1

Operating Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

President/Chairman/Chief Operating Officer/VP Operations/Project Director/Project Manager/Project Engineer Superintendent, Foreman Direct Reports: Field Crew Summary Description: The Field Engineer ...

Conduct measurement and verification activities to establish facility operating conditions, confirm ... Deliver technically sound, high-quality engineering services and deliverables that demonstrate ...

Confer with Management, Engineering, and other staff regarding system performance, operating status, ongoing issues, and resolutions. * Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Confer with Management, Engineering, and other staff regarding system performance, operating status, ongoing issues, and resolutions. * Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Infrastructure Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$105K - $138K/yr

Maintain documentation related to system architecture, standard operating procedures, and ... engineering or systems administration, with 5+ years managing core infrastructure on AWS * Deep ...

Infrastructure Engineer

West Des Moines, IA

$105K - $138K/yr

Maintain documentation related to system architecture, standard operating procedures, and ... engineering or systems administration, with 5+ years managing core infrastructure on AWS * Deep ...

Infrastructure Engineer

West Des Moines, IA

$105K - $138K/yr

Maintain documentation related to system architecture, standard operating procedures, and ... engineering or systems administration, with 5+ years managing core infrastructure on AWS * Deep ...

Principal Engineer Status: Regular, Full-Time,Exempt Location: Des Moines, IA - Hybrid POSITION ... Experience with Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. * Proficiency with Microsoft ...

Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Engineer Reports To: Principal Engineer Status: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt Location: Des Moines, IA ... Experience with Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. * Proficiency with Microsoft ...

Engineer Reports To : Principal Engineer Status : Regular, Full-Time, Exempt Location : Des Moines ... Experience with Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. * Proficiency with Microsoft ...

Water Engineer This Water Engineer role focuses on planning, designing, and managing capital ... Experience designing or operating drinking water and/or wastewater systems is preferred.

New

Water Engineer This Water Engineer role focuses on planning, designing, and managing capital ... Experience designing or operating drinking water and/or wastewater systems is preferred.

New

Showing results 21-40

Operating Engineer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$35.1K

$83K

$131.7K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Des Moines, IA is $82,981.00, 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.

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 Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA? For Operating Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Operating Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,981 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Field Engineer
Position Title: Field Engineer
Department: Operations/Project Management
Reports to: President/Chairman/Chief Operating Officer/VP
Operations/Project Director/Project Manager/Project Engineer
Superintendent, Foreman
Direct Reports: Field Crew
Summary Description:
The Field Engineer position is a combination of office and field role involving various types of conditions encountered on the construction site. This position serves as job site layout and surveying, as well as field and office support for operations on the jobs in which they are involved. Responsibilities range from on-site job layout, surveying, as-builds, job quantity tracking, on-site daily activity involvement, concrete material tracking, equipment and manpower productivity tracking, extra work ticket tracking, project safety compliance, quality control compliance, production analysis/tracking.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Foundation and Anchor Bolt layout
  • Project safety compliance
  • Participation in project sequencing and scheduling
  • Project quantity/progress tracking
  • Production analysis/tracking
  • Material/equipment procurement
  • Coordination with GC/Owner
  • Coordination with CSI Operations manager regarding manpower/resources
  • Daily Time Collection
  • Material and equipment log upkeep.
  • Submittal procurement
  • Field physical labor, carpentry, finishing
  • Active participate in QA/QC Program oversight.
  • Active in Safety program paperwork (PTSA, Safety Audit, Equipment Inspections, etc)

Leadership Competencies
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Results
  • Leadership
  • Stamina
  • Courage
  • Sense of Urgency