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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Great Lakes Stainless

LASER OPERATOR

Traverse City, MI

$20/hr

Work closely with supervisors, engineering, and production teams to meet customer and production ... What You Bring * 0-2 years of manufacturing experience or related training; apprenticeship may be ...

New

Great Lakes Stainless

LASER OPERATOR

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Work closely with supervisors, engineering, and production teams to meet customer and production ... What You Bring * 0-2 years of manufacturing experience or related training; apprenticeship may be ...

New

Great Lakes Stainless

LASER OPERATOR

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Work closely with supervisors, engineering, and production teams to meet customer and production ... What You Bring * 02 years of manufacturing experience or related training; apprenticeship may be ...

New

BoehringerPRD

Electrical: National Joint Apprenticeship Training - Journeyman Electrician License required ... Boiler Operations - 1st class boiler operator license with experience in operation of high-pressure ...

BoehringerPRD

Electrical: National Joint Apprenticeship Training - Journeyman Electrician License required ... Boiler Operations - 1st class boiler operator license with experience in operation of high-pressure ...

CBRE

RME Operator

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

... Engineering (RME) teams are expanding with a new opportunity: RME Operator (RMEO). The RME Operator ... Apprenticeship (MRA) program. As automation continues to grow across our sites, technical roles ...

CBRE

RME Operator

Romulus, MI · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) teams are expanding with a new opportunity: RME Operator ... Apprenticeship (MRA) program. As automation continues to grow across our sites, technical roles ...

CBRE

RME Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

... Engineering (RME) teams are expanding with a new opportunity: RME Operator (RMEO). The RME Operator ... Apprenticeship (MRA) program. As automation continues to grow across our sites, technical roles ...

Kelly Services

Entry Level CNC/EDM

Spring Lake, MI · On-site

$22/hr

Entry-Level EDM & CNC Programmer Direct Hire | $22+/hr | 1st Shift | Spring Lake, MI What's Next ... Operating multiple machines as skills develop * Supporting continuous improvement activities ...

JLL

Mobile HVAC/R Engineer

Ludington, MI · On-site

Strong focus on operating,maintaining,troubleshootingand repairingfacility equipment on all HVAC/R ... Two years of trades school or documented apprenticeship in electrical systems,refrigerationand HVAC ...

JLL

Mobile HVAC/R Engineer

Canton, MI · On-site

Strong focus on operating,maintaining,troubleshootingand repairingfacility equipment on all HVAC/R ... Two years of trades school or documented apprenticeship in electrical systems,refrigerationand HVAC ...

Kelly Services

Entry Level CNC/EDM

Spring Lake, MI

$22/hr

Entry-Level EDM & CNC Programmer Direct Hire | $22+/hr | 1st Shift | Spring Lake, MI What's Next ... Operating multiple machines as skills develop * Supporting continuous improvement activities ...

JLL

Mobile HVAC/R Engineer

Manistee, MI · On-site

Strong focus on operating,maintaining,troubleshootingand repairingfacility equipment on all HVAC/R ... Two years of trades school or documented apprenticeship in electrical systems,refrigerationand HVAC ...

JLL

Mobile HVAC/R Engineer

Canton, MI · On-site

Strong focus on operating,maintaining,troubleshootingand repairingfacility equipment on all HVAC/R ... Two years of trades school or documented apprenticeship in electrical systems,refrigerationand HVAC ...

JLL

Mobile HVAC/R Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Strong focus on operating,maintaining,troubleshootingand repairingfacility equipment on all HVAC/R ... Two years of trades school or documented apprenticeship in electrical systems,refrigerationand HVAC ...

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All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Michigan is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice operating engineer?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by apprentice operating engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

Can you become an apprentice operating engineer with an apprenticeship?

Yes, becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically involves enrolling in an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include passing a skills assessment or physical exam. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a journeyman operating engineer certification and better job opportunities in the field.

Is an apprentice operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an entrance exam, and completing a structured apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Competition can be moderate, and relevant skills such as mechanical aptitude and safety awareness are important for entry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,924 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

LASER OPERATOR

Traverse City, MI

Great Lakes Stainless
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Great Lakes Stainlessexternal

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Join our growing manufacturing team! We're looking for a dependable, hands-on team player to help keep our laser cutting and material flow operations running safely, efficiently, and accurately.

What You'll Do
  • Load and unload steel and raw materials for laser cutting and production.
  • Maintain accurate material and drop inventories.
  • Read blueprints, measure materials, and process job orders accurately.
  • Assist laser and brake press operators to keep production moving.
  • Shear material and prepare parts as needed.
  • Perform daily preventative maintenance and keep equipment and work areas clean.
  • Manage scrap materials and help maximize material utilization.
  • Track job time and production activity in our shop management system.
  • Work closely with supervisors, engineering, and production teams to meet customer and production goals.
What You Bring
  • 0-2 years of manufacturing experience or related training; apprenticeship may be available.
  • Ability to read blueprints and use a tape measure.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Experience with hand and power tools.
  • Strong attention to detail, reliability, and a positive team attitude.
  • Ability to lift 50-90 lbs. and regularly stand, walk, bend, and stoop.
  • Comfortable working in a busy manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise, and lighting.
  • Valid driver's license preferred.

If you're motivated, hands-on, and ready to be part of a team that gets things done, we want to hear from you!

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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