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Operating Engineer Jobs in Ann Arbor, MI (NOW HIRING)

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Describes the role of a senior level engineer responsible for planning and conducting engineering ... operating practices. * Familiar with PSSE or TARA applications. * Ability to provide operational ...

FIELD ENGINEER-WATER TREATMENT ENTACT is a premier national provider of environmental, civil, and ... Water Treatment System operating supervision, supervising and advising union personnel during ...

FIELD ENGINEER-WATER TREATMENT ENTACT is a premier national provider of environmental, civil, and ... Water Treatment System operating supervision, supervising and advising union personnel during ...

Systems Software Engineer I

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K - $202K/yr

Evaluate operating efficiency, analyze performance and tuning, and assist in capacity planning and ... The Systems Software Engineer family has four levels: Systems Software Engineer I This is the ...

Senior Platform Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI

$102K - $140K/yr

Experience operating systems built on or integrating with LLM/Generative AI infrastructure (e.g ... Our Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach ensures you have the tools and knowledge to ...

International Operating System (IOS): Understand, apply and meet all function-relatedIOS ... Safety Parts Engineer, Operator, Inspector, etc.) Color/Appearance Evaluation - Apply to Color ...

CNC Programmer/Operator

Redford, MI · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Candidates must be capable of programming, setting up, and operating CNC machines and handling large components (500+ lbs and 24"+ section sizes). This is a hands-on machining position with a heavy ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction. * Test and debug control programs to ensure ... Troubleshoot and resolve programming issues during build and post-installation phases. * Maintain ...

Controls Engineer

Novi, MI

$78K - $101K/yr

Partner with production supervisors, operators, and engineering teams to support effective manufacturing workflows. Support MES-based quality validation and enforcement processes. Maintain and manage ...

The Engineer performs scheduled maintenance, safety inspections and repairs to varying types of ... Qualified to operate or assist in operating all heating and ventilating equipment, engines ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$93K - $133K/yr

Engineering Pay Range: ($93,254.24 - $133,220) Target Bonus: 10.0% Req ID: 27952 Job Summary We are ... Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction. * Test and debug control programs to ensure ...

Engineering Pay Range: ($93,254.24 - $133,220) Target Bonus: 10.0% Req ID: 27952 Job Summary We are ... Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction. * Test and debug control programs to ensure ...

Engineering Pay Range: ($93,254.24 - $133,220) Target Bonus: 10.0% Req ID: 27952 ​ ​ Job ... Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction. * Test and debug control programs to ensure ...

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Operating Engineer information

See Ann Arbor, MI salary details

$35.2K

$83.2K

$132.1K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Ann Arbor, MI is $83,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $92,000.00 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.

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 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.

How much do operating engineers make in the US?

Operating engineers in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Skilled operators with certifications and experience can earn higher salaries, especially in construction, power plants, or heavy industrial environments.

Is an operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an operating engineer typically requires completing technical training, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining experience with heavy machinery. Entry can be competitive, especially for union positions, but proper training and licensing improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI?

The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer jobs in Ann Arbor, MI are:

What cities near Ann Arbor, MI are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ann Arbor, MI with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Ann Arbor, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,186 per year, or $40 per hour.

