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Operating Engineer Jobs in Portage, IN (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25/hr

Must be a current member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 399 Engineer Apprenticeship program * Must be enrolled in apprenticeship program through IUOE Local 399 * Must ...

Must be a current member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 399 Engineer Apprenticeship program * Must be enrolled in apprenticeship program through IUOE Local 399 * Must ...

Engineer Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25/hr

Must be a current member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 399 Engineer Apprenticeship program * Must be enrolled in apprenticeship program through IUOE Local 399 * Must ...

Chemical Operator

Crete, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $22/hr

Follow all standard operating procedures, safety requirements, and company policies. * Collaborate with supervisors, operators, engineers, and maintenance personnel to support plant operations and ...

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Create, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). * Review daily production ... Process Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and support new product implementation. * Troubleshoot ...

Monitor operating conditions, system efficiency, and utility usage to support reliable production ... engineering, or plant infrastructure environments * Strong experience with steam boilers, chillers ...

SCADA Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $169K/yr

This role involves the development and application of engineering practice and knowledge in defining, implementing, operating and improving the manufacturing engineering processes (line balancing ...

Provide production troubleshooting support -- assist the Production Supervisor and operators in ... S. in Chemical Engineering required; 2-5 years of process engineering experience in a chemical ...

New

Provide production troubleshooting support -- assist the Production Supervisor and operators in ... S. in Chemical Engineering required; 2-5 years of process engineering experience in a chemical ...

New

Deployed Engineer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

... deploying, and operating agents at scale. With $125M raised at Series B from IVP, Sequoia ... About the Team The Deployed Engineering team works directly with companies building and running AI ...

... operating, and continuously improving systems in production. You'll combine strong software ... What you'll do As an AI Engineer, you will: * Design, build, and deploy production-grade AI systems ...

Experience designing, deploying, and operating production LLM applications, with practical ... Strong engineering judgment, with the ability to determine when AI is the right solution-and when ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating Engineer information

See Portage, IN salary details

$33K

$78K

$123.8K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Portage, IN is $78,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $86,200.00 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 Portage, IN are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Portage, IN with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Portage, IN 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 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,006 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Apprentice Engineer

Omni Hotels & Resorts

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Omni Hotels rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 107 rated hotels


Job description

Overview:
To ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained hotel environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Respond and attend to guest repair requests.
  • Communicate with guests, customers and tenants to resolve maintenance issues.
  • Perform preventive maintenance on tools, kitchen, and mechanical room equipment, including cleaning and lubrication.
  • Visually inspect tools, equipment, or machines. Carry equipment (e.g., tools, radio).
  • Identify, locate, and operate all shut-off valves for equipment and all utility shut-offs for buildings.
  • Maintain maintenance inventory and supplies. Keep engineering areas clean and organized.
  • Communicate each day's activities and problems to the other shifts using approved communication programs and standards.
  • Display basic knowledge or ability to acquire knowledge in the following categories: air conditioning and refrigeration, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, pneumatic/electronic systems and controls, basic carpentry and finish skills, kitchen equipment, energy conservation, and/or general building operations.
  • Test, troubleshoot and perform basic repair on all types of equipment not limited to the following: plumbing (e.g., plunge toilets and unclog drains), electrical components including lamps, cosmetic items, extension cords, vacuum cleaners.
  • Program TV's and perform general engineering-related inventory duties.
  • Use the Lockout/Tagout system before performing any maintenance work.
  • Display basic computer skills.
  • Follow all company and safety and security policies and procedures; report any safety hazards, accidents, or injuries.
  • Complete safety training and certifications.
  • Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional.
  • Welcome and acknowledge all guests, customers, and tenants according to company standards, anticipate and address guests' service needs.
  • Adhere to quality expectations and standards. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others to reach common goals and listen and respond appropriately to the concerns of other employees.
  • Speak with others using clear and professional language.
  • Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance and heavier lifting or movement tasks with assistance.
  • Move up and down stairs, service ramps, and/or ladders.
  • Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
  • Perform other reasonable job duties as requested.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education: High school diploma or G.E.D equivalent.
  • Related Work Experience: Experience in hotel engineering or maintenance a plus.

Required Qualifications:
  • Active Member of Local 399 Operating Engineers Union

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