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Operating Engineer Jobs in Kennewick, WA (NOW HIRING)

Airswift

Electrical Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

Provide independent engineering support for highly complex tasks related to design modification, operating support, and independent assessment activities. * Support owners engineer activities across ...

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

Engineer I-III

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$109 - $182/hr

This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations, transmission, and distribution systems, including design and equipment specifications and operating ...

Energy Northwest

Electrical Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

... operating, and independent assessment of Energy Northwest facilities. Serve as an advisor to others. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Perform highly complex engineering analyses and designs in support of ...

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

Engineer I-III

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$108K - $181K/yr

This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations, transmission, and distribution systems, including design and equipment specifications and operating ...

RZS Recruitment

Senior Engineer

Richland, WA

$68K - $132K/yr

Senior Engineer Location: Richland, Washington, United States  Industry: Manufacturing ... Support the maintenance and standardization of operating instructions, mill instructions, and ...

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

Engineer I-III

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$108K - $181K/yr

This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations, transmission, and distribution systems, including design and equipment specifications and operating ...

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

Engineer I-III

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$108K - $181K/yr

This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations, transmission, and distribution systems, including design and equipment specifications and operating ...

Pae

Criticality Safety Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

Collaborate with operating organization personnel on NCS evaluations as the lead NCS Analyst ... Bachelor's degree in nuclear, engineering, math, or science with minimum of 4-5 years of Nuclear ...

Amentum

Criticality Safety Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

Collaborate with operating organization personnel on NCS evaluations as the lead NCS Analyst ... Bachelor's degree in nuclear, engineering, math, or science with minimum of 4-5 years of Nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

$103K - $123K/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 ...

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All JobsOperating Engineer JobsOperating Engineer Jobs in Kennewick, WA

Operating Engineer information

See Kennewick, WA salary details

$36.5K

$86.2K

$136.8K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Kennewick, WA is $86,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $95,300.00 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 cities near Kennewick, WA are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Kennewick, WA with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Kennewick, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,175 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Electrical Engineer

Airswift

Richland, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support design reviews, construction activities, and regulatory interpretation for advanced reactor technologies and projects.

  • Perform engineering analyses, review project schedules, and assess design adequacy to ensure compliance with industry codes and standards.

  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and support for complex engineering tasks related to nuclear and advanced reactor projects.

Job description

Position Overview:
This opportunity offers the chance to support complex engineering work within clean energy generation and new nuclear development. The role focuses on owners engineer oversight, design reviews, construction support, and regulatory interpretation for advanced reactor technologies and progressive design/build projects. This position will contribute to technically demanding work involving engineering analysis, design adequacy, compliance with industry codes, and support for major project timelines.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide independent engineering support for highly complex tasks related to design modification, operating support, and independent assessment activities.
  • Support owners engineer activities across new nuclear and advanced reactor technology projects.
  • Assist with site licensing and construction permit activities.
  • Participate in design reviews for new reactor technologies and progressive design/build contracts.
  • Support construction efforts and review project schedules and timelines.
  • Interpret and review NRC, NEI, and EPRI requirements and guidance.
  • Perform complex engineering analyses and designs in support of operations, systems, programmes, audit inspections, and assessments.
  • Provide technical leadership and accountability for the adequacy and appropriateness of engineering activities within the discipline.
  • Serve as a technical advisor on specialized engineering assignments involving unconventional or innovative problem-solving approaches.
  • Lead small groups in resolving complex engineering issues and provide mentoring and training to other engineers.
  • Identify the need for new policies, programmes, plans, and procedures to support strategic objectives.
  • Assure compliance with regulatory and industry guidance and provide interpretation for practical application.
  • Identify potential issues in design, quality, or operation and initiate corrective action through the appropriate reporting process.
Required Skills:
  • Essential: Advanced capability in engineering fundamentals, methods, and analysis.
  • Essential: Ability to perform complex engineering design and analysis with minimal supervision.
  • Essential: Knowledge of advanced nuclear reactors or plant design.
  • Essential: Knowledge of ASME, IEEE, NFPA 70, and NERC codes and requirements.
  • Essential: Knowledge of high voltage, medium voltage, and low voltage design and coordination.
  • Essential: Broad experience in electrical design for substations, transmission systems, transformers, switchgear, cable raceways, grounding and protection systems, and digital relays and controls.
  • Essential: Ability to provide technical direction, mentoring, and training to engineers and project teams.
  • Essential: Strong capability in regulatory interpretation and application of industry guidance.
Education/Experience:
  • Essential: Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university, or a high school diploma or GED with a PE license obtained by accredited examination.
  • Essential: Experience with large construction projects.
  • Desirable: Commercial nuclear plant experience.
  • Desirable: Knowledge of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor design is desirable.
  • Desirable: PE license.

About the Company:
This company operates within the energy sector and supports large-scale power generation activities. The business environment involves complex operational planning and delivery across major site-based programmes.
About Airswift:
Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the energy, process and infrastructure industries. Airswift serves as a strategic partner to our clients, offering a turnkey workforce solution to capture and deliver the top talent needed to complete successful projects by aligning with the unique needs of our clients. With over 1000 employees and 9,000 contractors operating in over 60 countries, our geographical reach and pool of talent available is unmatched in the industry and the level of experience, exposure, and expertise that the organization has is unparalleled. If you would like to be considered for this role and would like further details, please apply now!
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