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Operator Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

... operator to join our team. We are looking for a skilled Operating Engineer to operate heavy and specialty equipment on public works and heavy construction projects. This includes work on highways ...

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$64K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Operating Engineer Job no: 552019 Work type: Staff Location: Chico Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA

$64K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

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

Chico, CA

$64K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

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

Chico, CA · On-site

$64K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Operating Engineer Job no: 552019 Work type: Staff Location: Chico Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

CNC Programmer-Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Setting up own work, programming and operating CNC mills. * Reading, interpreting, and following CAD models and blueprints * Must be capable of monitoring machine performance (i.e. tool wear, cycle ...

Operating Engineer 1

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$43.26 - $48.07/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating Engineer - JLL What this job involves: The Operating Engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing critical facility systems and building equipment to ...

Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating Engineer JLL What this job involves: As an Operating Engineer with JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and operating mission-critical infrastructure in research and specialized ...

Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA

$73K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating Engineer JLLWhat this job involves: As an Operating Engineer with JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and operating mission-critical infrastructure in research and specialized ...

Senior Software Engineer, Operator Tooling

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This team functions like an embedded/consulting engineering group: you'll partner directly with operators, learn their workflows deeply, and deliver pragmatic solutions that remove friction, improve ...

Operating Engineer 1

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$43.26 - $48.07/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating Engineer - JLL What this job involves: The Operating Engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing critical facility systems and building equipment to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operator Engineer information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$83.9K

$133.2K

How much do operator engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator engineer in California is $83,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does an operator engineer need a degree?

Operator engineers typically do not require a college degree but need technical training, certifications, and experience with machinery and systems. Many roles emphasize on-the-job training, technical skills, and safety certifications rather than formal education.

What is the difference between Operator Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectOperator EngineerMaintenance Technician
Required CredentialsRelevant certifications, technical training, sometimes an engineering degreeTechnical certifications, trade school diploma, or associate degree
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsFactories, industrial sites, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, utilitiesManufacturing, facilities management, industrial sectors

Operator Engineers and Maintenance Technicians often work in similar industrial environments and require technical certifications. Operator Engineers focus on operating and controlling complex machinery, while Maintenance Technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining equipment. Both roles are essential for smooth plant operations and are frequently searched together by employers and job seekers in industrial sectors.

What is an operator engineer?

Operator Engineers are professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex machinery and systems in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications. They ensure that equipment runs efficiently and safely, performing routine inspections and making adjustments as needed. Operator Engineers often work alongside other technical staff to diagnose issues and optimize system performance. Their role is critical in minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations within their facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operator engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operator Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, process operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA, DCS, and industrial automation software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in monitoring operations and coordinating with teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable operation of industrial systems.

What are some common challenges operator engineers face when working with automated systems, and how can they be addressed?

Operator Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex automated equipment, managing unexpected system failures, and ensuring consistent production quality. Addressing these issues typically involves staying updated with the latest technology, maintaining clear communication with maintenance and engineering teams, and following standardized operating procedures. Continuous training and hands-on experience are essential for quickly diagnosing problems and minimizing downtime, making adaptability and teamwork crucial skills in this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Operator Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Operator Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Operator Engineer jobs in CA?

For Operator Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Operator Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,915 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Operating Engineer

Full Job Description

KASA Construction Inc., one of Southern California's leading heavy-civil construction engineering companies, is seeking a skilled and experienced heavy equipment operator to join our team. We are looking for a skilled Operating Engineer to operate heavy and specialty equipment on public works and heavy construction projects. This includes work on highways, bridges, dams, water pipeline, tunnel work, grading, excavation, and much more. All work must be performed in accordance with union jurisdiction and prevailing standards.

