Operating Engineer

The Metropolitan Airports Commission is seeking talented Operating Engineers to join our team. Located in Terminal 1 at the MSP International Airport, our Operating Engineers experience variety on the job while working in a dynamic environment. Alternating weekly between the role of field operator and control room operator, our team is hands‑on with building automation systems, high‑pressure boilers, steam turbines, chillers, air handlers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, and more!

With your MN First Class A or MN Chief A Engineer license, you can become part of our exceptional, efficient, team‑oriented crew of professional HVAC Operating Engineers!

Hourly Rates

Year | MN 1st Class A Engineer Licensure (Base Rate) | MN Chief Engineer A Licensure (Base Rate + Differential)

2026 | $53.349 | $54.849

2027 | $54.950 | $56.450

2028 | $56.873 | $58.373

Differentials (in addition to base pay)

• Control Room Operator $1.80 / hour. Increases to $2.00 / hour in 2027.
• Second Shift $1.25 / hour
• Third Shift $2.25 / hour
• MN Chief A License $1.50 / hour

This position is covered by the collective bargaining unit agreement between the MAC and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 70.

The MAC's Operating Engineers work with computerized building automation systems, high pressure boilers (steam and hydronic), steam turbines, chillers, pumps, fans, air handlers, and cooling towers. In addition, Operating Engineers may provide on‑the‑job training and work instruction to other Energy Management Center personnel.

The ideal candidate will have the required State of MN Boiler Operator License (or be eligible within 30 days of contingent offer). The 1A license includes three years of experience with high- and low-pressure steam and hot water boilers, seasonal boiler inspections and repair, experience working with chemical treatment systems, and experience and training in the operation and maintenance of steam turbines.

This position also requires interaction with airport tenants, the general public, and fellow co‑workers, so the ideal candidate will also be friendly and courteous and have a history of fostering positive working relationships through teamwork, collaboration, and communication.

The shifts, listed below, are bid on an annual basis by seniority. Second and third shifts receive differential pay (see "Differentials" above).

• First Shift 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Second Shift 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Third Shift 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.

While remaining on their assigned shift, the Operating Engineer will rotate between the roles of Field Operator and Control Room Operator. The Field Operator will work 7 days, then off 2 days, and upon return will be assigned as the Control Room Operator for a period of 8 days, then off for 4 days. The Control Room Operator receives differential pay (see "Differentials" above).

This is a safety‑sensitive position which will require a pre‑employment drug screen.

• Operate and maintain high and low pressure steam and hot water boilers
• Conduct routine inspections and perform preventative maintenance on boilers, safety equipment and other equipment
• Prepare boilers for inspections
• Change boilers to alternative fuels, oil & jet fuel from natural gas
• Control operation and adjustment of water softeners, feed water systems, fuel oil, jet fuel pumps, etc.
• Perform chemical analysis of boiler water, test and treat condensate return, and accurately prepare reports
• Observe related boiler equipment; make necessary adjustments and repairs
• Perform emergency repairs to boilers or related equipment as directed
• Order and receive deliveries of oil and jet fuel

• Operate high pressure steam turbines
• Conduct routine inspections and perform preventative and corrective maintenance on steam power turbines
• Start up, synchronize, and shut down, turbines; make adjustments and calibrations

• Operate chiller compressors (reciprocating and centrifugal), cooling towers, and related equipment
• Start up, shut down, inspect, and perform preventative maintenance on cooling tower…