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Operating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$64.26K - $93.61K/yr

Operating Engineer Apply now Job no: 552019 Work type: Staff Location: Chico Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades Position Description Our Commitment to Equity ...

Introduction Do you have the career opportunities as an Operating Engineer you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Research Medical Center which is part ...

Introduction Do you have the career opportunities as an Operating Engineer you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Research Medical Center which is part ...

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$64.26K - $93.61K/yr

Operating Engineer Apply now Job no: 552019 Work type: Staff Location: Chico Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades Position Description Our Commitment to Equity ...

Operating Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$49.12/hr

* Amentum has an Operating Engineer (HV Shop) position opening at our Springfield, VA location. The licensed Operating Engineer operates and Maintains one or more systems that provide an establishment ...

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$74.90K - $101.30K/yr

Operating Engineer Overview: CAM Industrial Solutions, a leader in industrial services and one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in Canada and the United States, is seeking a skilled ...

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74.90K - $101.30K/yr

Operating Engineer Overview: CAM Industrial Solutions, a leader in industrial services and one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in Canada and the United States, is seeking a skilled ...

Operating Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$49.12/hr

* Amentum has an Operating Engineer (HV Shop) position opening at our Springfield, VA location. The licensed Operating Engineer operates and Maintains one or more systems that provide an establishment ...

The Operating Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring The Shed's facility operates safely, efficiently, and continuously. This role is responsible for the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and ...

Operating Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$76K - $102.80K/yr

The Operating Engineer must be a Member in Good Standing with [the Local Union holding the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the site], or be willing to become a member of [that Union] upon ...

Operating Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$76K - $102.80K/yr

The Operating Engineer must be a Member in Good Standing with [the Local Union holding the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the site], or be willing to become a member of [that Union] upon ...

Operating Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70.10K - $94.90K/yr

Operating Engineer - JLL What this job involves: As an Operating Engineer at JLL, you will play a critical role in maintaining the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of building systems. This ...

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Operating Engineer information

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$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Operating Engineers?

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 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.

More about Operating Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Operating Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Operating Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Operating Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Operating Engineer

$64.26K - $93.61K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Operating Engineer

Apply now Job no: 552019
Work type: Staff
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades
Position Description

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

The Operating Engineer is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of stationary equipment, boilers (gas and/or oil), chiller systems and other mechanical equipment used to provide campus utilities. Working independently, under general supervision, the Operating Engineer performs day-to-day operations for the Boiler Chiller Plant, and assists with the operation of building equipment and automated energy management systems to control HVAC. Incumbent will monitor and adjust mechanical and computerized controls to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, and maintain daily logs of operation including maintenance work, test results, instrument readings, details of equipment malfunctions and energy consumption for conservation analysis. Responsibilities include identifying malfunctions, testing water quality, and taking necessary corrective action. Incumbent will also perform miscellaneous field duties, including maintenance and repair of underground and auxiliary equipment. This position works under direct supervision of the Supervising Building Services Engineer and general supervision of the Manager of Engineering Trades/Chief Engineer. Operating Engineers work shifts, day, swing, and/or graveyard, including weekends, providing continuous twenty-four-hour coverage, seven days per week.

This position is Night Shift, Saturday through Wednesday, 10 pm to 6 am.

Required Education and Experience:

The abilities listed above would normally be acquired through the full-time equivalent of two years of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, co-generation systems, and/or related mechanical equipment. Completion of a certificate or other vocational training in a related field, may be substituted for hands-on experience.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

  • 2 years of HVAC service experience and/or 2 years of central plant operation experience.
  • 1 year of pipefitting experience.
  • 1 year of steam operations experience.
  • Boiler operations experience.
  • Chiller operations experience.
  • Understanding of building automation software.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: NIGHT-SHIFT, Sat-Wed 10:00pm-6:00am 

CSU Classification Salary Range:  $64,260 (Step 1) - $93,612 (Step 20) per year. 

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive. This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines.

This position as set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017 is not designated as a required mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Throughout employment in this position incumbent must maintain a valid California Driver's License as well as continued completion and compliance of the CSU Defensive Driver's Training course.

The selected candidate must pass a post-offer pre-employment physical examination.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 06/09/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

Advertised: May 26, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US