Systems Software Engineer I

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Systems Software Engineer I
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Systems Software Engineer I at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Basic Purpose:
Positions in the Systems Software Engineer job family are responsible for evaluating, selecting, installing, and maintaining enterprise operating systems and technical applications for assigned platforms including enterprise servers and networks and for serving as a technical resource on enterprise hardware issues. Incumbents interact with technical and business customers to provide training and expertise in the design of specific applications to ensure the optimization of the platforms or technologies involved. The focus of work is on the efficient operation of enterprise operating platforms to support customer applications and the effective use of hardware and operating software in new or enhanced applications.
Essential Functions:
The functions within the job family will vary by level and specific assignment but will include the
following:
• Evaluate, install, customize, configure, and maintain enterprise operating systems including installing and testing new releases;
• Evaluate operating efficiency, analyze performance and tuning, and assist in capacity planning and DASD management;
• Analyze and troubleshoot operating problems to find problem areas and make fixes or work with the vendor for correction;
• Advise technical staff in complex applications development to assist in avoiding problems of incompatibility with software capabilities;
• Document changes to system functions and/or configurations for technical and customer reference; and
• Review and evaluate new or upgraded systems software packages and related hardware and make recommendations based on established standards.
Comments (Level Descriptions):
The Systems Software Engineer family has four levels:
Systems Software Engineer I
This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their basic skills and expertise, typically with a specific operating system and platform. They perform routine assignments to complete system change and modification requests and assist higher level staff in all aspects of maintaining, updating, documenting, and monitoring the operating systems. Incumbents also provide continuing support for their assigned operating system, trouble-shooting and resolving common immediate problems. Work is assigned to provide a broader knowledge of the technology supported and to develop a high level of creative problem-solving in preparation for qualification at the next level of the family.
Systems Software Engineer II
This is the career level where incumbents are fully knowledgeable in the operating system and platform supported and work as a part of a team to develop or install new systems software or supporting applications. The emphasis at this level is the incumbent's ability to identify and resolve all but the most unusual operating systems problems quickly and with dispatch. While at this level, incumbents are increasing their knowledge and expertise in a complex operating system and platform or are expanding
their capabilities in a second technology. They may also have specific assignments in areas such as performance tuning, security, disaster recovery, and the like to broaden their overall knowledge of their assigned technology.
Senior Systems Software Engineer
This is the specialist level where incumbents have full and specialized knowledge in their assigned operating system(s). This may be a single, highly complex system or multiple, less complex systems. Incumbents have primary accountability for the installation, maintenance, and operating efficiency of their assigned systems. They work with a high degree of independence, providing technical leadership and work review for less experienced staff. Individuals at this level are able to identify and resolve the
most complex system-related problems and deal directly with key vendor service representatives. Their work is characterized by the rapid application of technical knowledge to increase the efficiency and operation of the platform(s) supported. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for their assigned system serving as third-tier support for operating problems and technical consultant on complex applications development projects. They are key members of project teams for enterprise applications involving their assigned system.
Lead Systems Software Engineer
This is the leadership level where incumbents are recognized experts in a complex operating system and related areas such as network or database applications. Incumbents lead projects for major upgrades or installations, providing technical guidance and work direction to technical staff and ensuring that projects are completed smoothly and on time. Incumbents may also be a Subject Matter Expert for an enterprise-wide system, assisting in technology planning and serving as a technical consultant on
enterprise applications development project teams. They may also have formal leadership responsibilities for enterprise-wide functions such as security, disaster recovery, and the like.
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the specific operating systems, networks, and/or platforms supported;
• Understanding of the hardware supported including mainframe, servers, workstations, peripheral devices, and the like;
• Skill in the use of operating system software, companion software, utilities, and the like;
• High level skill in identifying and resolving technical problems and/or effectively communicating the problems to vendor representatives; and
• Ability to analyze complex operating problems, working independently until the problem is
resolved.
• Knowledge of operating systems software, platforms, and computer operations typically acquired through an undergraduate program in Computer Science with an emphasis on systems software or the equivalent and one to two years of related experience; and
• Specific knowledge and experience in at least one related platform and operating system
Preferred qualifications:
-Familiarity with WheatStone WheatNet, WheatStream/StreamBlade and WheatStone Navigator-Comrex and ZIPone remote audio equipment-Enco Programs such as Digital Audio Driver, Cutserver, and NewDB-AOIP equipment and software management-Basic audio editing software (Adobe Audition and Audacity)
School/College/Division:
H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services
Primary department:
H2502 - Campus & Classroom Tech Services
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum: $78,841
Working conditions:
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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