1

Operating Engineer Jobs in Richmond, VA (NOW HIRING)

Production Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

... with the operating personnel and other departments to facilitate production, process trouble ... engineering calculations and comprehend PI&D drawings for the purposes of trouble-shooting and ...

... with the operating personnel and other departments to facilitate production, process trouble ... engineering calculations and comprehend PI&D drawings for the purposes of trouble-shooting and ...

Mid- Level Transportation Engineer

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$76K - $101K/yr

AMT is seeking a Transportation Engineer, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, to join ... Operating as an ESOP allows us to reward our dedicated and loyal employees with additional benefits ...

Mid- Level Transportation Engineer

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$76K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AMT is seeking a Transportation Engineer, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, to join ... Operating as an ESOP allows us to reward our dedicated and loyal employees with additional benefits ...

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Principal Engineer Full Time Level 8 Richmond, Richmond, VA, US 6 days ago Requisition ID: 1377 ... Operating coast to coast, Stratus ® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic ...

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Principal Engineer Full Time Level 8 Richmond, Richmond, VA, US 4 days ago Requisition ID: 1377 ... Operating coast to coast, Stratus ® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic ...

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating coast to coast, Stratus ® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic ... Better Places. The Role The Principal Engineer (PE) is responsible for providing senior-level ...

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating coast to coast, Stratus ® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic ... Better Places. The Role The Principal Engineer (PE) is responsible for providing senior-level ...

Systems Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We are looking for a Senior Technical Systems Engineer who can bridge the gap between deep-dive ... Lead the end-to-end build of highly available servers on industry-standard operating systems.

Mid- Level Transportation Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AMT is seeking a Transportation Engineer, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, to join ... Operating as an ESOP allows us to reward our dedicated and loyal employees with additional benefits ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating Engineer information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$35.6K

$84.1K

$133.6K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Richmond, VA is $84,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,800.00 and $93,000.00 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.

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 popular job titles related to Operating Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA?

For Operating Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Richmond, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,147 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Production Engineer

advansix

Richmond, VA • On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


AdvanSix rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary: The Production Engineer is responsible for supporting plant operations in meeting daily KPIs by providing troubleshooting, rapid problem solving, and process improvements.


Duties and Responsibilities:

· Monitor production in terms of quality, yield throughout cycle times, process parameters, and safety and environmental regulations

· Complete work using the fundamentals of process simulation with simulation program(s)

· Design a range of unit operations including reaction, distillation, refrigeration, fired heaters, and heat exchangers

· Interact with the operating personnel and other departments to facilitate production, process trouble-shooting, and equipment maintenance

· Provide integrations of manufacturing input for safety, quality, reliability, and operability into design

· Perform process engineering calculations and comprehend PI&D drawings for the purposes of trouble-shooting and process modifications


Basic Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering

· 0-2 years of experience in process, production, and/or manufacturing engineering

· Experience in Petrochemical/chemical-based manufacturing such as ammonia, urea, methanol, etc. preferred


Additional Qualifications:

· Ability to be self-directed in managing multiple priorities

· Experience with process simulation tools such as ASPEN, HTRI, and pipe hydraulics programs

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization and ability to work in a team environment

· Proficient in Microsoft Office

The base range for this role is $76,000 to $114,000 annually.


What AdvanSix employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom