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Operating Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Tri-City Group

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting ... Knowledge and experience in industrial automation projects using PC operator interfaces or SCADA ...

Tri-City Group

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting ... Knowledge and experience in industrial automation projects using PC operator interfaces or SCADA ...

Tri-City Group

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting ... Knowledge and experience in industrial automation projects using PC operator interfaces or SCADA ...

ssab

Facility Project Engineer

Montpelier, IA

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

WesTech Engineering

Applications 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 ...

Saige Partners

Project Engineer - Automation

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Create and update operating procedures, user guides, and support documentation. Analyze and reverse-engineer existing systems to reconstruct software specifications and functionality when necessary.

Stryten Energy

Controls Engineer

Manchester, IA

$75K - $97K/yr

The role is highly visible and impacts our manufacturing efficiency, rate, operator safety, and ... Reporting through the automation engineering team, while your primary focus will be on our ...

Stryten Energy

Controls Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

The role is highly visible and impacts our manufacturing efficiency, rate, operator safety, and ... Reporting through the automation engineering team, while your primary focus will be on our ...

Stryten Energy

Controls Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

The role is highly visible and impacts our manufacturing efficiency, rate, operator safety, and ... Reporting through the automation engineering team, while your primary focus will be on our ...

Three Point Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Key Responsibilities • Execute manufacturing and process engineering projects • Support foundry and assembly operations on shop floor • Collaborate with engineers, supervisors, and operators ...

Hydrite

Senior Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$103K - $141K/yr

Continuously evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements to the plant processes and operating ... Lead engineering efforts to support the Environmental, Health and Safety Manager to ensure site ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 are Operating Engineers?

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What does an operations engineer do?

An operations engineer is responsible for managing and maintaining the systems, equipment, and infrastructure within an organization to ensure smooth and efficient operations. They often troubleshoot technical issues, optimize processes, and may work with tools like automation software or monitoring systems, sometimes requiring certifications or specialized training. Their role is essential in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or facilities management to support continuous operation.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior operating engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as HVAC or power plant licenses, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-paying roles often involve managing large facilities, working in critical environments, or overseeing complex systems, sometimes with overtime or shift differentials included.
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

Controls Engineer

Tri-City Group

Davenport, IA • On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Tri-City Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for Davenport, IA. The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting with customers, performing installation and start-up services, performing certain maintenance services, and participating in sales and marketing calls.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or an Associates' Degree in Electrical Engineering with substantial industrial controls experience
  • Strong communication skills both orally and in writing, a strong attention to detail and safety, and representing the company with professionalism and integrity.
  • Experience should involve working with industrial electrical power and control systems in design engineering, maintenance engineering, or an operations capacity. Knowledge and experience in industrial automation projects using programmable logic controllers from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and GE is preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience in industrial automation projects using PC operator interfaces or SCADA software from Citect, Intellution, Wonderware, or Rockwell software and experience working with industrial sensors and instrumentation is also preferred.


All job offers are contingent upon completing a drug screen and reference check. Tri-City Group is an equal-opportunity employer.

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