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Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Work with riggers and crane operators to position and install larger assemblies Welding & Joining ... Completion of apprenticeship, vocational program, or military MOS in sheet metal (e.g., Navy HT, DC ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA

$114K/yr

Work with riggers and crane operators to position and install larger assemblies Welding & Joining ... Completion of apprenticeship, vocational program, or military MOS in sheet metal (e.g., Navy HT, DC ...

Narish International LLC

Logistics

Pleasant Hill, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

... from operating machines Work with physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts ... or apprenticeship Ability to operate a pallet jack, fork lift, and crane Basic computer knowledge ...

YESCO

Installation Journeyman

Sacramento, CA

Your day may include reviewing project plans, operating cranes and lifts, welding components ... Direct helpers and apprentices during installation work * Load, transport, and unload sign ...

YESCO

Installation Journeyman

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Your day may include reviewing project plans, operating cranes and lifts, welding components ... Direct helpers and apprentices during installation work * Load, transport, and unload sign ...

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Apprentice Crane Operator information

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How much do apprentice crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice crane operator in California is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice crane operator?

An Apprentice Crane Operator is a trainee learning to operate cranes under the supervision of experienced operators. They assist with lifting and moving heavy materials on construction sites, docks, or industrial settings. Their duties include equipment inspections, following safety protocols, and understanding load limits. This role provides hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare for certification and full operator status.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an apprentice crane operator?

As an Apprentice Crane Operator, your daily responsibilities include assisting experienced crane operators, learning to inspect and maintain equipment, and helping set up cranes for various lifts. You'll participate in safety meetings, practice rigging techniques, and work closely with site supervisors and other crew members to ensure operations run smoothly. Over time, you’ll gradually take on more complex tasks, such as performing basic crane maneuvers under supervision and understanding site blueprints. This role offers hands-on learning and is an essential first step towards becoming a fully certified crane operator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice crane operator?

To thrive as an Apprentice Crane Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Training typically involves hands-on experience with various types of cranes, use of load charts, and pursuing OSHA or NCCCO certifications. Attention to detail, willingness to follow instructions, and strong teamwork are valuable soft skills for success. These qualifications and traits ensure safe, efficient crane operation and help prevent workplace accidents in construction or industrial settings.

How long is an apprentice crane operator apprenticeship?

An apprentice crane operator apprenticeship typically lasts between 1 to 3 years, during which trainees gain hands-on experience and complete classroom instruction. The duration can vary depending on the program, state requirements, and the individual's progress, often including a combination of on-the-job training and safety certifications.

How much does an apprentice crane operator make?

An apprentice crane operator typically earns between $15 and $20 per hour, with wages increasing as they gain experience and complete certifications. Entry-level apprentices often work under supervision and may receive additional benefits depending on the employer and location.

Is it worth becoming an apprentice crane operator?

Becoming an apprentice crane operator provides hands-on training and the opportunity to earn certifications such as the NCCCO, which can lead to higher-paying positions. The role involves operating heavy equipment in construction or industrial settings and typically requires physical fitness and safety knowledge; completing an apprenticeship can improve job prospects and skill development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in California?

For Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Crane Operator jobs?

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Apprentice Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Crane Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,402 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,712 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
Sheet Metal Fabricator
About the Role
As a Sheet Metal Fabricator, you'll fabricate, form, and install the sheet metal components that outfit maritime vessels: ventilation ductwork, structural foundations and brackets, bulkhead liners, furniture (bunks, lockers, cabinets), ladders, handrails, and wet-space linings. You'll work from the shop floor to the structure: laying out from drawings, cutting and forming on shears, brakes, and rolls, then fitting and installing into compartments. The work spans thin-gauge stainless and aluminum ductwork to heavier structural brackets and foundations.
What You'll Do
Fabrication
  • Lay out, mark, cut, and form sheet metal components from engineering drawings, sketches, and templates
  • Operate shears, press brakes, rolls, hand brakes, notchers, and nibblers to form parts to drawing tolerances
  • Cut material using plasma arc, laser, shears, and hand tools
  • Fabricate ventilation ductwork: transitions, elbows, tees, plenums, and damper assemblies
  • Fabricate structural components: foundations, brackets, equipment bases, stiffeners, and coamings
  • Build furniture and outfit items: bunks, lockers, cabinets, shelving, ladders, handrails, and enclosures
  • Drill, ream, countersink, and deburr holes for fasteners, rivets, and hardware
  • Operate semi-automated fabrication equipment (plasma tables, laser cutters, CNC press brakes) where available: load programs, set up material, verify first articles

Installation & Fit-Up
  • Fit and install fabricated components into maritime structures: ventilation systems, liners, foundations, furniture, and outfit items
  • Scribe, trim, and adjust parts to achieve proper fit against hull curvature, frames, and adjacent structure
  • Install using mechanical fasteners (rivets, screws, bolts), adhesives, and gaskets per procedure
  • Set up and align components using levels, squares, plumb bobs, and laser alignment tools
  • Work with riggers and crane operators to position and install larger assemblies

Welding & Joining
  • Perform sheet metal welding on stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and copper-nickel as required
  • Perform spot welding, resistance welding, and brazing where specified
  • Prep joints: clean, fit, tack, and maintain proper gap and alignment for weld quality
  • Maintain weld certifications as required by program and material

Quality & Documentation
  • Complete hardcopy and electronic documentation: fabrication travelers, inspection records, material traceability
  • Verify dimensions against drawings using tape measures, calipers, protractors, radius gauges, and templates
  • Maintain compliance with NAVSEA standards, military specifications, and workmanship requirements
  • Identify non-conformances and process through proper disposition channels
  • Prepare completed work for company, customer, and government inspections

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5+ years of sheet metal fabrication experience: industrial, shipbuilding, or manufacturing environments
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, sketches, and GD&T
  • Proficiency with layout and shop math - geometry, trigonometry, material allowances, bend calculations
  • Experience operating shears, press brakes, rolls, and standard sheet metal shop equipment
  • Experience with material cutting: plasma, shears, or hand methods
  • Ability to fit and install fabricated components to tight tolerances
  • Proficiency with precision measuring tools: tape measures, calipers, protractors, angle finders, templates
  • Willing to work any shift and overtime as production requires
  • U.S. Person status (ITAR requirement)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with CNC plasma tables, CNC laser cutters, or CNC press brakes (operation and/or programming)
  • GTAW (TIG) welding capability on stainless steel, aluminum, and/or copper-nickel
  • Military shipbuilding, submarine, or naval shipyard experience
  • Experience fabricating and installing ventilation ductwork to military standards
  • Familiarity with NAVSEA technical publications, MIL-STDs, and naval drawing standards
  • Completion of apprenticeship, vocational program, or military MOS in sheet metal (e.g., Navy HT, DC, or equivalent)
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or AS9100 / ISO 9001 environments
  • Experience with furniture and outfit fabrication: bunks, lockers, cabinets, enclosures

Physical Requirements
  • Lift up to 50 lbs regularly and 75 lbs occasionally
  • Stand, bend, kneel, crawl, and work overhead for extended periods
  • Work at heights (ladders, scaffolding) and in confined spaces
  • Work in shop and shipboard environments with exposure to noise, sharp edges, grinding dust, and variable temperatures
  • Maintain color vision adequate for material identification and weld inspection

US Salary Range
$86,000-$114,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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