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Apprentice Oil Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Graduate from an applicable certified apprentice program or company approved mechanical training ... Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short ...

Apprentice Oil Rig information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice oil rig in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I expect from the work environment and daily routine as an Apprentice Oil Rig worker?

As an Apprentice Oil Rig worker, you will typically work long shifts in a physically demanding outdoor environment, sometimes in remote offshore or land-based locations. The role often involves rotating schedules, such as two weeks on and two weeks off, and requires performing both routine maintenance and assisting experienced crew members with drilling operations. You will participate in regular safety briefings, operate and maintain various equipment, and be trained in emergency response procedures. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll be working closely with colleagues to ensure operational efficiency and safety. Over time, apprentices can gain valuable experience and certifications leading to higher-level positions such as Derrickhand or Driller.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Oil Rig position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Oil Rig worker, you need physical stamina, a basic understanding of mechanical systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand and power tools, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, with certifications like H2S safety or first aid/CPR often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this demanding environment. These qualities are critical to ensure safety, effective operations, and successful integration into a high-risk, team-oriented workplace.

What is an Apprentice Oil Rig job?

An Apprentice Oil Rig job is an entry-level position designed to train individuals in the essential skills needed to work on an oil rig. Apprentices assist experienced crew members with tasks such as equipment maintenance, drilling operations, and safety procedures. The role requires physical stamina, adherence to strict safety protocols, and a willingness to work in challenging offshore or onshore environments. Over time, apprentices gain hands-on experience and can advance to higher positions within the oil and gas industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in California? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in California? For Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Oil Rig jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Oil Rig job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Oil Rig job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technician

MP Materials Corp.

Mountain Pass, CA • On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining all industrial equipment at the mine and plant site. This includes installing/repairing mechanical piping, rotating equipment, fabricating and welding. The Mechanic must be able to demonstrate proficiency in pump rebuilding, equipment alignment, and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Work incident and injury free.
  • Repair rotating equipment, including pumps, agitators, crushers, mills, and turbines.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical equipment and piping systems and determine the root cause of equipment failures.
  • Operate cranes, boom trucks and man lifts.
  • Rebuild pumps back to manufacturing tolerances.
  • Climb ladders, work at heights and in confined spaces.
  • May work alone or with others.
  • Shift work.
  • Complete any other tasks as needed or as directed by management.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Five (5) years minimum industrial experience as a Journeyman Millwright or related role.
  • Extended experience in precision alignment with lasers and dial indicators.
  • Blueprint reading.
  • Rebuilding of various process pumps required.
  • Experience with process piping and hydraulic systems.
  • Alignment tracking of conveyor belts.
  • Proof of passing the NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanics Written and competence tests and/or provide proof of completing a certified 4-year apprentice millwright/plant mechanic program preferred.
  • HS/GED required.
  • Graduate from an applicable certified apprentice program or company approved mechanical training program.
  • NCCCO crane operation certified preferred.
  • Boiler operating certification preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License to drive company vehicles on and off property.

Desired Qualities:

  • Must understand the operating characteristics of each type of pump and pipe.
  • Must be able to fabricate piping systems of each classification of pipe.
  • Must be able to fabricate complex piping configuration using threaded CS pipe.
  • Must understand the standard process for alignment for common equipment, pumps, fans agitators along with tolerances.
  • Must be able to align a pump/motor using laser alignment devices and machine.
  • Must be able to align pump/motor assembly using dial indicators.
  • Must be able to properly tension belt drive systems.
  • Must be able to demonstrate the rigging basics including the use of hand signal and calculation of rigging size.
  • Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short rigging configuration pass and maintain riggings certification.
  • Must have basic knowledge of, and the ability to troubleshoot, maintenance issues of each major component of equipment (conveyors, elevators, dust collectors, fans and crushers.)
  • Must have basic knowledge of the characteristics of roller, ball and antifriction bearings.
  • Must know the proper installation technique for each of the types of bearings.
  • Must have knowledge of basic equipment lubrications theory and fundamentals.
  • Must be able to use ultrasonic lubrication for rotating equipment.
  • Must know the proper technique of sampling gearboxes and pressurized oil systems.
  • Must have a working knowledge of RCFA and the ability to troubleshoot electro/hydraulic/pneumatic system using the RCFA process.
  • Must know the proper use of mechanic hand tools.
  • Must follow all company policies and safety rules.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing – all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing – distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.