool operators. Must be proficient in use of ...

Wellman Dynamics Division

CNC Engineer

Creston, IA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Required to utilize CAD and CAM software to develop CNC machine tool programming that incorporates detailed instructions and documentation for machine tool operators. Must be proficient in use of ...

ssab

Facility Project Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

POSITION PURPOSE Develop and manage a range of engineering projects from major to minor, for all operating, maintenance, and support departments. Maintain, improve, and upgrade buildings and ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOperating Engineer JobsOperating Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Operating Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$33.8K

$79.9K

$126.8K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Iowa is $79,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating engineer?

Operating Engineers are skilled professionals who operate and maintain heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, commonly used on construction sites and in other industrial settings. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of this equipment, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and sometimes assisting with repairs. Operating Engineers play a critical role in the successful completion of construction and infrastructure projects by helping move materials, clear land, and perform tasks that require mechanical power.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Engineer, you need expertise in operating, maintaining, and repairing complex machinery, often backed by a high school diploma, technical training, and relevant licenses or certifications. Familiarity with control systems, heavy equipment, and safety protocols—such as OSHA standards—is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of equipment, minimize downtime, and help maintain a secure work environment.

Is an operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an operating engineer typically requires completing technical training, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions. The job can be competitive, but with proper training and skills in equipment operation and safety protocols, entry is achievable for qualified candidates.

What is the difference between Operating Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectOperating EngineerMaintenance Technician
CredentialsOSHA certifications, state licenses, technical trainingOSHA certifications, technical/vocational training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, power plants, large facilitiesBuildings, manufacturing plants, facilities maintenance
Employer & IndustryConstruction, utilities, manufacturingFacilities management, manufacturing, commercial buildings

Operating Engineers and Maintenance Technicians often share certifications and work in industrial or large facility environments. Operating Engineers focus on operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment, while Maintenance Technicians handle repairs and preventive maintenance of building systems. Both roles are essential for facility operations, but their specific duties and focus areas differ.

What are some common challenges operating engineers face when managing multiple pieces of equipment on a job site?

Operating Engineers often juggle the operation and maintenance of several types of heavy machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, which requires strong multitasking and organizational skills. A common challenge is coordinating equipment use efficiently to avoid downtime and bottlenecks, particularly on busy construction sites with tight schedules. Additionally, they must remain vigilant about safety protocols and equipment inspections to prevent accidents or mechanical failures. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is crucial to ensure a smooth workflow and address any issues promptly.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Operating Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Operating Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer jobs in IA? For Operating Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,864 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Machine Evaluation Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Machine Evaluation Engineer
The Machine Evaluation Engineer is responsible to plan and execute performance and functionality tests of core machine infrastructure to support the next generation of construction and forestry equipment.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide feedback to design groups to further improve the performance and customer value.
  • Manage a fleet of engineering machines to coordinate testing and activities of other groups.
  • Conduct field testing at customer locations -
    • Manage the timeline to align with development and production dates.
    • Introduce the machine to the customer and show them the new features.
    • Maintain contact throughout duration of testing.
    • Gather customer feedback and bring it back to the design groups.
    • Document feedback in a trip report and share it with the broader team.
    • Be the voice of the customer during the development process.
  • Analyze data and complete written test reports to document results.
  • Willingness to travel: up to 25%. (Including International)
  • 100% support would be needed onsite

Desired Skills:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Technology related field - Mechanical, or similar.
  • Hands-on problem solving.
  • Technical documentation, communication, and presentation.
  • A proven mechanical aptitude through employment, personal experience and/or education.
  • Candidates must have excellent communication, teamwork and analytical skills.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must have a valid drivers license

What makes you stand out:
  • Previous machine maintenance or troubleshooting experience.
  • Prior experience operating construction or agriculture equipment.
  • Experience with HVAC, mechanical, and/or electrical systems on vehicle platforms.
  • Understanding of controller communication protocols (CAN/LIN), along with recording and analyzing data.
  • Testing experience (Test set up, execution, analysis and results reporting)

About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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