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Operating Engineer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

KEYENCE

Field Application Engineer '27

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begins January or July 2027 Irvine ... Operating profit of over 40% for 25 consecutive years * A culture that invests in your success from ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$96K - $115K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and ...

PepsiCo

Facilities Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Ensure the implementation of maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems ... Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent * 5 years of Project Management ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mount Vernon, IA

$91K - $110K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and ...

PepsiCo

Facilities Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Ensure the implementation of maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems ... Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent * 5 years of Project Management ...

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All JobsOperating Engineer JobsOperating Engineer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Operating Engineer information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$35.2K

$83.2K

$132.2K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA is $83,234.00, 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 job categories do people searching Operating Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:

What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA 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 $83,234 per year, or $40 per hour.

Field Application Engineer '27

KEYENCE

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

$53K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer

Training Classes Begins January or July 2027
Irvine | Los Angeles | Cleveland | Entry-Level | Full-Time

Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most innovative companies? KEYENCE is looking for driven, adaptable engineers to join our Field Application Engineer Team. Whether you're a recent graduate or early in your career, this is your opportunity to grow with a global leader in automation and technology.

What You'll Do

As a Field Application Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of solving complex technical challenges and shaping the future of American manufacturing. This is a field-based position with most of your time on-site with customers and sales teams. The title for this role may be called Application Engineer, Vision Consulting Engineer, or Integration Support Engineer depending on the product line you may be hired for.

  • Solve complex customer challenges through creative configurations of our technical products
  • Install and program our products using hand tools or programming languages.
  • Provide on-call, on-site and remote technical support, training, and troubleshooting
  • Travel extensively (60-100%) across your assigned region-by car or plane-to deliver hands-on solutions
  • Conduct product testing and create detailed proposal reports to aid our sales team.
  • Work in dynamic environments-manufacturing floors, labs, and more-with occasional lifting (up to 60 lbs.) and off-hours support

Location Flexibility

Choose up to two preferred office locations when you apply-we'll do our best to place you where you want to be. You'll work within a regional territory, not nationwide.

What We Offer

  • Base Salary: $53,940 - $80,760 (based on location)
  • Performance Bonus Target: $24,000 annually (performance-based), paid quarterly
  • World-Class Training: Paid, hands-on training and on-the-job mentorship
  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401K match, ~4 weeks PTO in first full year
  • Career Growth: Promote-from-within culture with base and bonus increases

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree (or Associate's and 4+ years military experience)
  • Strong work ethic and a passion for solving challenging problems
  • Flexibility to adapt your schedule and support customers and salespeople
  • Willingness to travel (60-100%), including overnight
  • Valid driver's license and personal vehicle
  • Ability to lift and transport demo equipment (35-85 lbs.) into customer sites

Why KEYENCE?

  • Recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies
  • A global leader in factory automation and quality assurance solutions
  • Operating profit of over 40% for 25 consecutive years
  • A culture that invests in your success from day one

Ready to make an impact?
Apply now and start your journey with KEYENCE in January or July 2027!

KEYENCE is an at-will, Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Apply