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What does a lead operations engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A lead Operation Engineer is the person who supervises plant operations. They identify and resolves operation problems by studying the performance and function of a system. They monitor and evaluate workers under their department. They also practice the objectives of a project, including safety, the convenience of operation, efficiency, quality, and the cost and time of operations. Other duties include improving the quality of operations, designs and contributing to the system's changes and modification.

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Lead operations engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead operations engineer resumes:

  • Accomplish responsibility to configure, administer and support new infrastructure solutions on Microsoft platforms to meet enterprise level requirements.
  • Integrate JIRA in with SVN and dealing with its administration in change management process.
  • Create and apply standard and extend IP access lists to routers for security measures.
  • Install and configure test servers, workstations, networks, and storage for VMware development environments.
  • operate excavator for the clearing of the rite of way for the ruby pipe line project.
  • Lead in the testing, migration and implementation of the new EDI environment from NT to UNIX.
  • Voice over IP GPS systems, CCTV installation with card swipe access control systems for Cisco & Johnson.
  • Update existing database documentation and document new objects and procedures as needed.
  • Develop PowerShell solutions for automate operating system setup and configuration across systems.
  • Develop a Java base integration/performance test tool, allowing rapid retest of user requirements.
  • Participate in all aspects of the hardware/software configuration for VMware's products and supporting applications.
  • Expedite and simplify the quotation process for solar water heating systems by accurately representing solar water heating system performance through MATLAB models
  • Work ASAT workstation human engineering and rapid prototyping initiatives and techniques.
  • Install anchors, roof, hang doors, windows, skylights, and paint to customer instructions.
  • Perform commissioning/re-commissioning of HVAC/R site systems.

Lead operations engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Lead Operations Engineers are proficient in Preventative Maintenance, HVAC, and Plumbing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Lead Operations Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%

    Perform exterior and interior building inspections for condition and establish necessary work for preventative maintenance and ongoing upkeep with daily monitoring.

  • HVAC, 12%

    Maintained all HVAC equipment and lighting distribution per manufactures specifications.

  • Plumbing, 11%

    Supervised and executed basic general maintenance: mechanical, electrical, plumbing and painting

  • Mechanical Systems, 7%

    Directed the performance of maintenance and operational functions to ensure maximum life and reliability of all mechanical systems for assigned properties/facilities.

  • Electrical Systems, 6%

    Managed, worked hands on, and maintained the operation of building s mechanical and electrical systems.

  • Roofing, 5%

    Developed a roofing management program to maximize the roof life serviceability to optimize the strategic capital funding availability.

Most lead operations engineers use their skills in "preventative maintenance," "hvac," and "plumbing" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead operations engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a lead operations engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what lead operations engineers do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a lead operations engineer resume shows how lead operations engineers use analytical skills: "joined as an operations technician in a data center environment but promoted to lead operations engineer. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling lead operations engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a lead operations engineer resume, here's how lead operations engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "maintain and troubleshoot intelligrated cross belt auto sortation conveyor system that runs on a linear motor and profibus communication system. "

Problem-solving skills. lead operations engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to lead operations engineer responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." A lead operations engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "resolved or escalated incidents in a timely fashion in accordance with the defined sla. "

See the full list of lead operations engineer skills

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Compare different lead operations engineers

Lead operations engineer vs. Network technician

A network technician is responsible for system malfunction diagnosis and troubleshooting operations. Network technicians duties' include repairing damaged system components, analyzing computer systems and blueprints, installing network connections, and upgrading accessories for efficient operations. Other duties include assisting customers with technical issues, ensuring computer systems' privacy, creating documents of network issues and resolutions, and suggesting alternative equipment for network backups. A network technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and mechanical processes, plus the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.

The annual salary of network technicians is $36,043 lower than the average salary of lead operations engineers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both lead operations engineer and network technician positions are skilled in troubleshoot, linux, and sql.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead operations engineers and network technician. For instance, lead operations engineer responsibilities require skills such as "preventative maintenance," "hvac," "plumbing," and "mechanical systems." Whereas a network technician is skilled in "customer service," "routers," "lan wan," and "lan." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Network technicians earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $74,915. On the other hand, lead operations engineers are paid more in the real estate industry with an average salary of $108,070.The education levels that network technicians earn slightly differ from lead operations engineers. In particular, network technicians are 9.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a lead operations engineer. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead operations engineer vs. System technician

A system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.

On average, system technicians earn a $61,571 lower salary than lead operations engineers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both lead operations engineers and system technicians have skills such as "preventative maintenance," "hvac," and "electrical systems. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead operations engineer responsibilities requires skills like "plumbing," "mechanical systems," "roofing," and "emergency situations." But a system technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "hand tools," "control systems," and "security systems."

On average, system technicians earn a lower salary than lead operations engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, system technicians earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $58,665. Whereas lead operations engineers have higher pay in the real estate industry, with an average salary of $108,070.In general, system technicians achieve lower levels of education than lead operations engineers. They're 12.2% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead operations engineer vs. Systems administrator

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

An average systems administrator eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of lead operations engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to systems administrators earning a $27,825 lower average salary than lead operations engineers.By looking over several lead operations engineers and systems administrators resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "troubleshoot," and "linux." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead operations engineer is likely to be skilled in "preventative maintenance," "hvac," "plumbing," and "mechanical systems," while a typical systems administrator is skilled in "database," "powershell," "os," and "san."

Systems administrators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $86,962. On the other hand, lead operations engineers are paid the highest salary in the real estate industry, with average annual pay of $108,070.Most systems administrators achieve a lower degree level compared to lead operations engineers. For example, they're 6.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead operations engineer vs. Network administrator

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

Network administrators average a lower salary than the annual salary of lead operations engineers. The difference is about $33,624 per year.According to resumes from lead operations engineers and network administrators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "troubleshoot," "linux," and "technical support. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between lead operations engineers and network administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a lead operations engineer might have more use for skills like "preventative maintenance," "hvac," "plumbing," and "mechanical systems." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of network administrators require skills like "network hardware," "routers," "lan wan," and "lan. "

In general, network administrators earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $74,936. The highest-paying industry for a lead operations engineer is the real estate industry.In general, network administrators hold lower degree levels compared to lead operations engineers. Network administrators are 8.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of lead operations engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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