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Apprentice Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Esposito's Electric, a well-established local electrical contractor serving New Jersey since 1984, is looking for a full-time Electrician Apprentice to join our team. We're looking for someone who is ...

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Apprentice Technician

Sussex, NJ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Nielsen Ford is seeking Apprentice Technicians to join our Sussex NJ team! BENEFITS: * During your apprenticeship, you are a full-time, paid employee who will complete a development program with the ...

Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style learning, observation, and hands-on training. We are looking for Apprentices to join our training ...

New

Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style learning, observation, and hands-on training. We are looking for Apprentices to join our training ...

New

Equipment Technician Apprentice

Paterson, NJ

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Technician Apprentice Currently, we are seeking a Technician Apprentice to support our Montville, New Jersey location. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation and ...

Technician Apprentice Currently, we are seeking a Technician Apprentice to support our Montville, New Jersey location. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation and ...

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Apprentice Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, NJ salary details

$12

$21

$37

How much do apprentice engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice engineer in Oak Ridge, NJ is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice engineer?

Apprentice Engineers are individuals who are undergoing practical training while working towards becoming fully qualified engineers. They typically combine on-the-job learning with classroom study, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced engineers. Apprentice Engineers can work in various engineering fields, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. This role helps them develop technical skills, industry knowledge, and professional competencies needed for a successful engineering career.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice engineer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, basic math and science skills, and a relevant high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with CAD software, engineering drawing tools, and sometimes basic programming or industry-specific certifications is often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, teamwork, and clear communication help apprentices stand out. These skills and qualities are vital for effective learning, adapting to technical challenges, and contributing to engineering projects.

What are some common challenges apprentice engineers face during their training period?

Apprentice Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced work environments, balancing hands-on tasks with theoretical learning, and becoming proficient with new technologies or industry-specific tools. Another common hurdle is mastering communication and teamwork, as apprentices frequently collaborate with experienced engineers and other departments. However, these challenges are also valuable learning opportunities that build technical expertise and professional confidence, preparing apprentices for more advanced roles within the organization.

What is the difference between Apprentice Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectApprentice EngineerJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a diploma or vocational training, on-the-job learningBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, entry-level tasks, supervisedOperational roles, project work, more independence
Employer & Industry UsageApprenticeships in manufacturing, construction, power plantsEngineering firms, manufacturing, infrastructure projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Apprentice Engineer and a Junior Engineer lies in experience and training. Apprentice Engineers are in the early stages of their careers, focusing on learning and skill development through on-the-job training. Junior Engineers typically have completed their formal education and are responsible for more independent tasks and project work. Both roles are essential in engineering industries, but the Apprentice Engineer role emphasizes training, while the Junior Engineer role involves more active participation in engineering projects.

What does an apprentice engineer do?

An apprentice engineer learns and assists with engineering tasks such as designing, testing, and maintaining equipment or systems under supervision. They gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and often work with tools, machinery, or software relevant to their field during their training period.

What cities near Oak Ridge, NJ are hiring for Apprentice Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, NJ with the most Apprentice Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 18% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,610 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Operating Engineer Apprentice

Newark, NJ • On-site

Rutgers University
Education Programs Administration • 1 - 10 employees

$22.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, turbines, motors, pumps, generators, compressors, blowers, valves, and other auxiliary equipment.

  • Monitor and optimize the Power Plant's efficiency, including making tests, taking readings, maintaining logs, and adding chemicals as required.

  • Inspect equipment and systems regularly, report conditions, and respond to Power Plant emergencies.


Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Operating Engineer Apprentice
Job Category
Staff & Executive - Facilities/Environmental/Maintenance
Department
Facilities Utilities UW
Overview
The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking an Operating Engineer Apprentice for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under the direction of the Manager of Engineering and the instruction of an Operating Engineer, the Operating Engineer Apprentice operates, maintains, and repairs the stationary steam boilers and auxiliary equipment in the Newark Power Plants including the Cogeneration Plant, Stanley Bergen building, New Ambulatory Care Center, and the International Center for Public Health.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
  • Operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, chillers, turbines, motors, pumps, generators, compressors, blowers, valves, and other auxiliary equipment.
  • Operates the Power Plant at maximum efficiency at all times, resulting in a minimum of energy
    consumption.
  • Periodically makes comprehensive tests, takes readings, and maintains logs of fuel consumption, water conditions, pressures, temperatures, steam flow, and other readings.
  • Adds chemicals to treat steam, water, and fuel in accordance with requirements as prescribed.
  • Responsible for compliance with all regulations.
  • Keeps work area clean and neat.
  • Makes continual inspections of equipment and systems in the area of responsibility and reports conditions to the Manager of Engineering.
  • Remains available for all Power Plant emergencies.
  • Completes all paperwork in a timely manner. Maintains the logs, records, and files of the Power Plants. Gives a detailed exchange of information to the relieving operator. Continually inspects equipment, uses knowledge of Plant layout, and learns alternate ways of maintaining continuous operation. Analyzes problems, both causes and effects, and takes corrective action as needed.
  • Understands and adheres to RBHS's compliance standards as they appear in RBHS's Corporate
    Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
  • Performs other related duties as required

FLSA
Nonexempt
Grade
150
Salary Details
Minimum Salary
22.900
Mid Range Salary
23.400
Maximum Salary
24.100
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Position Status
Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
40.00
Daily Work Shift
Rotating
Work Arrangement
Union Description
IUOE 68
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Must have satisfactorily completed at least 10th grade or possess certificate of equivalency.

Certifications/Licenses
  • Must possess a Black Seal High Pressure in-charge License.
  • Advancement: Must achieve license in accordance with the following schedule: Blue Seal - not more than 12 months after start of the program.
    After receipt of the Blue Seal, employee may choose employment as regular Operator (Operating Engineer III), if and when such a position is open.
    Failure to achieve a license within the set time as described above will result in dismissal.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position requires the individual to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, to reach with hands and arms, to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, to talk or hear and taste or smell over 2/3 of the time; to climb or balance up to 2/3 of the time and less than 1/3 of the time to sit. The position requires lifting more than 100 pounds under 1/3 of the time, but up to 25 pounds 2/3 of the time and up to 100 pounds 1/3 of the time.
There are no special vision requirements because all apply. Specific duties that require these physical demands: Standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, using hands to handle, feel and finger in order to isolate, open and close valves; to lift ladders, climb and balance on stationary and mobile ladders; to hear audible alarms and communicate via various media (telephone, walkie-talkie, radio, annunciator panels). The job requires moving a 55-gallon drum or picking up a ladder.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The position requires that the individual work in wet or humid conditions (non- weather), in high precarious places, and under extreme heat (non-weather) up to 2/3 of the time. The individual will work near moving mechanical parts, be subjected to fumes or airborne particles, deal with toxic or caustic chemicals, risk electrical shock, or vibrations over 2/3 of the time. Work is done under outdoor weather conditions or extreme cold (non-weather), less than 2/3 of the time. There is little or no risk of radiation. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment, which is provided, is under 1/3 of the time. Loud noise to very loud noise is typical of this environment over 2/3 of the time. An annual physical exam and hearing test are provided for this position.
Specific duties that occur under these environmental conditions: This position requires the individual to perform tasks under wet or humid conditions and in extreme heat when working on boilers or pumps in all areas where there may also be fumes or smoke. The worker encounters caustic or toxic chemicals when working on chemical treating equipment (water chemistry). Stack climbing requires balance and work in high, precarious places. Work on high or low voltage electrical systems presents electrical risks. Exposure to vibrations may occur when working on or around moving mechanical equipment. The worker is trained in the use of Personal Protective Equipment that is made available as needed; neoprene, insulated, waterproof, electrical and other types of gloves, neoprene aprons, full face masks and goggles for eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats, coveralls, etc.
Special Conditions
  • Safe Driving Record

Posting Details
Posting Number
26ST1664
Posting Open Date
08/26/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant Documents: With the submission of your application, please ensure that an updated resume is uploaded. Your resume must include the month and year for each position in your employment history, as well as indicate whether each role was full-time, part-time, or per-diem.
Regional Campus
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus
Newark (RBHS)
City
Newark
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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