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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Last Energy

Senior CNC Machinist

Austin, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining advanced precision machining equipment ... Formal apprenticeship or Machinist Certification highly preferred * Technical Expertise: Deep ...

Last Energy

Senior CNC Machinist

Austin, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining advanced precision machining equipment ... Formal apprenticeship or Machinist Certification highly preferred * Technical Expertise: Deep ...

Last Energy

Senior CNC Machinist

Austin, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining advanced precision machining equipment ... Formal apprenticeship or Machinist Certification highly preferred * Technical Expertise: Deep ...

Raytheon

Manual Machinist

Austin, TX

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to ... A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience independently operating manual mills and lathes.

University of Texas at Austin

Stagehand, PTBE

Austin, TX · On-site

$20/hr

A completed apprenticeship would be advantageous. * Stagehands: Lift Operators (fork, scissor, boom ... Experience as a live performance engineer/programmer. * Rigging : SPRAT/IRATA certification and ...

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Apprentice Operating Engineer information

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How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Austin, TX is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.85 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 cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,403 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Senior CNC Machinist

Senior CNC Machinist

Last Energy

Austin, TX

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Last Energy is a pioneering US technology company deploying next-generation modular nuclear power plants. We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Senior CNC Machinist to serve as a technical expert within our R&D team. This role requires an experienced builder and doer to operate autonomously, taking ownership of complex part fabrication critical to our fleet-wide product. Your work will directly support high-throughput manufacturing and rapid deployment strategies, demanding speed, ingenuity, and accountability.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
  • Precision Machining Leadership: Lead design and execution on complex component fabrication by independently setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining advanced precision machining equipment, including multi-axis CNC mills and lathes, laser cutters, and high-precision welding equipment
  • CNC Programming & Optimization: Drive concept development into reality by developing, editing, and optimizing CNC programs (G-code or CAM software) to maximize efficiency, ensure repeatability, and maintain quality critical for nuclear-grade components
  • Quality Assurance & Inspection: Oversee the fabrication process by performing rigorous, high-precision quality control using advanced metrology tools (CMM, gauges) to verify parts meet specified engineering requirements and tight geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards
  • DFM Collaboration: Collaborate daily with engineers and leadership on the company's most urgent fabrication priorities, providing technical insights to streamline designs, improve manufacturability, and accelerate deployment timelines
  • Tooling & Fixtures: Design, develop, and implement advanced fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids to streamline assembly and test operations for maximum scalability
  • Shop Management: Operate autonomously by establishing and enforcing best practices for all shop operations, advanced tool management, preventive maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols
  • Equipment Expertise: Perform advanced troubleshooting and maintenance on all shop equipment, documenting repairs and coordinating external service when necessary to ensure maximum machine uptime
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Experience & Education: Minimum 8+ years of hands-on mechanical fabrication and precision machining experience, with at least 3 years at a lead or senior level in a high-growth, high-urgency environment. Formal apprenticeship or Machinist Certification highly preferred
  • Technical Expertise: Deep proficiency in CNC programming (G-code and CAM software), advanced shop mathematics, and complex blueprint reading (including GD&T)
  • Prototyping Skill: Proven ability to turn concepts into tested prototypes quickly, managing complex fabrication projects from concept to reality with minimal oversight
  • Communication: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, especially when interfacing with engineers and cross-functional teams on urgent technical challenges
  • Drive: A bias toward action, creative problem solving, and the drive to own complex fabrication problems end-to-end in a fast-paced environment
  • Advanced CAD/CAM proficiency is required
  • Experience advising on material science, machinability, and tool selection for specialized alloys is a plus
  • Knowledge of specialized welding (TIG/MIG) is a significant asset
  • Previous experience as a Machine Shop Supervisor or Lead CNC Machinist is preferred
Last Energy provides decarbonized, reliable, affordable nuclear energy at scale by innovating on the delivery model, not the reactor. By significantly reducing the time and cost of deployment, we are decarbonizing global energy production, increasing access to 24/7 baseload power, and creating a scalable clean energy future for humanity.
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