1

Wacker Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Wacker information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$12

$16

How much do wacker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for wacker in Kentucky is $12.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.89 and $14.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wacker vs Operator?

AspectWackerOperator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, outdoor and indoor settingsConstruction sites, manufacturing facilities, outdoor and indoor settings
Industry UsageHeavy construction, industrial manufacturing, concrete workHeavy construction, industrial manufacturing, concrete work

Wacker and Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in construction and manufacturing industries. While Wacker may refer to a brand or specific role, an Operator generally refers to someone operating machinery or equipment. Both roles require safety training and are vital in industrial settings, but Wacker may be more associated with specific tools or equipment brands used in these industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Wacker operators and how can they be addressed?

Wacker operators, who typically handle compaction equipment on construction sites, often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining machine safety, and ensuring proper soil compaction. To address these, operators should follow strict safety protocols, perform routine equipment inspections, and stay updated on best practices for different soil types and site conditions. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is also key to ensuring that compaction tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wacker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wacker (typically referring to an operator of compaction equipment in construction), you need a solid understanding of construction processes, physical stamina, and experience with heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating plate compactors, tamping rammers, and adherence to OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are important soft skills for working efficiently on job sites. These skills ensure safe, high-quality work and contribute to the overall success and safety of construction projects.

What are 'Wackers'?

A Wacker, also known as a 'Wacker Neuson operator' or 'Wacker plate operator,' is a professional who operates compaction equipment, such as plate compactors and rammers, commonly used in construction and landscaping. These machines are essential for compacting soil, gravel, and asphalt to create a stable foundation for roads, pavements, and other structures. Wacker operators are skilled in handling these machines safely and efficiently, ensuring the ground is properly prepared for further construction work. The term 'Wacker' often refers to both the equipment (named after the manufacturer Wacker Neuson) and the person operating the machinery.
What are popular job titles related to Wacker jobs in Kentucky? For Wacker jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wacker jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Wacker jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Wacker job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $27,013 per year, or $13 per hour.

Process & Mechanical Project Engineer

Wacker Chemie AG

Calvert City, KY โ€ข On-site

$62K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 hours ago


Job description

Job Title: Process & Mechanical Project Engineer
Job Location (Short): Calvert City, KY, USA, 42029
Posting Start Date: 1/26/26
Do you want to take responsibility and make a difference with your work? With your expertise, we can achieve great goals together. We are WACKER - Reliable. Determined. Ambitious. As one of the world's most research-intensive chemical companies, we've been making countless products that are an integral part of your everyday life possible for over 100 years. From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions that change the future.
To strengthen our team in Calvert City,
we are looking for you as a(n) Process & Mechanical Project Engineer.
This is Us:
You know us. You just didn't know it. WACKER is a global chemical manufacture that prides itself on "Creating Tomorrow's Solutions". WACKER materials are so versatile and adaptable, they have virtually unlimited applications just about anywhere imaginable, making WACKER an integral part of daily life. Whether it's protecting buildings from the elements, a tube of toothpaste, a cell phone, airbags, or cosmetics, people from all over the world come into contact each day with our products and achievements. We are looking for capable, innovative, and enthusiastic achievers to join our team and grow with us. We are currently seeking a Project Engineer - Process & Mechanical for our site in Calvert City, KY.
What you will do:
The Process & Mechanical Project Engineer will provide project engineering and project management services in the field of chemical, process, and mechanical engineering related to capital investment projects at Polymers WACKER site in Calvert City, KY. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact projects that directly contribute to operational excellence and sustainability goals. It also requires working in a multi-discipline team with multiple interfaces to internal customers, other engineering discipline Project Engineers and external suppliers and contractors to manage Capital Projects.
  • Develop and prioritize project execution plans to meet scope, schedule, and budget objectives
  • Coordination of work processes, interface with other departments, external contractors, and resources such as project team members
  • Estimate, review, and edit the effects of future projects in terms of business objectives
  • Conduct assessments of technical results and compliance with legal, internal guidelines, and regulations
  • Processing and implementing all legal, economic, safety, and environmental regulations, standards, and codes
  • Execution of pre-engineering concepts, studies, alternatives, and strategies
  • Evaluate process optimization, simulations, and risk assessments
  • Conduct overall engineering and project management tasks such as process and system planning; designs; specifications; calculation of cost estimates; expenditure planning; project appropriation requests; scheduling, permit or regulatory planning; safety, quality, and regulatory reviews; and subcontractor and construction management

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering. Master's degree or PE License, preferred.
  • 8+ years of combined professional experience in the field of project management, project engineering, plant/production engineering & maintenance
  • 2+ years of relevant engineering supervisory experience mentoring junior engineers.
  • Chemical industry / Oil & Gas experience in operations and/or maintenance environment a plus

Core Skills and Expertise Required:
  • Thorough understanding engineering principles, relevant codes, and construction practices to effectively manage projects and to apply efficient and innovative solutions to technical and organizational challenges
  • Thorough understanding of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) of highly hazardous chemicals; especially regarding process hazard analysis (PHA), management of change (MOC), process safety information (PSI), recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEP), and pre-startup safety review (PSSR) processes
  • Ability to develop and maintain process flow diagrams (PFD), process and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), energy and mass balances of chemical plants
  • Ability to create equipment datasheets and specifications for tanks, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, reactors, filters, etc. according to applicable ASME and API codes / standards
  • Ability to design piping systems according to ASME 31.3 including stress analysis, hydraulic calculations, use of 3D model, and creation of piping isometrics
  • Experience with -pressure relief device design according to API 520 and API 521
  • Ability to create a scope of work (SOW) package for engineering and construction services to be provided by an external vendor
  • Developing a cost estimate for a project including a detailed breakdown by each discipline for engineering design and construction services. Understanding different techniques used based on level of accuracy needed
  • Building and overseeing a schedule for each project stage gate (FEL 1-3 and Execution) with a critical path
  • Strong project engineering and project management skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to perform and succeed in an environment of schedule and cost pressure
  • Ability to work in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams, efficient coordination of different stakeholders
  • Strong multitasking capability
  • Leadership skills combined with team player attitude
  • Objective judgement and fact-based decision-making approach
  • Capable of professionally dealing with changing priorities and scope requirement

What do we offer?
WACKER strives to reward its employees in a fair and equitable manner. Our Total Rewards Package considers employee wellbeing and is comprised of compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance & recognition, and career development.
  • Compensation and Incentive plans
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
  • Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Wellbeing fund
  • Flexible hybrid work arrangements
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Career development and advancement opportunities
  • Support for Community Involvement

We are looking forward to your online application at www.wacker.com.
Reference Code: 30599
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. A minimum requirement for this US-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent unrestricted basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including any type of US permanent residency (e.g., for a green card).
Wacker is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively promote the equality of opportunity for all who are qualified and bring the requisite experience, talent, skill and potential, without regard to age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristics. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.