 

Who we are:

KASA Construction Inc. is a full-service General Engineering Firm, specializing in Public Works and Commercial construction. With a broad range of license classifications, KASA maintains a competitive edge in delivering complex projects across sectors such as parks, schools, roads, and highways. Utilizing cutting-edge technology both in the office and the field, KASA has built a strong reputation for excellence in project execution. Serving a wide array of clients, including local, state, and federal agencies, KASA Construction's commitment to quality, strict timelines, and budgetary compliance ensures a rewarding experience for clients and project stakeholders alike. KASA is proud to be a certified women-owned and micro-business. We pride ourselves on safe, quality work and seek dedicated equipment operators to join our team.

 Scope of Work / Responsibilities:

As an Operating Engineer, you will be responsible for:

  • Operating all types of heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles (fixed and mobile), hoisting equipment, and other facilities used in building, highway, engineering, and heavy construction.

  • Performing work on street and highway construction: grading, paving, excavation of earth and rock, construction of viaducts, abutments, retaining walls, subways, and elevated hills.

  • Work in water supply, pipelines, sanitation, flood control, intake structures, and related infrastructure.

  • Working on concrete form work, including setting, erecting, stripping, removing forms, rigging, hoisting, using forklifts, loading equipment.

  • Handling tiltup slab construction: layout, form setting/blockouts, setting templates, expansion joints, stripping forms, installing beams, doors, etc.

  • Rigging, tagging, signaling, cutting, burning, welding, chainsawing, and installing soldier piles, sheet piles, beams, casings, form liners, and shoring for underground or subterranean structures like tunnels, shafts, stations, sewer/drainage projects.

  • Performing the layout, survey, setting, and operation of laser, transit, gradecheck instruments, etc.

  • All work related to batch plants, crushing/screening operations, operations in contractor's yards and shops.

  • Performing maintenance, repair, and assembly of all equipment, including cleaning, servicing, and boiler/scrubber work, where required.


Duties / Requirements & Qualifications:

  • Valid operating engineer license or certification (as required by jurisdiction) and proof of experience operating heavy construction equipment.

  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience operating equipment in heavy/highway/public works settings.

  • Ability to read and understand construction plans, blueprints, forms, and layouts.

  • Strong rigging, signaling, safety awareness skills.

  • Ability to work in various environmental conditions: heat, cold, wet, etc.

  • Physical ability to handle, lift, climb, bend, sit, stand, etc., as required.

  • Dependability, integrity, and strong work ethic.

  • Willingness to follow strict safety protocols and adhere to company, state and federal regulations.

  • Reliable transportation to and from job sites.

Preferred / Additional Qualifications:

  • Experience with specialized equipment: tunnel boring machines, batch plants, concrete pump trucks, compressors, etc.

  • Proficiency in surveying, use of lasers, transits, grade checkers.

  • Ability to perform work underground or in tunnels if needed.

  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.


Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be available to work varying shifts, depending on project needs.

  • Strong safety record required.

  • Must be able to travel to multiple job sites across the assigned region.


How to Apply / Immediate Openings:

If you meet the qualifications and are ready to operate heavy civil equipment under varied conditions, we encourage you to apply to become our next Operating Engineer. We offer competitive pay, union benefits, safetyfocused culture, and room for advancement.

 
Schedule:
  • Full-time, Monday to Friday (8-hour shift).
  • Occasional overtime may be required based on workload.
 
Work Location:
  • Chino, CA and surrounding areas 

 

KASA's Core Values

                    1. Safety - Live by the "KASA" Safety Culture
                    2. Be Fair and Firm
                    3. Preserve Our Reputation
                    4. Respect All
                    5. Have a Positive Attitude
                    6. Lead by Example
                    7. Take Ownership & Be Accountable
                    8. Be a Team Player
                    9. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
                    10. Hit The Metal When It's Hot
                    11. Think Outside The Box
                    12. Work hard, Play Hard
                    13. Care For Our Employees, Our #1 Asset

KASA Safety Culture

                  • Knowledge
                  • Awareness
                  • See Something, Say Something
                  • Alive