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Third Class Operating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kgs

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

Koniag Operations Services, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking an experienced Operating Engineer (3rd Class) to operate, maintain, and repair complex mechanical systems at our facility ...

Koniag, Inc.

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Koniag Operations Services, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking an experienced Operating Engineer (3rd Class) to operate, maintain, and repair complex mechanical systems at our facility ...

kgs

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

Koniag Operations Services, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking an experienced Operating Engineer (3rd Class) to operate, maintain, and repair complex mechanical systems at our facility ...

BE STAFFING SOLUTIONS

Facilities Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

NIULPE 3rd Class Engineer License * Maryland 1st Grade Stationary Engineer License * DC 6th Class Operating Engineer License * EPA Universal Certification * HVAC Certification * Building Automation ...

BE STAFFING SOLUTIONS

Facilities Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

NIULPE 3rd Class Engineer License * Maryland 1st Grade Stationary Engineer License * DC 6th Class Operating Engineer License * EPA Universal Certification * HVAC Certification * Building Automation ...

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All JobsThird Class Operating Engineer Jobs

Third Class Operating Engineer information

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$36K

$97K

$148.5K

How much do third class operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for third class operating engineer in the United States is $96,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Third Class Operating Engineer vs Second Class Operating Engineer?

AspectThird Class Operating EngineerSecond Class Operating Engineer
CredentialsRequires a Third Class license, often with specific experienceRequires a Second Class license, more extensive experience and testing
Work EnvironmentOperates boilers, pumps, and HVAC systems in buildings or facilitiesHandles larger or more complex systems, often in industrial or larger commercial settings
Employer & IndustryCommonly employed in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schoolsFound in industrial plants, large commercial facilities, and power plants

The main difference between a Third Class Operating Engineer and a Second Class Operating Engineer lies in their licensing requirements, scope of work, and the complexity of systems they operate. Second Class licenses permit handling larger and more complex equipment, often in industrial settings, while Third Class licenses are suitable for smaller systems in commercial buildings.

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Third Class Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Third Class Operating Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,970 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
3rd Class Steam Licensed Operating Engineer

3rd Class Steam Licensed Operating Engineer

The Tatitlek Corporation

Arlington, VA • On-site

$52.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Overview
Serves as the Operating Engineer in Federal Government buildings and performs duties associated with the operation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration and air-conditioning and heating equipment. Work shall be performed under the supervision and guidance of the Contractor's Chief Engineer who shall assigns the work, makes reviews and inspections of the work to be performed and provides technical advice and assistance in the performance of all other assigned duties. Specific instructions shall be furnished on all assignments, except routine and unskilled repetitive tasks. Written guidelines shall consist of "Watches," "Tours," "Preventive Maintenance" guides, manufacturers' operations and repair manuals, and any applicable directives and instructions. Under the technical guidance of a Contractor supervisor, operates mechanical/electrical equipment and machinery on an assigned watch, tours the building and operating machinery, completes repairs, or performs Preventive Maintenance functions.
MAJOR DUTIES:
  • While on watch or tour, incumbent makes adjustments and minor repairs to mechanical and electrical equipment and component parts of heating and air-conditioning systems and auxiliary support equipment.
  • Make physical inspections of equipment and test equipment for correct operation of all components of the refrigeration cycle and other relevant factors contributing to the proper and efficient operation of HVAC systems.
  • Answer occupants' complaints relating to HVAC.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and repairs as required.
  • To insure proper and efficient performance of operating equipment during an assigned watch, conducts physical inspections of equipment and performs such tasks as oiling and greasing, testing for refrigerant leaks, proper functioning of controls, and determines when auxiliary system components need to be brought "on-line" to maximize equipment load balance and to maintain acceptable indoor environmental conditions.
  • Also, incumbent engages in observing and testing this equipment for correct operation of all components of the refrigeration cycle and other relevant factors contributing to the proper and efficient operation of the heating and air-conditioning systems.
  • Under the supervision and technical guidance of a higher-grade operating engineering or Project Manager, performs repairs to ventilating, refrigeration, and heating equipment and components.
  • Checks steam pressure reducing stations, vacuum pumps and sump pumps.
  • Answers occupant complaints relating to heating and air-conditioning temperature and humidity factors when performing "service calls" in occupied office spaces and makes other required adjustments to equipment.
  • Performs other related duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must have skill and knowledge in HVAC systems.
  • Shift leader position must have supervisory experience.
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance on all operational and mechanical equipment and knowledge to operate related electrical equipment and machinery is required.
  • Also, must be Universal CFC Certified.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  • 3rd Class Steam Engineer Licensed Operating Engineer.
  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  • Driver's License.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work requires the incumbent to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in uncomfortable positions. The incumbent lifts, carries and sets up tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to and occasionally over fifty (50) pounds. Incumbent is subject to extreme temperatures. Incumbent is subject to burns from steam and scalding water to electrical shock and to breathing fumes, gases and dust.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:
As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.
As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.
Salary
$52.16/hr

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