1

Operating Engineer Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Weld Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$35 - $48.25/hr

The Weld Engineer will review and restructure design engineering Bill of Materials (B.O.M.) through ... Read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Write ...

Weld Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$73 - $118/hr

Read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Write ... Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in ...

Weld Engineer

Oshkosh, WI

$35 - $48.25/hr

The Weld Engineer will review and restructure design engineering Bill of Materials (B.O.M.) through ... Read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Write ...

Quality Engineer Location: Oshkosh, WI Employment Type: Contract-to-Permanent Compensation: $40-$55 ... Establish, develop, update, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality procedures.

Serve as an electrical engineering resource supporting Maintenance Technicians in diagnosing and ... and operator or maintenance training as required. * Promote and support electrical safety ...

Serve as an electrical engineering resource supporting Maintenance Technicians in diagnosing and ... and operator or maintenance training as required. * Promote and support electrical safety ...

Showing results 41-60

Operating Engineer information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$35.1K

$82.9K

$131.7K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Appleton, WI is $82,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $91,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Operating Engineer jobs in Appleton, WI?

For Operating Engineer jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,926 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Job description

Summary/Objective:

The Power Engineer has expertise in the design of low and medium-voltage switchgear, switchboard, and panelboard. This role is responsible for the selection, design, development, and support of electrical power distribution systems, with a specific focus on low and medium-voltage switchgear products. The position requires a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, experience with switchgear sizing, calculations, and design, as well as a commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards throughout the production lifecycle.

Essential Functions/Accountabilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Switchgear Design & Development:
  • Perform system sizing and component selection calculations
  • Design, test, and validate low and medium-voltage switchgear products and systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as UL, CSA, NEMA, IEC, ANSI, and IEEE.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical and software engineers, to integrate control and protection components into switchgear designs.
  • Generate and review design documents, including single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
  • Manufacturing Support:
  • Estimate manufacturing hours and resource requirements for quoting and project development purposes, as required.
  • Work closely with manufacturing teams to support the production and assembly of switchgear products.
  • Provide guidance on the selection of components, materials, and construction methods to optimize quality and cost-effectiveness.
  • Address production issues and provide troubleshooting expertise to ensure timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
  • Standards Compliance and Testing:
  • Ensure all switchgear designs meet relevant safety, quality, and environmental standards.
  • Perform or lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for switchgear products and systems.
  • Conduct failure mode analyses and implement corrective actions to improve product reliability and performance.
  • Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities to enhance product designs, improve manufacturing processes, and reduce production costs.
  • Stay updated on the latest advancements in switchgear technology and recommend improvements to existing systems.
  • Internal and External Customer Support and Documentation:
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to clients, sales teams, and field service engineers.
  • Develop technical documentation, including user manuals, installation guides, and maintenance instructions.
  • Manage customer expectations and contribute to a high level of customer satisfaction while achieving assigned project targets.
  • Work with the Engineering and Design group to improve processes to achieve productivity goals, improve efficiency, and reduce all forms of waste/scrap.
  • Support the Division as requested.

Technical Skills:

  • In-depth knowledge of electrical power distribution, control, and protection systems.
  • Experience with materials, insulation systems, and components used in switchgear manufacturing.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical or Power Systems Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in the design and/or manufacturing of low and medium-voltage switchgear.
  • In depth knowledge of 3 phase circuits and power calculations.
  • Proven experience with relevant software tools, such as AutoCAD, EPLAN, and other electrical design and development software.

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Master's degree in Electrical or Power Systems engineering.
  • Professional Engineering License

Competencies:

  • Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills.
  • High-level organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, manage multiple deadlines, and work under pressure.
  • Work effectively as an individual and in a team environment.
  • Proficient use of personal computers and operating knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Demonstrate a proactive "Get It-Want It-Have the Capacity to do It" (GWC) mindset in fulfilling their roles and accountabilities.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to honoring and delivering results.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position is not accountable for managing employees.

Work Environment:

  • This role involves working indoors in a typical office and industrial environment, traveling outdoors to customer accounts, and conducting on-site visits.
  • Able to wear personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, and safety-toed boots, etc.

Physical demands:

Conducting business requires regular travel by airplane and automobile. It is crucial to be able to communicate orally with customers, management, and other co-workers, both individually and in front of a group. Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential.

Activities may involve prolonged periods of standing or sitting, as well as significant time spent working at a computer or similar device. Hearing and vision within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, receiving ordinary information, and preparing or inspecting documents.

Occasional lifting of heavy objects is expected. Good manual dexterity for the use of shop tools, and common office equipment such as computer terminals, copiers, Fax machines, etc.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel required:

30% to customer sites, trade shows, etc.

Additional eligibility requirements:

  • Able to read, write, and speak English.
  • Willing to be on call and respond to customers.
  • Valid Driver's License.
  • Valid Passport or able to obtain one.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements:

Authorized to work for any United States employer.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

L & S Electric, Inc is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.