ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

gaylor

Project Engineer / New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Adhere to standard operating procedures and project cost, time, and quality standards. Minimum ... Completion of, or initiative to enroll in, an approved electrical apprenticeship program preferred.

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Carlsbad, NM

$83K - $99K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Bloomfield, NM

$85K - $102K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

$87K - $104K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Capitan, NM

$93K - $111K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Bayard, NM

$80K - $96K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Roswell, NM

$97K - $116K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Aztec, NM

$81K - $97K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Santa Fe, NM

$96K - $115K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Bernalillo, NM

$94K - $113K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Alamo, NM

$93K - $111K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Salem, NM

$78K - $94K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mora, NM

$90K - $108K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$95K - $114K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Corrales, NM

$91K - $110K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Columbus, NM

$80K - $95K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in New Mexico is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Apprentice Operating Engineers?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:
Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
GT1 Apprentice Plumber/Pipefitter/HVAC Mechanical Trades, Onsite

GT1 Apprentice Plumber/Pipefitter/HVAC Mechanical Trades, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

What Your Job Will Be Like
Join our dynamic Mechanical Trades team as a Plumber-Pipefitter/HVAC Apprentice, where you'll develop hands-on expertise maintaining and troubleshooting cutting-edge HVAC, refrigeration, and piping systems that keep critical facilities running smoothly and safely.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Operate, maintain, troubleshoot and perform corrective maintenance on facility type mechanical equipment.
  • Perform predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance on various types of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, piping and boiler systems.
  • Perform chemical water treatment duties, to include testing of closed and open loop water systems and operations of chemical injection systems.
  • Utilize Sandia building automation control system to perform monitoring, troubleshooting, logging and operator control of HVAC/R systems.
  • Safely use standard HVAC/R hand and power tools, gauge sets and equipment.
  • Use industry standard piping fittings and assembly techniques: compression, flared, threaded, brazed and soldered fittings.
  • Diagnose and correct electrical and controls related issues in HVAC/R systems in single and three-phase equipment and controls.
  • As a condition of employment, this position is represented by the Metal Trades Council (MTC). Represented employees must pay the monthly membership dues or agency fee.

Qualifications We Require
MUST CONTACT AND COORDINATE WITH LOCAL 412
Apprentice will perform work associated with the Mechanical Trades job classification below.
  • Building system operations; repair and maintenance of facilities mechanical equipment.
  • Perform operations, predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance on all types of refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, piping systems, boilers, backflow preventers, chemical treatment, testing of water systems and all associated equipment.
  • Detect and mark interior and exterior mechanical utilities, layout, fabricate, install, modify, overhaul, repair, maintain, control, operate and regulate, and dismantle mechanical piping systems and fire protection systems.
  • This work involves use of state-of-the-art pipe locating, pipe cleaning and pipe inspection equipment.
  • Mechanical Trades Job Description below.
  • Lay-out, install, modify, overhaul, troubleshoot, repair and maintain facilities mechanical equipment.
  • Work involves all types of operations, predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance on all types of refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, piping systems, process systems, boilers, backflow preventers, chemical treatment, testing of water systems and all associated equipment; boilers, and interior and exterior piping systems as well as all types of plumbing fixtures, interior and exterior high and low temperature piping systems, all types of piping systems such as water, steam, condensate, sanitary, storm sewer, and natural gas and propane; maintain and repair steam flow meters, gauges, regulators and controls.
  • Utilize a computerized database to maintain required records. Consult with other Tradespersons and provide direction to other employees as required.
  • Perform work using industry-standard safety practices and in accordance with Uniform Building Codes; demonstrate knowledge of arc, inert-gas arc, and gas welding and cutting.
  • Obtain and maintain back-flow preventer certification.
  • Provide chemical treatment and testing of water systems; planning and performing operations such as predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance of air conditioning equipment, blower equipment, rotary drive compressor systems, and multistage low and high temperature chambers.
  • Test and balance air systems, and align and balance equipment. Fabricate special braces, jigs, fixtures, and equipment as required.
  • Consult with engineers or requestors to clarify or establish specifications for building mechanical systems.
  • Perform work using industry-standard safety practices; demonstrate knowledge of control systems including pneumatic, electric, and electronic microprocessor.
  • Utilize a computerized database to maintain required records, and access, maintain, and operate the computerized Energy Management System.
  • May consult with other Tradespersons and provide direction to other employees as required. Obtain EPA Proper Refrigerant Handling certification.
  • Obtain and Maintain a DOE Q Clearance.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Universal refrigerant license.
  • Fire damper testing.
  • Experience maintaining, troubleshooting and working on water cooled chiller systems in excess of 200 tons.
  • Typical experience includes minimum of 5 - 8 years as a fully qualified Mechanical Tradesman and completion of a State approved mechanical apprenticeship program.
  • Experience/Knowledge of Safety Based Programs such as Engineered Safety, Behavior Based Safety, NFPA and or training in OSHA.
  • Experience with rotary drive compressor systems and multistage low and high temperature chambers.
  • On-call duty, as determined by management. This duty is shard with other employees.
  • Participation in Dynamic warm-ups, as determined by management.
  • 5 years experience with built-up air handling systems to include makeup, supply exhaust and return air systems.
  • Experience with heating water boiler systems that exceed 1,000,000 BTU/hr.
  • Experience with advanced Building Automated Control Systems.
  • Active Department of Energy L or Q clearance.
  • Outline of general scope of work--no attempt made to include all associated details or duties.

Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
Department 47443, Mechanical Services, operates and provides preventive and corrective maintenance for mechanical systems associated with buildings at Sandia-NM. This department also provides heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) control, via the Facility Control System, to select buildings at Sandia-NM and Sandia-CA.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Essential Functions
If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Position Information
This is a temporary position. Limited Term Employees (LTE) are hired for up to three (3) years to fill the Laboratories' temporary staffing needs.

Apply