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Operator Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Press Brake Operator 2nd Shift: (1:30- 10:00pm + OT as needed) Pay: $26-$36/hr (DOE) Position ... Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work orders to determine forming sequences and ...

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CNC Laser Operator - 2nd Shift ABC Sheet Metal / Steeldyne Industries Anaheim, CA Full-Time | ... Read blueprints, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation. * Inspect parts using ...

Forklift Operator

Menifee, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Forklift Operator We are looking for a Forklift Operator to join our Riverside, CA plant. As a forklift operator with Contech you will contribute to America's essential infrastructure including ...

New

Oversees programming activities involving analog and digital hardware and software operating systems. May have responsibility for the programming of assembly language, machine language and high level ...

Forklift Operator

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

As a forklift operator with Contech you will contribute to America's essential infrastructure including drainage systems, pipe, bridges and structures, and stormwater management. You will work in a ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Operator Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$37.6K

$88.7K

$140.8K

How much do operator engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator engineer in Riverside, CA is $88,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $98,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.
Infographic showing various Operator Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,708 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

$73.76 - $75.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become an Operator Control at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this role, you'll be responsible for operating and maintaining a diverse fleet of natural gas power plants and battery energy storage facilities. Your work will ensure these systems run efficiently and reliably. As an Operator Control, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities:
  • Safely and efficiently controls and directs the loading of electrical generators and battery energy storage systems on orders from the Generation Dispatcher or the independent system operator.
  • Determines the status of station equipment from previous shift personnel and logbook entries, and by inspection of the indicating instruments on the digital control system (DCS).
  • Remotely operates equipment from the DCS while directing Operator Mechanics in the local operation of equipment.
  • Observes and documents abnormal operating conditions in the plant and determines nature, cause, and corrective actions of the problem.
  • Responsible to formally communicate plant status with the Generation Operations Center Grid Control Center and leadership.
  • Reads and records data from instruments, compiles records and reports and maintains detailed logs.
  • Performs general cleaning and housekeeping duties.
  • Performs minor maintenance on plant systems and equipment.
  • Trains and assists other operators as required.
  • Issues and approves work authorizations including clearances, permissions, and approvals to work parties on plant equipment.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Two or more years of recent Control Room Operator experience at a commercial power plant.
  • Possess a valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of Combined Cycle and Simple Cycle thermal power plants.
  • Knowledge of commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems.
  • Experience with nomenclature and function of station equipment, including turbine generators, boilers, heat recovery steam generators, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, sophisticated instrumentation and automatic control systems, piping systems, remote control, and protection apparatus and switchgear.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Experience with Emerson Ovation, GE Mark 6e, Wonderware, RS Logix, programmable logic controllers and other digital control systems skills, education, and experience.
  • Experienced in power plant chemistry and water treatment processes.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is on-site. The employee will report to an SCE facility or in the field location. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • This department operates 24 hours per day 7 days per week; therefore, work schedules are designed utilizing the Dupont Shift Schedule of working 12 hour shifts with a rotation between days and nights either 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
  • This position requires testing and applicants who are identified to continue through the selection process will be invited to test via email. Reference our Information Guides for the following tests: EEI POSS (Test #2467) and Control Operator (test #2467). Candidates who have previously passed these assessments, in some cases, may not need to retest again for this position.
  • Visit our Candidate Resources page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • The primary work location for this position is Redlands, CA. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time at other generation locations.
  • Position will require up to 50% of traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory.
  • This position has been identified as a NERC/CIP impacted position - Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must pass a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) or Background Investigation. Once hired, the candidate must complete specified training prior to gaining un-escorted access to assigned work location and performing necessary job duties.
  • Relocation may apply to this position.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at (833) 343-0727.