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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

Nuclear Engineer

Cloudcroft, NM · On-site

$86K - $103K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Las Vegas, NM · On-site

$89K - $107K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Capitan, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Bloomfield, NM · On-site

$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 ...

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Alamogordo, NM · On-site

$93K - $112K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Carrizozo, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Canoncito, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Columbus, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Mesquite, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Alamo, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Berino, NM · On-site

$84K - $101K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Algodones, NM · On-site

$96K - $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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$92K - $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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Chaparral, NM · On-site

$102K - $122K/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 ...

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Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 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:

FlexSteel - Installation Apprentice Technician

Cactus Wellhead, LLC

Hobbs, NM • On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

This is a FlexSteel position and is a full time travel job. No Rotational schedule. 

Home bases: Hobbs, NM and/or Pleasanton, TX

Associates degree is not required for this role, but preferred. 

Company truck provided 

Company housing provided 

Full time travel position - No rotational schedules, no per diem 

PTO 

**Must be at least 21 years of age to qualify for this role. **

SUMMARY

FlexSteel (www.flexsteelpipe.com) is an innovation-driven flexible pipe technology company. The Company comprises a hard-working and dedicated team united by a commitment to Safety, Quality, Human Development, Delivery, Innovation, Productivity, and excellence in all we do. The culture of FlexSteel can be described as energetic and passionate, which is felt daily throughout the Company. FlexSteel embodies teamwork with a focus on hiring top talent and developing employees.

  • The FlexSteel Field Services Technician is responsible for the execution of field service work associated with the installation and service of the FlexSteel products. The functional group also supports development of field processes, equipment, and logistical strategies to assure jobs are completed in a cost effective and efficient manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The individual in this position must use initiative and judgment arranging job details to achieve predetermined objectives. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Maintain concise and positive communication with Customers, both external and internal
  • Comply with all HSEQ regulations with a specific emphasis on proper use of PPE
  • Ensure all field activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner consistent with all company policies, procedures, and standard practices
  • Execute field services activities in a manner that assures a high level of Customer satisfaction
  • Perform other functions, activities, or duties as directed by supervisor
  • Apprentice Technician Functions and/or Competencies:
  • Active participation in both FLD-H-9927 – FlexSteel Operator Qualification Program and TRN-P-8207 – Competency Module Training Program with the objective of advancing to Installation Technician I.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

  • There are no direct supervisory responsibilities

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

  • Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience- Education not required. 
  • Minimum of 1 year manufacturing/construction experience with average experience of 3+ years is preferred
  • Licensure and/or experience in the operation of forklifts and other general construction equipment as necessary will be required
  • Ability to work effectively within a team environment including engineers, construction/project managers, general contractors, and construction helpers
  • Ability to speak effectively with groups of customers or employees in the organization
  • Results oriented self-driven individual with strong organizational and people skills
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to provide training to others at all levels in construction environment
  • Ability to maintain small equipment specifically hydraulics, generators etc
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The ability to travel on short and long-haul assignments by automobile/truck and/or airline for long periods of time is essential with this role.
  • Active participation in field installation activities away from home encompasses 90% of this job function.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, use hands to handle or feel product or materials and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to work in hot, cold, and direct sunlight conditions in all types of oilfield and construction environments
  • Moderate to loud noise consistent with that of oilfield and construction environments

Disclaimer: Flexsteel Pipeline Technologies, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may, and probably will be asked to perform other duties as required. Each employee, regardless of classification, is required to maintain a safe, orderly and clean workplace, using safety precautions and observing safety rules at all times.